A new deluxe Blu-Ray edition of theParanormal Activityfranchise is due out fromParamountin early October and it encompasses all existingParanormal Activitymovies, including a new installment, bonus content, alternative endings, and a feature-length documentary.
The original film, produced by Blumhouse and distributed byParamount, was an instant success in 2007, using found footage style to tell the story of a couple who begin experiencing strange phenomena in their home and set out to record it. The first film was followed by six more that formtheParanormal Activityfranchise, detailing events following the first film and a prequel recorded in VHS.
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PerBloody Disgusting, the nine-discParanormal Activity: The Ultimate Chills Collectionis set to be released on October 11th and will contain not only the earlier films but an exclusive Blu-Ray ofParanormal Activity: Next of Kin, the latest installment in the franchise. It also contains a feature-length documentary titledUnknown Dimension: The Story of Paranormal Activity, which includes commentary from actors and creatives across the scope of several films, as well as a discussion of the franchise’s impact on the horror genre and landscape of the past two decades. According to the promotional material, the Blu-Ray is “Packed with chills and unexpected surprises, this must-have, limited-edition collection starts with the breakthrough original horror phenomenon that enticed audiences around the globe and continued with six uniquely spooky sequels.”
The films chronicle a single family and those around them tormented by a demonic and bizarre legacy. The first film thus far has grossed over $200 million at the box office and afterwards, despite the fact that it was produced for just over $200,000. While not as successful as the first, subsequent films in the franchise, which often attract the ire of both audiences and critics, have managed to keep budgets low and audience interest high.
While opinions on the quality of the first film and those that followed have been mixed amongst critics (and the head of Blumhouse, Jason Blum), the series is a fan favourite, usually attracting audiences who love the franchise. The films tend to be financial successes, in both theatres and on streaming platforms, despite relatively low production costs.Paranormal Activityis often included in discussions of the history and development of found-footage horror alongside movies likeThe Blair Witch Project,Rec, andCloverfield.
Each film in the franchise offers a unique version of the found-footage format, including webcam and VHS technology. What begins with the mysterious affliction of one woman expands into a family history of demonic activity through the next few films.Fans of theParanormal Activityfranchisewill no doubt make this new deluxe Blu-Ray release a success, particularly as they amp up toward Halloween.
Paranormal Activity: The Ultimate Chills Collectionwill be available on Blu-Ray on October 11th, 2022.
