I watched original and U.S. versions back to back and I'd have to say, that U.S. is better in almost every way. That is in every way possible, for it being a shot-by-shot remake - much better video quality and much better acting (well, maybe except from the boy). I simply felt that performances of the villains in the original just wasn't creepy enough or failed in comparison to the remake and it was not nearly as intense and hard of a sit.
So, unnecessary? Yes, of course, shot-by-shot remake almost always will be just a waist of money, but then again, if one would want to watch "Funny Games" I would recommend U.S. version.
So, unnecessary? Yes, of course, shot-by-shot remake almost always will be just a waist of money, but then again, if one would want to watch "Funny Games" I would recommend U.S. version.