Paranormal Activity Coming to DVD Sooner Than You Think
If you missed out on Paranormal Activity while it was in theaters (or you just hate watching movies at in places packed with people talking on cell phones, noisy children, and the like), you’ll be pleased to know that the film will be hitting DVD and Blu-ray just in time to ring in 2010.
Oren Peli’s indie juggernaut will be available for purchase on December 29th, according to Dread Central. Choices will include a standard DVD and a two disc Blu-ray. Both versions will feature the original theatrical version of the film, plus an unrated cut with a “shocking alternate ending not seen in theaters”. No word on which of the endings that might be, but the early assumption is that it will be the festival cut. The Blu-ray also comes with a digital copy.
Honestly, this is a pretty skimpy list of extras for a film that made over 100 million bucks and generated all kinds of buzz outside the horror community. With the short turnaround time between the theatrical showings the the home video release, it makes sense. However, don’t be surprised if there’s a bigger special edition release announced sometime next year.
Tags: Blu-Ray, DVD, Oren Peli, Paranormal Activity, release date
November 24th, 2009 at 8:00 am
I’m excited about this because i loved the movie and i think that the home viewing experience is the ideal place to watch camcorder horror. my question is this: are bonus features a selling point anymore? I can’t think of very many DVDs that have rewatchable bonus features, at least none that justify the hiked prices.
November 24th, 2009 at 8:08 am
That’s actually an interesting question.
I think they still are a selling point, although I’d doubt most people ever watch the extras on the “super mega-awesome limited edition collector version” of the movies they buy. I still do on occasion (although not like I used to–I used to watch commentary tracks regularly and sometimes more than once…), but I rarely find time these days.
I still think people want the stuff, even if they don’t watch it. I have no idea why that is, though–it’s probably some sort of subtle commentary on American consumerism and our insatiable lust for things we don’t need or really want. I’m calling George Romero now to share this with him so he can use it in his next film.
November 24th, 2009 at 8:53 am
I think commentaries are the only bonus feature i still watch. when done right (Spinal Tap, The Venture Brothers) they can be as entertaining as the regular movie. But they don’t warrant a second disc. Deleted Scenes are often deleted for good reason. Remember when “interactive menus” and “cast and crew biographies” were considered bonuses?
and have we reached the point already where Blu-Ray releases are getting 2-discs? wasn’t the point of Blu-Ray that it could hold a bajillion times more information/features?
though it’s not Romero, i’ve just decided that the Signal in “The Signal” was neglected bonus features seeking revenge.
November 24th, 2009 at 9:06 am
The 2nd Disc on most Blu-ray releases is usually just a digital copy of the film on a standard DVD. It’s kinda lame though, regardless of whether or not you’ll ever use the digital copy you’re still forced to buy it. The consumer gets screwed in the end because they have to shell out $30 instead of $20-$25 just because of a stupid digital copy they’ll probably never use. Plus most of the redeem codes for the digital copies run out within a year so even if you decide to use it later you can’t.
It would be nice if these companies just ditched the whole digital copy thing. I honestly can’t think of a single person I know who has ever used one. Not saying there aren’t people out there that do use them, but it’s not a big enough demand that they need to feel obligated to add a digital copy with every new release Blu-ray.
Sorry for the rant, but it’s just very irritating to me.
November 24th, 2009 at 10:09 am
I’m not sure how much “bonus” material could be included with PA. There’s not much in the way of special effects so there can’t be a very interesting story there. A lot of the script was improvisational so outside the commentary and a possible gag reel, nothing to see there.
The only thing I’m interested in seeing are the alternate endings and they’re included in this version so I think I’ll be satisfied with this release.
November 24th, 2009 at 10:52 am
Wow, that’s quick. DVD extras or not, I didn’t get the opportunity to see in theaters, so I’ll be over it when it hits DVD.