On its release in Japan Ringu ( The Ring ) heralded a hugely popular new horror style. Successfully blending science fiction and the supernatural to chilling effect the film s story interweaves the urban myth of a cursed videotape with the threat of a virus and the mysterious death of a psychic girl. This in-depth companion to The Ring examines the phenomenon from the original novels through their adaptations in other media and the film prequels sequels and remakes including the American remake starring Naomi Watts to influences on and those influenced by The Ring. Placing the films in their cultural context and examining their cross-cultural appeal this is the definitive guide to The Ring in all its incarnations.