40:08 I disagree that it's a bad thing, though. The jarring, harsh nature of that cut is exactly what I love about the editing in that scene-- It felt like instead of being an outsider sitting on the edge of my seat, observing what was happening at a safe distance, I was transported immediately into that moment with dead silence, then suddenly those impossible, chilling whispers. I felt like my ears were straining and my heart was racing. Not to say I don't think it'd still be effective if it were blended more smoothly, but that rough handling really enhanced the viewing for me. It felt more like a deliberate choice and not a simple oversight. It really rang true with that feeling you may get from time to time, when it's quiet around and you're certain you're alone somewhere, but hear something unexpected, and the hairs start to stand on your arms and neck as your lizard brain reacts to the potential of an unseen threat, you know?
Some of the imagery of Kairo straight up mimics some shit that I've experienced with sleep paralysis, especially blurred out figures, but their eyes are crystal sharp. It really makes me wonder if someone on the creative team experienced the same issues with sleeping as well. I haven't seen Pulse since I was 15, and the only thing I remember was the red tape. xD I straight up forgot the american version until you guys started mentioning the red tape, and I instantly went, "Oh, THAT fuckin' movie."
Another golden review, guys! Please do more of these side-by-side comparisons. Perhaps you could also compare/contrast films inspired by other films...? I also watched the original _Pulse_ after C4 aired _Ring_ for the first time. I totally agree that the power of those films comes from (as well as excellent pacing, shooting and concept) not knowing what you've gotten into until it's too late. I wonder though if that's because we're not Japanese and so we're less familiar with Japanese tropes or stylistic choices. Do you guys think they would be as impactful for us if we were Japanese ourselves? (Incidentally I saw the original _Ring_ the night after it aired on C4 because I was looking absent-mindedly for something to watch and found my dad had recorded it from the TV, on VHS! I was terrified by _Ring_ & very disturbed by _Pulse_ and thinking about either film brings me out in goosebumps to this day)
For the longest time I thought Gary was saying "Christian Bale" instead of "Kristin Bell" and I was like where's Christian Bale? ha! Nice review as always. The American film does look the pits!
If you haven't seen it, there was a video on TH-cam, a little while ago, which was a mashup of scenes from Kristen Bell and Christian Bale's movies with the narrator saying their names over and over again until they sound like the exact same name. It's awesome, and that's what I was instantly reminded of when I saw your comment.
I didn't watch any of the movies and only read the book. I remember I was in a small New York hotel alone, 3am because of jet lag. I was a bit confusing with the storyline until everything was reviewed in the end, and it sort of freaked me out. Left the book in the hotel, knowing I'll never read it. But I wouldn't say it's a good book, which is why I left it. There's another book/film called Kuroi-ke (Black House). A thriller horror, which I think is a better one than Kairo.
I would LOVE to see your take on 2016's KOREAN ZOMBIE FILM: TRAIN TO BUSAN directed by Yeon Sang-ho. It has a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. I literally watched this film back to back. Highly recommend!!
I have this thought that the characters we see in the film aren't humans nor spirits. They're sort of stuck in this odd limbo in-between. That sorta explains why the surroundings are almost empty and the characters are in denial of the afterlife of being alone forever. What do you think?
Kairo was one of the first j horror films I watched, thanks to the late, great Rodger Swan. Thanks for reviewing this one! The remake looks truly awful.
Great comparison review, but in my opinion kind of nitpicking scenes from the remake that I thought weren't too bad. Regarding the Stone and ghost scene, in my opinion she looked every bit of creepy and scary. The airplane scene in the remake looks almost identical to the original, and then when your listing what the ghosts did in the remake compared to the original, I thought they did exactly the same thing.
That's why I was confused! I initially clicked this because I remembered seeing a movie called "Pulse" as a kid. And the only thing I remembered was ominous brown grass and a blender. And when I googled it 5 years ago the film/s reviewed here was the only result that came up. I still watched this review, though Edit* redundancy
Rather you like Japanese movies or not, THEY KNOW how to do fucking horror! THEY KNOW how to make your skin crawl, THEY KNOW how to make you NOT go to sleep at night! THEY KNOW how to make you turn around every minute looking to see if anyone is behind you! If you're gonna watch a "Japanese Horror Film," NEVER watch them at night! 0__o Great review you guys! I HIGHY recommend Kairo over Pulse!
I've seen the US remake a while ago. I liked it ok - it's nice, cheap entertainment. I have fond memories of watching it on dark and stormy summer days :)
Bloody hell was just about to go sleep been up all night 😂 this'll do me before sleep though. Keep em coming guys favourite movie reviewers on all of YT and I'm subbed to loads 👌 Nice new style for this one gents.
I genuinely thought this was gonna compare Pulse (1988) & Pulse (2006)… SO glad I was wrong! But I wouldn't mind seeing a review of the very weird 1988 Pulse 🙂👍🏻
You guys were talking about the red tape and how whoever wrote the remake didn't know it could be an color tape. The tape was red in the first movie to represent danger. So yes there was a point to it being red but they failed din seeing the point but so did you. If you ever rewatch the original movie pay attention to the red things.
Kristen Bell later stars in a movie that makes fun of her movie Pulse. It had Mila Kunis, Jason Segal, and Russell Brand in it. I can’t remember the name of it to save my life. 🤔🤔🤔
Or stop making poor to par remakes . . as a good take can make a good remake, such as a lot of top rated songs aren't always their orig version. I understand localization, taking something to make its appeal wider in a territory different than the orig that may not gain traction as an import (the hate of dubs and subs). Because there is a lot of currency flowing here, there appears to be a lot of remakes, volume. It can be annoying, but so is the hate when you can stop watching remakes... like let that star is born not have a sixth and seventh generation . . .
Most of the Japanese versions of these horror movies are lame with bad special effects and not much of a story the American version of horror movies at least try to explain in some way what going on so saying Japanese horror is better in this case is smug and bias
You say they explain things like that's a good thing. The Japanese versions are always superior because they value artistic qualities rather than cheap jump scares.
One thing I've noticed from Japanese horror is yeah you're right there's not much of a plot but for what they're going for you don't need one. We're all told that you NEED a plot to follow and Japanese storytelling has showed us that you really don't. Their way of storytelling is more reacting to events that happen around them. You're mostly just following characters in their day to day lives experiencing weird unnerving things and you, just like them, have no idea why. You make connections on things that could form an explanation but the film doesn't allow you that firm confirmation which adds to the creepiness. The empty and dark atmosphere in such well lit natural looking scenes make them feel real. Combining that with scary imagery makes for a great horror. It's the fear of the unknown and J-Horror out of any captures that perfectly. It may not be your cup of tea, but you can't say it isn't effective. You don't have to like it tho for sure but it is what it is.
I saw the remake as a kid and it scared the piss out of me because I was young and stupid. Now I realize the remake is a pile of americanized dogshit (and I'm american!)
The use of black shadows was really unnerving in Kairo given the shadows left behind from atom bombs. Ties it well to the fear in technology.
Never thought of that while watching but you’re spot on
40:08 I disagree that it's a bad thing, though. The jarring, harsh nature of that cut is exactly what I love about the editing in that scene-- It felt like instead of being an outsider sitting on the edge of my seat, observing what was happening at a safe distance, I was transported immediately into that moment with dead silence, then suddenly those impossible, chilling whispers. I felt like my ears were straining and my heart was racing. Not to say I don't think it'd still be effective if it were blended more smoothly, but that rough handling really enhanced the viewing for me. It felt more like a deliberate choice and not a simple oversight. It really rang true with that feeling you may get from time to time, when it's quiet around and you're certain you're alone somewhere, but hear something unexpected, and the hairs start to stand on your arms and neck as your lizard brain reacts to the potential of an unseen threat, you know?
Best channel on TH-cam, Simples.
I like the concept of comparing both at the same time, great as always guys 👊🏻
Some of the imagery of Kairo straight up mimics some shit that I've experienced with sleep paralysis, especially blurred out figures, but their eyes are crystal sharp. It really makes me wonder if someone on the creative team experienced the same issues with sleeping as well.
I haven't seen Pulse since I was 15, and the only thing I remember was the red tape. xD I straight up forgot the american version until you guys started mentioning the red tape, and I instantly went, "Oh, THAT fuckin' movie."
Huh...the intro made me think that there was something wrong with my audio....lol
Yeah that's how the whole movie is. It's a nice level of discomfort that definitely works in favor of the film imo
There should be a tee shirt for Off the Shelf Reviews that says, "Well, the story follows..."
And one that says, "And I'm Gary."
I think they should stop with the friggin' remakes too!
I like the American version. It feels like apacolyptic.
Oh man, that clip from pulse two is like a low budget made for tv holiday special wtf xD
I couldn't get into these movies.
Oh damn, I just came to this channel and I subscribed right away. Great video.
Only saw the remake and hated it. Looks like I need to check out the original.
So exciting when a new video is uploaded! I watch your channel all the time
Another golden review, guys! Please do more of these side-by-side comparisons. Perhaps you could also compare/contrast films inspired by other films...?
I also watched the original _Pulse_ after C4 aired _Ring_ for the first time. I totally agree that the power of those films comes from (as well as excellent pacing, shooting and concept) not knowing what you've gotten into until it's too late. I wonder though if that's because we're not Japanese and so we're less familiar with Japanese tropes or stylistic choices.
Do you guys think they would be as impactful for us if we were Japanese ourselves?
(Incidentally I saw the original _Ring_ the night after it aired on C4 because I was looking absent-mindedly for something to watch and found my dad had recorded it from the TV, on VHS! I was terrified by _Ring_ & very disturbed by _Pulse_ and thinking about either film brings me out in goosebumps to this day)
Also, Gary - you're looking well hench, dude! Have you been working out?
For the longest time I thought Gary was saying "Christian Bale" instead of "Kristin Bell" and I was like where's Christian Bale? ha! Nice review as always. The American film does look the pits!
If you haven't seen it, there was a video on TH-cam, a little while ago, which was a mashup of scenes from Kristen Bell and Christian Bale's movies with the narrator saying their names over and over again until they sound like the exact same name. It's awesome, and that's what I was instantly reminded of when I saw your comment.
Thanks! Will check it out for sure.
Just found it.. search for "Kristiane Baille".
Kristin Bellend
Noroi the Curse is also excellent, there is a scene at the end that is my favourite horror moment. Please review it dudes
I didn't watch any of the movies and only read the book. I remember I was in a small New York hotel alone, 3am because of jet lag. I was a bit confusing with the storyline until everything was reviewed in the end, and it sort of freaked me out. Left the book in the hotel, knowing I'll never read it. But I wouldn't say it's a good book, which is why I left it. There's another book/film called Kuroi-ke (Black House). A thriller horror, which I think is a better one than Kairo.
You both need to see Naroi: The Curse and Cure both are incredible.
I would LOVE to see your take on 2016's KOREAN ZOMBIE FILM: TRAIN TO BUSAN directed by Yeon Sang-ho. It has a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. I literally watched this film back to back. Highly recommend!!
I have this thought that the characters we see in the film aren't humans nor spirits. They're sort of stuck in this odd limbo in-between. That sorta explains why the surroundings are almost empty and the characters are in denial of the afterlife of being alone forever. What do you think?
Spanish horror movies that we remake suck too: see REC vs Quarantine.
5 seconds in and I'm already agreeing with Iain xD
The original Pulse is one of my favourites, excellent video!!
Kairo was one of the first j horror films I watched, thanks to the late, great Rodger Swan. Thanks for reviewing this one! The remake looks truly awful.
11:42 He was supposed to never forget
Two random thoughts before I even watch this review:
1) Hope you get to do the Robocop sequels.
2) Gary has such a beautiful smile.
The Japanese version of the grudge gave me nightmares literally
Great comparison review, but in my opinion kind of nitpicking scenes from the remake that I thought weren't too bad. Regarding the Stone and ghost scene, in my opinion she looked every bit of creepy and scary. The airplane scene in the remake looks almost identical to the original, and then when your listing what the ghosts did in the remake compared to the original, I thought they did exactly the same thing.
I'm watching this 2 days after McAfee (who Gary called McUffen, 10:40) was "suicided".
As far as American remakes of Asian cinema goes, I didn't mind this too much in comparison to some of the other remakes around at that time.
They should remake the 80s Pulse movie and have it take place in a smart house, heh.
That's why I was confused! I initially clicked this because I remembered seeing a movie called "Pulse" as a kid. And the only thing I remembered was ominous brown grass and a blender. And when I googled it 5 years ago the film/s reviewed here was the only result that came up. I still watched this review, though
Edit* redundancy
Rather you like Japanese movies or not, THEY KNOW how to do fucking horror! THEY KNOW how to make your skin crawl, THEY KNOW how to make you NOT go to sleep at night! THEY KNOW how to make you turn around every minute looking to see if anyone is behind you! If you're gonna watch a "Japanese Horror Film," NEVER watch them at night! 0__o Great review you guys!
I HIGHY recommend Kairo over Pulse!
The original Pulse is good so I don't know how you think it's boring. Hello, Kairo is like Ringu like you serious?
I've seen the US remake a while ago. I liked it ok - it's nice, cheap entertainment. I have fond memories of watching it on dark and stormy summer days :)
Rick Gonzalez is on Arrow now.
Bloody hell was just about to go sleep been up all night 😂 this'll do me before sleep though.
Keep em coming guys favourite movie reviewers on all of YT and I'm subbed to loads 👌
Nice new style for this one gents.
Please review Battle Royale and Battle Royale 2.
I genuinely thought this was gonna compare Pulse (1988) & Pulse (2006)… SO glad I was wrong! But I wouldn't mind seeing a review of the very weird 1988 Pulse 🙂👍🏻
Tale of Two Sisters is Korean but I digress... watch the Korean SHUTTER... also THE EYE is a good watch too (not the US remake)
Love Tale of Two Sisters. Very disturbing. Great style too. Underrated IMO.
Original SHUTTER is a Thai film.
Awkward.... Neither Shutter nor The Eye are Korean.... Mm
please review the 2 straight-to-DVD secuels!!!
Watch cure. Made by the same director
I keep hearing him say Christian Bale 😁
1:21 Your just describing twitter
One movie is a depressing arty study of loneliness, the other one is made to flog popcorn to airheads. Done.
You guys were talking about the red tape and how whoever wrote the remake didn't know it could be an color tape. The tape was red in the first movie to represent danger. So yes there was a point to it being red but they failed din seeing the point but so did you. If you ever rewatch the original movie pay attention to the red things.
personally i love the original , proper creepy film .
I hope you review "The Blackcoat's Daughter" very good movie that shows but doesn't tell like other horror movies.
I'm not a big horror guy so I've never seen this.
John carpenters the thing review.... Is when!???
Spanky32 th-cam.com/video/HH7Wjgkkq9I/w-d-xo.html
Watch Rob Ager's many videos on the thing. He does an excellent job.
Making remakes is in our blood. Lol
What's the use of comparing the remake with the original? The original is always better except for "The Thing."
..i didnt realize that crappy remake was wes craven that makes me sad..
You should review the 1988 movie 'Pulse' starring Joey Lawrence
Hrafninn Flýgur the raven flys review it. Regards Iceland. Good show.
Kristen Bell later stars in a movie that makes fun of her movie Pulse. It had Mila Kunis, Jason Segal, and Russell Brand in it. I can’t remember the name of it to save my life. 🤔🤔🤔
Ava Langrin The movie that you're referring to is Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
Im american an still hated the remake
these play better with crash bandicoot music in the background
Or stop making poor to par remakes . . as a good take can make a good remake, such as a lot of top rated songs aren't always their orig version. I understand localization, taking something to make its appeal wider in a territory different than the orig that may not gain traction as an import (the hate of dubs and subs). Because there is a lot of currency flowing here, there appears to be a lot of remakes, volume. It can be annoying, but so is the hate when you can stop watching remakes... like let that star is born not have a sixth and seventh generation . . .
Most of the Japanese versions of these horror movies are lame with bad special effects and not much of a story the American version of horror movies at least try to explain in some way what going on so saying Japanese horror is better in this case is smug and bias
You say they explain things like that's a good thing. The Japanese versions are always superior because they value artistic qualities rather than cheap jump scares.
One thing I've noticed from Japanese horror is yeah you're right there's not much of a plot but for what they're going for you don't need one. We're all told that you NEED a plot to follow and Japanese storytelling has showed us that you really don't. Their way of storytelling is more reacting to events that happen around them.
You're mostly just following characters in their day to day lives experiencing weird unnerving things and you, just like them, have no idea why. You make connections on things that could form an explanation but the film doesn't allow you that firm confirmation which adds to the creepiness. The empty and dark atmosphere in such well lit natural looking scenes make them feel real. Combining that with scary imagery makes for a great horror.
It's the fear of the unknown and J-Horror out of any captures that perfectly. It may not be your cup of tea, but you can't say it isn't effective. You don't have to like it tho for sure but it is what it is.
How to say you lack an imagination without saying you lack an imagination.
I saw the remake as a kid and it scared the piss out of me because I was young and stupid. Now I realize the remake is a pile of americanized dogshit (and I'm american!)
Don't fuck with chuck
american version was childish film