Wait until you can rent it.

Rating: 7/10 (31 August 1999)

I finally saw this film, after hearing much about it from my friends. Everyone I talked to loved the film, so I am afraid that my expectations were a little high.
If you've been told that the hand-held camera might cause motion sickness, believe it. I had a splitting headache by the end. If you tend to get motion sickness, you may wish to avoid this film.
The Blair Witch Project represents the maximum result with a minimum budget. Unlike many low-budget films, it stays within its means. The film could not have been improved by putting more money into it. The acting was likewise very good.
I'm not sure, however, that this was cut out to be a feature film. At 80 minutes it falls well short of full-length, but it felt more like 100 or 110 to me. The dialogue was repetitive, but little could be done to vary it. I would have enjoyed the film far more if it were 60 minutes. And maybe paired with another shorter film.
I would also recommend not viewing this in the theater. The picture is filmed completely on videotape and 16mm, so the wide screen gives you no advantage. Unlike most horror films, The Blair Witch Project uses no shocking visual effects to frighten the audience. I found it difficult to be frightened by pure suspense in a crowded theater. The imagination runs much more freely at home. I reserve final judgement on this one until I've seen it after midnight at a party with just a couple friends in a house in the middle of nowhere. . .