Plot: What’s it about?
The internet has changed the world for millions upon millions of people, and not always for the better. Some people lose fortunes, gain addictions, and lose hours, if not days of time while on-line, but never has this force been so tangible. Tokyo has been rocked in the wake of a new website, one which promises encounters with ghosts, beings from the other side. The site has attracted a lot of attention and not all positive, as once happy folks are now vanishing or taking their own lives. Even as people turn up dead and continue to vanish, more and more hits pour in for the website. Soon strange warnings emerge and for some, the secrets of the site become a kind of obsession. But what force drives this website and if it is indeed a link between the worlds of the living and the dead, what will this all lead to?
By now, most horror fans have screened numerous Asian horror movies, not to mention the American remakes of the more popular ones. As a diehard horror fan, I have been thrilled to see so many Asian horror titles, both well known and obscure, made available on these shores. But one of the best has been absent, until now, as Pulse (also known as Kairo) has only now been released in the United States. This is a shame, as Pulse is one of the best of the tidal wave of Asian horror, perhaps even a minor masterpiece. Pulse is about isolation, about being alone and of course, loneliness can be true horror in some situations. There is immense weight to this movie, as the sense of dread is thick and rarely lightens, even for a second. I would call Pulse a horror movie based in reality and even science, as this is deeper and more complex than most genre films. I simply cannot recommend Pulse enough, the film is excellent and deserves to be seen. Even if you’re burnt out on Asian horror, take a chance on Pulse, you won’t be sorry you did.
Video: How does it look?
Pulse is presented in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen. The film has a unique visual design, so don’t be surprised when the image isn’t what you’re used to. In some scenes, the darkness cloaks the visuals, to the point where you can’t see all that happens. This is intentional, as are the instances where the light is so intense it torches the screen. The range is broad and the visuals move between these two world, which makes perfect sense and this transfer upholds the intended visual scope.
Audio: How does it sound?
The original Japanese soundtrack is preserved, but sadly only in a stereo option, instead of the Dolby Digital 5.1 track found on import releases. I am not normally that insistent on soundtracks, but a lot of depth, presence, and atmosphere is lost in this downgraded option. The movie is still great and quite eerie, but the 5.1 track really pulled you in even deeper. The stereo option is solid, but can’t offer the same level of performance, so the experience suffers. This disc also includes English and Spanish subtitles.
Supplements: What are the extras?
The main attraction is a forty minute look behind the scenes, which provides both insightful interviews and exposure to technical elements of the production. You’ll watch as scenes are prepped and adjusted, as well as what happens when things don’t go as planned. A very solid piece and a most welcome one, as import versions of Pulse were devoid of supplements. This disc also includes the film’s theatrical trailer, but don’t watch it before you’ve seen the movie, it has several spoilers.
