‘Paranormal’ Creator Sweet on Paramount’s Release Strategy

24 Jan, 2012 By: Chris Tribbey

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Oren Peli, the producer and writer of all three “Paranormal Activity” films, isn’t sure what he likes better: that Paramount Home Entertainment released the franchise as one chronological, seamless marathon on digital before disc, or that when the Blu-ray Disc of Paranormal Activity 3 arrives Jan. 24, it’ll be the studio’s first with UltraViolet.

“I think it’s kinda cool, and I’m curious to see how it works out,” he said of the digital strategy. “It’s unique, and [UltraViolet] could be the new way people watch movies, and I’m happy this is the one they chose for the launch.”
Using the methods of the “found footage” genre, the films chronicle a family plagued by supernatural forces.
The third installment is a prequel, exploring the origins of the spirit haunting the family, with the evil linked to a little girl caught on VHS.

“Part of it is it’s a throwback to the ’80s, and really it could have been made in the ’80s, if they had thought of it,” Peli said. “It has a few nudges at Poltergeist. It’s rich in scares and horrific moments, especially with two little girls involved.”

The film pulled in more than $200 million worldwide at the box office and saw the largest theatrical debut for a horror film ever. To keep its popularity running on disc, Paramount includes original and unrated versions of the film, along with scenes that didn’t make it into theaters.

“Sometimes not everything fits, but just because it doesn’t make the final cut, that doesn’t mean it isn’t cool,” Peli said, noting that much of the footage in the teaser trailer never made it into the final cut of the film.

And while Paranormal Activity 4 is due in theaters in October, Peli wasn’t about to share what he has in store for audiences.

“With every one of these we learn more about the others,” Peli said. “It keeps our fans more involved in the mythology behind the series. We definitely have a lot of ways we can go from here.”

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