DVD Title
Rasen
International Title
The Spiral
DVD Length Original Length
97 Minutes 97 Minutes
Company Year of Manufacture
Dreamworks 2005
Language Subtitles
Japanese English, French, Spanish
Region Number of Discs
1 1
Aspect Ratio Sound
1.85:1 (Anamorphic) 5.1 Surround
Extras
. Menus (English)
. Chapters (21)
Captures
Review

A tough release to gauge as, unlike the company's Ringu 2 disc, this DVD only retails in the Ringu Anthology of Terror. As part of the set, it's a bargain, but as a stand alone disc it doesn't fare quite so well. On the bright side, the video quality here is nearly top notch, while there are no complaints to be had in regards to the audio quality; however, like the other discs in the set, Rasen is a bare bones release with no supplemental material.


 Video:

Not perfect, but Dreamworks has done a good job with this aspect of the DVD. The colors on the video presentation are done well, with a nice distinction between all of the shades, although it still lacks the lush contrast seen in the company's Ringu release. In regards to the brightness level, it's handled well enough here. It does appear to be a shade too dark, but nothing to detract from any sequences in the movie. As for the quality of the print used in the transfer: simply stunning. There are no scratches to be seen through the course of the movie. As for the noise on the video track, grain present is extremely low. This aspect is also helped due to Dreamworks' excellent job in the transfer process, as there are no overt signs of compression, while edge enhancement is also kept to a minimal which can sometimes play havoc with natural film grain.

Rasen's original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 is preserved on this disc, and is Anamorphic for widescreen TVs.


 Audio: Star Rating

Like the other entries in the set, the audio presentation here is acceptable, with no real faults to be addressed in regards to it. For the Rasen release, there is only one audio track present, which is a 5.1 surround track in Japanese. The quality of the track is generally flawless, with no inconsistencies to be heard for the course of the movie. In regards to the speaker distinction, it's handled well when the film makes use of the added speakers.

The audio track is accompanied by, removable, English, French or Spanish subtitles.


 Extras:

Not a single extra to be found, not even the film's trailer or any shameless cross promotion for Dreamworks' other titles, as was seen on their Ringu release.


 Overview:

Bottom line, it's a nice companion of the relatively cheap Anthology set, but nothing remarkable. Granted, it would have been nice if there was some box art for the title, but since the set retails for the price of two DVDs, I suppose there isn't a great deal of room to complain.

This disc can only be purchased in the DVD box set: Ringu Anthology of Terror.

- Anthony Romero  
Buy the Box Set