The Nightmare DVD [Blu-ray]

I've experienced these paralytic episodes throughout my life (b.1970) and like many of the people interviewed have read and studied the few "scientific" explanations that are out there on the subject, all of which are vague, thin, and deeply unsatisfying. The bottom line is this: there is no explanation currently available that will satisfy everyone. Is it a physical state? Spiritual? Mental? Another dimension? A sleep disorder? This movie does not answer the question, but offers various theories which all seem at least plausible. What sets this film apart from other documentaries (e.g., The NIghtmare, 2005 version) or books (e.g., The Terror that Comes in the Night) are the re-enactments. It assume it makes the film much more visceral and compelling for those who have not experienced what the "professionals" call "sleep paralysis." If you have experienced this phenomenon, it may be a trigger -- I don't know, I guess I'll find out. I sure hope not. Some may take comfort in this film by reaffirming the fact that this is a universal and ancient experience that has been documented across all divides of race, gender, religion, creed, and nationality. Like two of the people in the film, after my second episode, any atheistic inclinations were forever cast aside and I admit my bias in believing that science's simple "sleep disorder" or "stress" explanations are, if not completely bogus, severely lacking in explaining the universal feelings of terror and presence of darkness/evil/other. Two of the subjects of the film mention that it occurs with other family member. I'm most intrigued by the fact that this can be a generational occurrence. My great-grandmother, grandmother, mother, and myself have all experienced this paralysis -- a fact I didn't discover until AFTER it happened to me. I'd never even heard of anything like it before, until I went to my mother in tears after the first time it happened to me to ask her if I was losing my mind. While both men and women experience the paralysis, it's thought that the generational or familial form, it occurs more often in females. Another matter I find intriguing. Whatever is the cause of this paralytic state, I know it is absolutely horrifying and offer heart-felt prayers for, and positive and healing thoughts to, all who live with this condition. "When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet." Proverbs 3:24