Yes, the original "Ringu" is good, but COME ON!

Rating: 9/10 (9 November 2002)

I'm ridiculously exhausted from people referring everyone else to see the original because it's "so much better" and "way scarier". I have seen both films, and I really gotta say that the bastardized American version of "The Ring" is a better all-around flick.
Not that "Ringu" is a bad movie, not at all. Despite a few changes, the basic story (even the pacing of the film) remain intact, almost identical altogether (see the opening scene with the two teenage girls in the beginning of both films). "Ringu" is still a good thrill ride.
I think the US version of "The Ring" fills in a couple holes that original left maybe a bit too open-ended. More of the story behind Samara/Sadako is revealed; instead of wishing for the little girl to remain dead, you feel sorry for her and understand her reasons for doing what she does. Not only this but I think a bigger budget really helped out in the US version. The exaggerated deaths, creepier video, and surreal Samara/Sadako add quite a bit to the film (I don't think inverting the colors on the screen are a convincing way to show someone dying...).
So see both movies, you'll like them both - but there's no way the US version takes away from "Ringu" - it's better.