NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDITION: Arrow Blu-ray (November 2019): Arrow Video now releases The Ringu collection, a 3-disc Blu-ray set featuring 4 films from the popular J-horror series. Note that this is also available in the UK released earlier in 2019 (as the "Ring" collection as opposed to this US "Ringu Collection"). As Arrow states, this is a "brand new restoration from a 4K scan of the original camera negative of Ring, approved by director of photography Junichiro Hayashi". This 4k restoration of the first film in the (seemingly endless) ongoing series shows a meticulous amount of detail, strong and consistent fine grain, and very much needed deep, deep black levels (it is, of course, a horror film that thrives in the darker moments). Ringu is clearly the best looking of the bunch, with Ring 2 and Ring 0 (aka Ring 0: Birthday) showing a slightly weaker picture (in terms of detail, contrast, etc.). "Spiral" certainly looks the worst of the four films, with blurry combing effects, 'jaggies', and macro artifacts. Certain scenes seem over (or under) exposed and colors tend to show very blotchy areas, with little variety. This could very well be the intended look of the film (previous and subsequent films in the Ring universe showcase a contrast between the 'video [footage]' and the film moments) but much like Kino's recent release of "Thirst", it is distracting. It is not surprising that "Spiral" also features the weakest bitrate of the 4 films (with Ringu and Ring 0 having a maxed-out bitrate, Ring 2 and Spiral sharing a disc and showing only a modest and supportive bitrate).

Each film features the option of either a lossless Japanese DTS-HD master audio in 5.1 or linear PCM 2.0 soundtrack. All of these lossless and uncompressed tracks are in 24-bit sound. The 5.1 surround sound tracks feature an appropriately spooky and effective separation across the channels. Purists will also appreciate the inclusion of these uncompressed linear PCM 2.0 tracks. Ringu and it's sequel feature music from composer, Kenji Kawai (Ip Man, Avalon, Re:Born, Dark Water , Ghost in the Shell). Ring 0's score is thanks to Shin'ichirô Ogata (Scarecrow) and Spiral's compositions are from La Finca. All of these US released (also available in UK) Blu-ray discs feature films with optional English subtitles.

Disc one houses "Ringu" and a handful of special features, starting with a commentary from film historian and forensic technologist, David Kalat. Kalat is quite the scholar on all things J-horror, so much so that he even wrote the book on it "J-Horror: The Definitive Guide to The Ring, The Grudge and Beyond". His commentary shows not only a great enthusiasm for the genre, but a thoughtful and critical dissection of the various themes common throughout these pictures. 'The Ring Legacy' is a 27.5-minute piece with critics and filmmakers (Andrew Kasch, Rebekah McKendry, Ph.D., and Alyse Wax) reflecting on their memories of the Ring series and its continuing popularity. 'A Vicious Circle' is a new 21-minute video interview with author and critic Kat Ellinger discussing Hideo Nakata and the Ring series. As always, Ellinger helps to understand the wider context of the films while providing deeper insights. 'Circumnavigating Ring' is a new 25-minute video essay with author and critic Alexandra Heller-Nicholas exploring the evolution of the Ring series over the years. 'Sadako's Video' is the 50-second video featured throughout the series of films (typically in glimpses and fragments), and if your phone rings after viewing it.... Rounding out the first Blu-ray disc are some trailers and an image gallery.
 

Blu-ray two holds both "Ring 2" and "Spiral" yet still manages to cram in some extras as well. 'The Psychology of Fear' is a newly edited archival interview with Ring author Koji Suzuki, lasting around 25-minutes.
 

Blu-ray three holds "Ring: 0". The first bonus feature is a feature length audio commentary by film critic and author Alexandra Heller-Nicholas (the author is described as specializing in 'gender, genre, representations of sexual violence, cult and horror film, and women's filmmaking' on their own website. A handful of trailers for the film is also included on this second Blu-ray disc. 'Spooks, Sighs and Videotape' is a new 37.5-minute video essay from author and critic Jasper Sharp. This is a well-produced feature that gives viewers a greater understanding of the phenomenon that is 'J-horror'. A 21-minute behind-the-scenes featurette shows various instances of on-set filming and staging. 7-minutes of deleted scenes are shown, though none really stand-out as sorely missing from the film. Some trailers finish off the Blu-ray disc, as far as bonus features are concerned.

For purchasers of the first pressing there is a limited edition 60-page booklet featuring new writing from Violet Lucca, Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, Jasper Sharp, Kieran Fisher and Kat Ellinger.

Arrow's Blu-ray box-set of "The Ring" (or, "Ringu") films is somehow both exhaustive and yet incomplete. There have been many sequels, prequels, spin-offs, remakes, etc. of the Ring series, that I lose count trying to keep track of them all. That being said, the films included here are certainly considered canon and this is worth purchasing for the 4k restoration of "Ringu" alone. (Side note- "Ringu" is actually available as a stand-alone release (HERE) if some don't want to purchase the large boxset). While Spiral's look didn't appeal to me, none of the films are stinkers. Recommended for J-horror fans! 

Colin Zavitz