I saw Ringu before The Ring and I must say the hollywood version pales in comparison to the original one. Although the Japanese version is shot in a tighter budget, you'll see the mastery of Hideo Nakata in evoking atmospheric techniques to scare you... You'll also feel more vulnerable in the Japanese version because of the fact that the lead female character is more vulnerable than that in the American version (a fairly independent modern American woman). But if you're looking for tightness of scrpt (plotholes and all), the American version is more feasible because its more scientific unlike the Japanese version which draws upon imagination and a bit of fantasy... but if it comes to scaring technique... the Japanese are better... the use of sound effects, cinematography and minimalism is better than the American's tired use of special effects and extensive make up.

I'm going for Ringu myself when it comes out. I hate it when someone in Hollywood decides they can do a better job and 'remakes' a perfectly good foreign films.

But don't mind me. I'm feeling bitter tonight.