Paranormal Activity: “Don’t see it alone”

Scene from the film "Paranormal Activity"

New documentary-style horror film “Paranormal Activity” is being released in only a few theaters across the United States, none of which are in Tampa. But don’t be discouraged – the movie is adding a new twist to advertising and letting people request the movie come to their hometown.

The film is being compared to “The Blair Witch Project” with its documentary, hand-held camera style filming and realistic characters. It is scripted but in a way that leads viewers to believe that the experiences happening to the characters are actual, and that the actors are too.

The movie follows a couple in their attempts to capture what they believe is ‘paranormal activity’ in their house.

But what’s most unique about this film is the way it’s being marketed to the public by showing movie-goers reactions to the on-screen terrors in the film’s trailers. A night camera facing a theaters seating shows couples clutching on to one another and boys and girls alike near hysterics.

This reverse view seems to be working. According to IMDB.com interest in the movie, with a tagline of “Don’t see it alone,” has gone up 1,208 percent this week. Reviews on the Web site confirm that the audience reactions in the films trailer are accurate to what’s been going on in the audience at pre-screenings, most of which sold out, according to the LA Times.

The closest theater to Tampa showing the film is on Universal Blvd. in Orlando, but if the trailer – which you can watch on the movie’s IMDB page – make you want to see the new horror film, “Demand it!” using the films Facebook application HERE.

– Emily Handy