Tonight, I saw both Ringu and The Ring. My frineds wanted to compare, and I was just there for the ride, having not seen either.
Ringu is far better, as far as explaining things goes. I like the psychic parent deal - the smooth, psychic experiences do a far better job at connecting the background pieces, than the disjointed moments of the American version. The steps taken are more logical (let's get a shovel and buckets to locate and empty the well, rather than just look in and end up getting shoved in by the TV), and while the effects aren't as impressive, that's ok. Acting is better on the whole, as well.
Plus, Yoichi is far more likable than the kid in the American version, who, while adding creepiness, just isn't that likable.
Overall, better than The Ring.
Ringu is far better, as far as explaining things goes. I like the psychic parent deal - the smooth, psychic experiences do a far better job at connecting the background pieces, than the disjointed moments of the American version. The steps taken are more logical (let's get a shovel and buckets to locate and empty the well, rather than just look in and end up getting shoved in by the TV), and while the effects aren't as impressive, that's ok. Acting is better on the whole, as well.
Plus, Yoichi is far more likable than the kid in the American version, who, while adding creepiness, just isn't that likable.
Overall, better than The Ring.