Synopsis

A journalist investigates a videotape rumored to kill anyone who watches it within seven days. After viewing the recording herself, Rachel Keller races to uncover its origin while trying to protect her young son. Her search leads from an urban legend to a disturbing family history, forcing her to confront a supernatural threat that follows rules she does not yet understand.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film is an American remake of the 1998 Japanese horror film Ringu, which was adapted from Koji Suzuki's novel.

• Production used locations across Washington state, including Seattle, Port Townsend, Whidbey Island, Bellingham, Monroe, and Stanwood. Oregon locations included Yaquina Head Lighthouse in Newport and parts of the Columbia River Gorge.

• The production had an estimated budget of $48 million and earned approximately $249.3 million worldwide, making the remake a major commercial success.

• Chris Cooper filmed two scenes intended to bookend the movie, but his material was removed from the final version.

• The marketing campaign initially presented the cursed videotape as if it were a real urban legend. Some theaters also placed copies of the tape on seats as promotional giveaways.

• The DVD release included the cursed videotape as a hidden Easter egg. Once selected, the feature temporarily disables normal remote-control functions until the recording finishes.