One Missed Call Blu-ray Review

THE MOVIE — 3.75/5

Plot Synopsis: Yumi (KOU SHIBASAKI) tries to assuage the fears of a friend, Yoko (ANNA NAGATA), who has received a disturbing voice mail from herself. In the message, Yoko screams while chatting with Yumi. Three days later, the exact call plays out, and Yoko dies. As the bodies of Yumi’s friends start piling up after they receive voice mails and videos of themselves, she discovers that a vengeful spirit is the source of the disturbing messages and murders — and all the messages are strangely connected to her.

Quick Hit Review: It seems like One Missed Call sprung out of the success of other vengeful little girl horror movies like Ringu (1998) and Ju-on: The Grudge (2002). Although One Missed Call is sort of a second rate version but still an enjoyable and suspense-filled movie with some creepy moments, much like the others in the J-horror genre. I think one of the more surprising elements was some genuine emotional moments and, from what I can discern, fine performances by the leads, most notably Kou Shibasaki.

Under the direction of legendary Japanese filmmaker Takeshi Miike doesn’t quite break new ground in the genre, but still nearly masterfully put together an all around well made supernatural-horror film where, not unlike Ringu, you do somewhat sympathize with the girl, although that’s nearly nullified as she does go after completely innocent people (something kind of rectified in the third movie).

SPECIAL FEATURES – 4.25/5

This is part of the One Missed Call Trilogy set which comes with a nice textured slip cover.

Audio Commentary — Tom Mes, Takeshi Miike biographer

The Making of One Missed Call (57:06) is a lengthy, behind-the-scenes, documentary on the production and with subtitled interviews with the filmmakers and cast. Pretty insightful footage as you get to see Miike’s process and interactions with the actors. Has more of a fly-on-the-wall style even with the interviews intercut with the BTS footage.

Cast & Crew Interviews (14:23) with Actress Kou Shibasaki, Actor Shinichi Tsutsumi, Actress Kazue Fukiishi and Director Takashi Miike. These are archival interviews from circa 2003/04, some of which probably cropped in the making-of doc.

Interview with Takashi Miike (20:15) — Another older interview with the director discussing his process of making a horror film.

Screenings (14:09) — Some footage from the premiere in 2003 with the cast walking down the red carpet and inside the theater.

Live or Die (11:56) is raw footage from the TV special in the film and is presented from two different camera angles. Pretty interesting to watch.

A Day with the Mizunuma Family (2:45) — Footage seen in the movie inside the Mizunumma children.

Alternate Ending (3:44) is a bit different, includes a scene with the television producer getting the call. Really unnecessary so glad they nixed it.

Last up is the Theatrical Trailer (1:21), Teaser Trailers (0:51) and TV Spots (2:15).

VIDEO – 4.0/5

AUDIO – 3.0/5

There is also a PCM Stereo track also available.

OVERALL – 4.0/5

One Missed Call might not be in the top-tier when it comes to the creepy vengeful girl subgenre within J-horror and is entertaining and fairly engaging even with some of the tropes and clichés seen before in Ju-on: The Grudge and Ringu prior.