Paranormal alt. ending

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Strike Back below!
by: Paul Tassi Oct. 28, 2009

So before I go any further, I must state the obvious that this is a SPOILER filled post, so if you haven't seen PARANORMAL ACTIVITY in theaters yet, go watch Moon Bloodgood’s TERMINATOR topless scene or something, and I’ll see you later.

Ready? OK.

So anyone who has seen the movie probably experienced a moment of pure terror when Micah was thrown through the door at the camera by his demon possessed girlfriend at the end of the film. At the very least, you watched everyone AROUND you experience that terror, that much you have to admit. But then once she appears to eat the camera and the movie abruptly ends, many people, after getting over the initial shock of that scene, said they weren’t a fan of that “typical” horror movie ending.

Well as it turns out, the film has an alternate ending, which I’ve posted below. I’m not actually going to discuss it here except to say that THANK GOD it was reworked into what we saw onscreen. This could have one of the biggest anti-climaxes ever, and not in a “creepy, open to interpretation way” that you found in BLAIR WITCH. No, frankly, this is just plain bad.

Rumor has it that Spielberg is the one who came up with the shock and awe ending of the theatrical version, and we should all thank him for that. Without that scene, in my opinion, PARANORMAL only would have been half of what it was.

The video has been removed at the request of Paramount Pictures

Source: JoBlo

Extra Tidbit: I find that most alternate endings you find on DVDs are actually a lot worse than the theatrical ones, which is why they weren’t used. Though I AM LEGEND comes to mind as one example where the exact opposite was true.

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Alex Rodie
2:16PM on 10/30/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
This is the one I saw with the film.
When I watched Paranormal Activity I saw it with this ending. I would have to say that I find this ending to be more satisfying than the typical Hollywood style ending of the theater cut.
When I watched Paranormal Activity I saw it with this ending. I would have to say that I find this ending to be more satisfying than the typical Hollywood style ending of the theater cut.
 
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greenscreenblog
2:06PM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
We all loved it until we watched it
And now the PA backlash begins: [link]
And now the PA backlash begins: [link]
 
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Darkution
12:27PM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Alternate, alternate ending
I also heard that there is another ending where Katie is standing at the door after Micah gets thrown at the camera and she slits her throat with that big ass knife, but sadly, I cannot find it. If anyone comes across it and can post it up or something it would be greatly appreciated.
I also heard that there is another ending where Katie is standing at the door after Micah gets thrown at the camera and she slits her throat with that big ass knife, but sadly, I cannot find it. If anyone comes across it and can post it up or something it would be greatly appreciated.
 
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jubei4000
10:07AM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
TERRIBLE
Movie was crap. no one I know who has seen it liked it, including myself. Don't waste your time. The I AM LEGEND alternate ending was so much better than the theatrical release.
Movie was crap. no one I know who has seen it liked it, including myself. Don't waste your time. The I AM LEGEND alternate ending was so much better than the theatrical release.
 
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LordSimen
5:11AM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
It's a passable ending for the piece but I much prefer the theatrical ending. This ending is not nearly as creepy, or scary. The theatrical ending on the other hand caused me to leave the theater heightened, making the impact of the film much greater.
It's a passable ending for the piece but I much prefer the theatrical ending. This ending is not nearly as creepy, or scary. The theatrical ending on the other hand caused me to leave the theater heightened, making the impact of the film much greater.
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Donnie_Darko
8:20AM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
The third rumored ending is similar to this one, where she goes downstairs and kills Micah. She then comes up with the knife and slits her own throat. I was fully expecting that first time I watched it.
The third rumored ending is similar to this one, where she goes downstairs and kills Micah. She then comes up with the knife and slits her own throat. I was fully expecting that first time I watched it.
 
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DaForce
1:08AM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Meh.
Army of Darkness had the best alternate ending. The CGI infected of I Am Legend just sucked anything the movie had going for it right out the window. They may as well have used sock puppets.
Army of Darkness had the best alternate ending. The CGI infected of I Am Legend just sucked anything the movie had going for it right out the window. They may as well have used sock puppets.
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Donnie_Darko
8:18AM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
AoD's "went too far in time" ending? Never been a fan of that one. I've always preferred the theatrical S-Mart ending myself.
AoD's "went too far in time" ending? Never been a fan of that one. I've always preferred the theatrical S-Mart ending myself.
 
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GroundlessNFree
12:22AM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
After seeing the Spielberg ending in theaters and hearing the description of this ending, I had defended the theatrical CGI ending. But actually seeing this, it's good as well. To me the combination would have been better. Basically this ending, but have her kill the cops.
After seeing the Spielberg ending in theaters and hearing the description of this ending, I had defended the theatrical CGI ending. But actually seeing this, it's good as well. To me the combination would have been better. Basically this ending, but have her kill the cops.
 
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Enf0rc3r
11:30PM on 10/28/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Paranormal Crap
The ONLY good part of this movie was the last scenes. I can't believe people are still paying to see it.
The ONLY good part of this movie was the last scenes. I can't believe people are still paying to see it.
 
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ajportman
10:58PM on 10/28/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
(duplicate)
(duplicate)
 
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ajportman
10:47PM on 10/28/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Possessed????
This movie would have been better if they were just haunted(tormented) by some demonic spirit. The whole "possession" thing really ruined the whole thing for me.
This movie would have been better if they were just haunted(tormented) by some demonic spirit. The whole "possession" thing really ruined the whole thing for me.
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Miguelito
1:22PM on 10/29/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Could not agree more.
Could not agree more.
 
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Donnie_Darko
7:29PM on 10/28/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I've only seen the "original" non theatrical ending (the one shown), and it was just a total letdown for a great flick. What really saddens me, is that the theatrical ending is SHOWN IN THE TRAILER! At least one of the trailers. I saw that bit and thought, "they just fucked the ending", and it seems I was right.

I'll check this out in the theater this week... maybe. If not, I'll ...
I've only seen the "original" non theatrical ending (the one shown), and it was just a total letdown for a great flick. What really saddens me, is that the theatrical ending is SHOWN IN THE TRAILER! At least one of the trailers. I saw that bit and thought, "they just fucked the ending", and it seems I was right.

I'll check this out in the theater this week... maybe. If not, I'll see it eventually. Oh, rumor has it, there is also another ending, and if that one's true, it would be the better of the 3.
 
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consween
7:02PM on 10/28/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
fittingly awful ending to a terrible fucking movie
fittingly awful ending to a terrible fucking movie
 
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Zeon636
6:42PM on 10/28/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
WHAT?
WOW. I guess there's no accounting for taste. The dumbass theatrical ending almost ruined the movie for me. After everything the movie had built up to, I thought it was kinda lame. Glad that the original ending is still out there.
WOW. I guess there's no accounting for taste. The dumbass theatrical ending almost ruined the movie for me. After everything the movie had built up to, I thought it was kinda lame. Glad that the original ending is still out there.
 
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-RC-
4:45PM on 10/28/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I AM LEGEND's alt. ending was SO much better than the theatrical one...
I AM LEGEND's alt. ending was SO much better than the theatrical one...
 
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ttop33
4:17PM on 10/28/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Cringe worthy ending, really silly. Glad they switched it but wish they'd just filmed something completely different.
Cringe worthy ending, really silly. Glad they switched it but wish they'd just filmed something completely different.
 
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justjoe
4:11PM on 10/28/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Huh???
I´ve only seen this ending and found it quite fitting. Scary, depressing and in vein with the whole "realitiy-vibe"! But there´s on with her changing and eating the camera (with bad CGI and all???)? Sorry but that sounds BAD to me!
I´ve only seen this ending and found it quite fitting. Scary, depressing and in vein with the whole "realitiy-vibe"! But there´s on with her changing and eating the camera (with bad CGI and all???)? Sorry but that sounds BAD to me!
 
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dellamorte dellamore
3:54PM on 10/28/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I enjoyed the theatrical ending but i would have preferred something a bit more ambiguous. It appears all 3 endings have a sense of finality and closure, an open ended, mysterious end would have truly been a shock. I discuss this in the PA thread, so i won't repeat it here.

I enjoyed the theatrical ending but i would have preferred something a bit more ambiguous. It appears all 3 endings have a sense of finality and closure, an open ended, mysterious end would have truly been a shock. I discuss this in the PA thread, so i won't repeat it here.

 
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CriticalBill6966
3:53PM on 10/28/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
BAD!!!
Both endings sucked. The whole movie in general sucked but the ending they went with made it a whole new level of suck.

I would've liked to seen her b/f fly into the room knocked out or killed (doesn't matter) her being drug down the hall out of view and have her screams slowly drown out. If it endend on a note like that I would've freaked myself out with my own imgaination jus...
Both endings sucked. The whole movie in general sucked but the ending they went with made it a whole new level of suck.

I would've liked to seen her b/f fly into the room knocked out or killed (doesn't matter) her being drug down the hall out of view and have her screams slowly drown out. If it endend on a note like that I would've freaked myself out with my own imgaination just like I did with Blair Witch.
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dellamorte dellamore
3:57PM on 10/28/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Hey, that sounds pretty damn good, but maybe it would have been seen as way too similar to REC and QT. I like the idea though.

I would go further though, she gets dragged into the room at the far end, and slam, the door closes. Then we hear footfalls approaching the bedroom, the camera/ computer gets jolted, then we can still hear but there is no more video, use your imagination wh...
Hey, that sounds pretty damn good, but maybe it would have been seen as way too similar to REC and QT. I like the idea though.

I would go further though, she gets dragged into the room at the far end, and slam, the door closes. Then we hear footfalls approaching the bedroom, the camera/ computer gets jolted, then we can still hear but there is no more video, use your imagination what those last few noises would be.
 
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HBK42581
3:01PM on 10/28/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
3 Endings
I like the theatrical ending better as well. There is also an added scene in the version that this ending is attached to in which they actually watch footage of the other girl being exorcised. I thought that added more to the creepy factor. The third ending that only one group of people saw ended with the girl coming upstairs with the knife and slitting her own throat in front of the camera.
I like the theatrical ending better as well. There is also an added scene in the version that this ending is attached to in which they actually watch footage of the other girl being exorcised. I thought that added more to the creepy factor. The third ending that only one group of people saw ended with the girl coming upstairs with the knife and slitting her own throat in front of the camera.
 
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JediteX
2:59PM on 10/28/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
The theatrical ending was much better than this.
The theatrical ending was much better than this.
 
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ANTI
2:29PM on 10/28/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
It seemed to drag on forever.
It seemed to drag on forever.
 
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The_DUDE_Abides
2:17PM on 10/28/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Damn...that camera had alot of film or memory.
Damn...that camera had alot of film or memory.
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Jakondelik
2:43PM on 10/28/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
The main character had the camera plugged into his computer with a fire wire cable so it could capture everything.
The main character had the camera plugged into his computer with a fire wire cable so it could capture everything.
 
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JimmyJamOn
1:57PM on 10/28/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
The ' Carrie ' Syndrome.....
The theatrical version was better than this, BUT....if you had left out the very last second or so when she turns into " somethng " and appears to eat the camera you would have had something VERY special. But Carrie started it all back in the day with the whole last second shock thing. If PA had ended with Micha's girlfriend just sniffing the body and then looking up and smiling, I would have r...
The theatrical version was better than this, BUT....if you had left out the very last second or so when she turns into " somethng " and appears to eat the camera you would have had something VERY special. But Carrie started it all back in the day with the whole last second shock thing. If PA had ended with Micha's girlfriend just sniffing the body and then looking up and smiling, I would have really enjoyed it better. I know, that would have been more " Blair Witch-esque " , but more realistic and subject to YOUR mind's own intepretation.
 
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creo1130
1:48PM on 10/28/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
this is the ending i saw with the movie. i actually really liked it because it gave me the same creepy feeling the rest of the movie did. the theatrical ending was good, but more in a "BOO!" jump out and scare you kinda way, it didnt really feel as in sync with the rest of the movie. BTW, if you look in the background of this one you can see the light in the back bedroom turn on and off by it...
this is the ending i saw with the movie. i actually really liked it because it gave me the same creepy feeling the rest of the movie did. the theatrical ending was good, but more in a "BOO!" jump out and scare you kinda way, it didnt really feel as in sync with the rest of the movie. BTW, if you look in the background of this one you can see the light in the back bedroom turn on and off by itself, and when then cops shoot her the door closes itself
 
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FireCaptain4
1:43PM on 10/28/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Notice the light turns on...
... just after the police enter the house and are checking the ground floor. The light flickers off just as the police head up the stairs. I'm guessing that's supposed to indicate that the demon has left her body and is now either residing in the house or searching for its next mortal.
... just after the police enter the house and are checking the ground floor. The light flickers off just as the police head up the stairs. I'm guessing that's supposed to indicate that the demon has left her body and is now either residing in the house or searching for its next mortal.
 
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Paul_Knoop
1:32PM on 10/28/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
There are 3 endings as confirmed by director Peli.

The one above has been on film the longest and was removed and then reshot courtesy of Mr Spielberg into the ending we can see in theatres today.

The third ending had the female lead slit her throat in full view but was never shown again after the test audience complained it was too much out of sync with the rest o...
There are 3 endings as confirmed by director Peli.

The one above has been on film the longest and was removed and then reshot courtesy of Mr Spielberg into the ending we can see in theatres today.

The third ending had the female lead slit her throat in full view but was never shown again after the test audience complained it was too much out of sync with the rest of the flick.
 
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cetotheizzo
1:10PM on 10/28/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
wow that ending sucked just as much as the rest of the movie did.
wow that ending sucked just as much as the rest of the movie did.
 
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IwishIwasBond
12:57PM on 10/28/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Oh I've only seen the version which has this ending, I dunno what the theatrical ending is, bugger I'll have to see it now...
Oh I've only seen the version which has this ending, I dunno what the theatrical ending is, bugger I'll have to see it now...
 
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Justinvsky1
12:50PM on 10/28/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
So what I'm gathering from this post is that this is the Directors original SHITTY SHITTY ending, and then SPIELBERG told him what to do to make it better and he used SPIELBERGS idea. I'm starting to hate this Paranormal guy more every day now. This film is so overrated.
So what I'm gathering from this post is that this is the Directors original SHITTY SHITTY ending, and then SPIELBERG told him what to do to make it better and he used SPIELBERGS idea. I'm starting to hate this Paranormal guy more every day now. This film is so overrated.
 
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JokerJonWaugh
12:42PM on 10/28/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I actually kind of like this ending. It's not better by any means, but it's still kind of cool. I've heard that there's ANOTHER ending out there as well...guess we'll have to wait for the dvd.
I actually kind of like this ending. It's not better by any means, but it's still kind of cool. I've heard that there's ANOTHER ending out there as well...guess we'll have to wait for the dvd.
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