- Two slightly different versions of the film were used for test screenings. One was R-rated, while the other was rated PG-13. The PG-13 cut, which had toned down some of the disturbing images, tested better with screeners.
- A sequel was greenlit on the Monday after the surprise success of the first weekend's box office of more than $39 million.
- Yuya Ozeki, Takako Fuji, and Takashi Matsuyama all appeared in Ju-on (2002), the Japanese film upon which this film was based, all reprising their roles as the doomed Saeki family.
- On their way to the graveyard, Karen and Doug pass three schoolgirls on the street - a reference to Izumi and her friends Chiharu and Miyuku from the original Ju-on (2002).
- According to the DVD Commentaries and Featurettes, the house in The Grudge (2004) was built completely on a sound stage. It was based almost entirely on the house in Ju-on (2002). It was built like a normal house, the 'house set' had two floors so that cuts did not have to be made when a character was walking upstairs. However, the attic was built separately from the house to allow for more room when filming.
- The spooky popping sounds that accompany the appearance of the female ghost were made with a hair comb.
- The open-mouth gasping sound of the ghosts is made by director Takashi Shimizu.
- The character of Toshio is almost always found with his cat. In real life, the boy who plays Toshio, Yuya Ozeki, was terrified of cats.
- Although the house was built entirely on a sound stage, the actors and cast still had to take off their shoes to enter, to be respectful.
- Before filming, the cast and crew went through a ceremony where they were blessed so nothing bad could happen to them for filming.
- According to the DVD commentary by the cast and crew, the first of appearance of the cat right when Karen picks up Kayako's journal was not in fact a real cat, but a fake cat held a crew member, racing it in front of the camera.
- When we see Kayako coming down the stairs towards the end, she is moving in a really strange way. Takako Fuji really moved that way; the effect is not a result of a trick shot or digital manipulation.
- Fungo Dining, the restaurant Doug works at, is an actual restaurant.
- Selma Blair was the first choice for the lead role, which went to Sarah Michelle Gellar.
>>> WARNING: Here Be Spoilers <<<
Trivia items below here contain information that may give away important plot points. You may not want to read any further if you've not already seen this title.
- SPOILER: There is a deleted scene after Toshio attacks Matthew, where Matthew becomes possessed by Takeo's ghost and kicks a visiting Susan out of the house. Takashi Shimizu cut it because it took focus off Kayako.
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