It’s the 50th anniversary of The Exorcist, and that ties in perfectly with the 100th anniversary of Warner Bros. Studio, who has had a year-long celebration that’s seen the release and upgrades of numerous classic films that the studio has produced. One of its most iconic films is without question, The Exorcist. Even if you’ve never seen it, there are moments and imagery within it that transcend Hollywood and are recognizable with just a glance.
First and foremost, there’s the shot of Father Merrin (Max von Sydow) arriving at the house where the possession is happening. He stands outside and looks toward the house, as the ominous light from within shines down upon him. Then there’s the spider walk scene, which remains an incredibly unsettling moment – and even more so now with the Dolby Atmos upgrade that boosts the pattering of Regan’s movements before the camera cuts to the disturbing image.
The 4K release comes with both the theatrical version of the film, as well as the Extended Director’s Cut (which was previously released as “The Version You’ve Never Seen” over two decades ago). Both received the 4K remastering treatment, so if you prefer one version over the other then you’re set on both fronts. If you’ve never seen the film and are curious about which version to watch, well, you can’t really go wrong with either, but the Extended Director’s Cut is what should arguably be viewed as the movie the way it was meant to be seen. Even the smaller additions to scenes simply bring the story together better, which is exactly what we hope for when given a director’s cut of a film.
This can be controversial to those who view the original theatrical film as superior, as there are certain changes made to the Director’s Cut, with some updated CGI (from back in its 2000 release), as well as a bit more of an upbeat ending. Some prefer the more somber ending to the theatrical cut, but while upbeat is the correct word, it also sounds too cheery to properly describe this new ending. It’s an added scene with an interaction between two characters who begin to form a friendship after the tragic events that have just taken place. So, while it’s not as solemn as the original, which fades to black before this interaction takes place, it’s also not like everyone high fives into a freeze frame to end things off.
What works so well with the story is the ageless theme of good versus evil. Whether or not you’re religious doesn’t really matter, as this film doesn’t push to make you a believer, nor does it try and shy away from the notion of the existence of God and the devil. There’s a scene early on when Regan (Linda Blair) and her mother, Chris (Ellen Burstyn) are in the basement and Chris notices a Ouija board and asks Regan if she’s been playing with it, to which Regan replies, “yes.” When Chris asks if they can both try it, Regan says that “Captain Howdy” – who is who Regan has been communicating with – doesn’t want Chris to use the board. This is where we learn how the demon has begun to take ahold of Regan, and while Chris is an atheist, the fact that there isn’t much rhyme or reason to why Regan was chosen to be possessed only adds to the creepiness of it all.
The 4K upgrade is gorgeous on almost all fronts. There are certain points where director William Friedkin’s work makes things a bit tougher on the process, but the majority of the film has never looked better. In fact, what’s so often great about 4K remastering is how easily it seems to bring older films into the modern day, at least from a visual standpoint. DVDs and Blu-rays were both great for their time, with Blu-rays continuing to hold strong; however, the work being done with 4K just takes things to a whole other level, giving such great detail at times that it feels as though it could’ve been filmed this same year.
The atmospheric tone of The Exorcist is one of the things that makes it so great. There’s a wonderful slow burn to the film, and Friedkin and writer William Peter Blatty have both crafted the horrifying tale in such a way that the characters are in the forefront, which often makes the scares that much less predictable, and that much more chilling. It’s a rare patience of sorts that often isn’t given to films in this genre, but when it is and done properly, the outcome tends to be much more engrossing, with memorable terrifying moments being seared into your memory, instead of simply being content with a fleeting jump scare.
There have been loads of films about possession and exorcisms in the five decades since The Exorcist was made, and yet, it’s still extremely clear that this film is the benchmark from which they all borrow. Coming off a strong 40th anniversary Blu-ray release, this 4K remastering takes it up a notch and presents the film in the best light possible for a new generation of viewers. Whether they find it as scary as others have in the past may be subjective, but there’s no denying the masterful craftsmanship behind it – and at the very least it will make them think twice about playing with a Ouija board they find in a random closet.
4K Blu-ray Video and Audio Review
As mentioned above, this is the cleanest (while still keeping that beautiful filmic feel) that The Exorcist has ever looked. Yes, neon vomit has never looked so vibrant! This is a wonderfully crafted film that deserves to shine in the light that this 4K remastering allows it to. The details in this 2160p transfer hold up surprisingly well for a movie made 50 years ago, with the make-up work looking great, and the effects often remaining as scary as intended, instead of cheesy, which can often be the case for older horror films – especially when brought under the 4K microscope. This one is recommended to fans even if you already own previous releases, and as the go-to purchase for those with 4K capabilities looking to add the movie to their collection for the first time.
On the audio side things are taken up another level, with a fantastic Dolby Atmos mix, which just rocks from all angles like a possessed bedframe. Yes, the audio mix here is top tier, and it’s incredibly creepy to be watching a scene in one room while hearing demonic noises coming from Regan’s room from a speaker behind your head. The score will blast through in eerie goodness, and the sound effects just take over the room when required. At the same time, the film isn’t afraid to get quiet, and all is done to perfection with this superb mix Warner Bros. has delivered.
Special Features
The special features side of things is where fans are given a bit less, at least when it comes to the physical discs themselves. With no Blu-ray disc given in this release, the legacy special features are left to the digital downloads that do come with it. So, for those looking for an all-in-one physical package, you’ll have to wait longer. If you’re okay with downloading the digital versions to get the special features then you’ll find over two-hours of legacy features there to enjoy!
These discs each have audio commentaries, with the Extended Director’s Cut receiving its own track from the film’s director.
Disc 1 – Extended Director’s Cut
Audio Commentary – If you’re going to listen to one William Friedkin commentary about The Exorcist then this is the one to listen to. His track for the theatrical release is much blander, while this one for the Extended Director’s Cut delves deeper into the reasoning certain cuts and choices were made, and a much better overview about the making of the film in general.
Disc 2 – Theatrical Cut
Introduction by Director William Friedkin – This is a two-minute introduction to the film by, well, the film’s director! Fairly self-explanatory and brief, albeit still nice to see.
Audio Commentary – This director’s commentary with Friedkin is nowhere near as engaging a commentary track as the one found on the Director’s Cut, but fans of the film that may not have listened to it yet may feel obligated to give it a go. I’d say that unless you’re a superfan who wants to hear everything that has to do with the movie then just stick with the Extended commentary.
Audio Commentary – The second commentary track is from writer William Peter Blatty, who delivers a track that’s much more interesting than Friedkin’s original. He has a lot to say about the themes of the film, as well as various aspects of religion and such, so prepare for a seminar of sorts when buckling in for this one.
Disclaimer: A review copy of this Blu-ray was sent to me to cover in honest and truthful fashion.
Warner Bros. Pictures Presents The Exorcist. Directed by: William Friedkin. Written by: William Peter Blatty. Starring: Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair, Jason Miller, Max von Sydow, Lee J. Cobb, Kitty Winn, William O’Malley. Running time: Extended Director’s Cut: 132 Minutes/Theatrical Cut: 122 Minutes. Rating: R. Released on 4K Blu-ray: Sept. 19, 2023.
About Brendan Campbell
