Paranormal Activity 2

Another dreaded horror franchise is born with Paranormal Activity 2, released only a year after its predecessor. Whatever supposed power this documentary-style film had on the big screen fizzles out at home on Blu-ray. It will try your patience.

It just so happens that Kristi is the sister of Katie who we all remember as the subject of terror from the first Paranormal Activity. After their home is burglarized, Kristi and her husband must set up surveillance cameras in their home. What they don't know (at the onset) is that a demonic force is being captured on film as they sleep.

The writers do a decent job of bringing both Katie and Micah back from part one. If your idea of being scared is loud doors slamming, a baby escaping his crib or pots and pans crashing to the ground unexpectedly, Paranormal Activity 2 is for you.

The first film featured a single couple who videotaped the mysterious nighttime occurrences in their home. In part 2 (in many ways a prequel and a sequel all in one) a different couple is featured but writers have now added a teenage daughter, a toddler, and yes, a dog - that are now in peril. The addition of other characters diminishes the claustrophobic feeling of the original. This Blu-ray/DVD combo pack features the unrated director's cut, which has 8 more tedious minutes added to the already overlong theatrical version.

Paranormal Activity 2
Blu-ray
$29.99
www.paramount.com