"Shutter," a horror movie being released by 20th Century Fox this Friday, will feature as its premise spirit photography. As a promotion for the movie, Fox provided a series of modern photos that may or may not depict spirit or paranormal phenomena along with commentary by Dr. Barry E. Taff, an expert in the field who holds a doctorate in psychophysiology and has investigated some 4,000 cases of ghosts, hauntings and phenomena.

In spirit photography, deceased people mysteriously appear in photographs. At the time the pictures are taken, supposedly, there's no evidence of the spirit. Many famous photographs appear to show spirits who reside in locations, usually homes.

A few of the pictures are rather creepy and it appears that Dr. Taff approaches his analysis with an open mind. You can visit a fascinating collection of these actual photos along with Taff’s commentary by clicking here.

I had an opportunity to attend a preview screening of "Shutter." In the film, ghostly images appear in photos as a newlywed couple, played by Rachael Taylor and Joshua Jackson, visit Japan.

The film, which was directed by Masayuki Ochiai, was executive produced by the same team responsible for “The Grudge” and “The Ring.” “Shutter,” while featuring a different theme, is somewhat reminiscent of these films. It’s expertly photographed and involving, but relies on the same manipulative techniques: the edgy music when something may or may not happen, the sudden turns and more. Overall, I enjoyed the film, but found a key plot development to be entirely illogical.

Another observation that’s strictly for magicians. An important plot device in the film states that a Polaroid snapshot is proof of paranormal activity because there’s no way it can be doctored - there’s no negative.

Hmmm...magicians may think otherwise.

Please click here to visit our gallery of modern day spirit photos.

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Horror Movie to Showcase "Spirit Photography"
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Review: Ghost Vision
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