THE EXORCIST
TAKEN FROM the William Peter Blatty novel, The Exorcist was based on true events. The story follows Regan (Linda Blair), a young girl who begins to display odd behavior. After exhausting medical options, Regan’s mother Chris (Ellen Burstyn), who suspects her daughter may be possessed, turns to the church and young Jesuit priest Father Karas (Jason Miller). After he tries several religious rites with no effect, Karas calls in a veteran priest, Father Merrin (Max von Sydow), to help with an exorcism. Over the course of the rite and the battle between good and evil, horrifying things happen to Regan and the priests alike.
The included 2000 Director’s Cut has an added eleven minutes that include a slightly different ending, updated CGI effects and added short passages of dialogue. It also reinstates Regan’s upside-down spider walk on the stairs, which was removed from the Theatrical Cut.
The Exorcist is known for its shocking practical special effects, a performance beyond her 14 years by Linda Blair, and the moody, shadowy visuals that create a mysterious, eerie atmosphere. The film is frightening, especially while watching alone in the dark. Upon its release it created a phenomenon, with reports of people fainting in theaters and lines around the block.
This 4K disc from Warner comes encoded in 1.85:1 HEVC 2160p and is one of the studio’s best-looking catalog releases. The graininess of the film is still clear but looks more refined, with a higher density. The image is crisper and resolves more fine detail. The HDR10 grading, which has a Maxell of 999 nits and MAXFALL of 155 nits (Theatrical)/153 nits (Extended), provides extended shadow details, obsidian black levels, and no issues with crush. Scenes with lights have bright whites, flames pop off the screen with more color vibrancy and specular highlights sparkle.
There is no noticeable difference in quality between the two cuts of the film.
We get a reference lossless Dolby
Atmos immersive mix that has wide dynamic range and excellent clarity in the ambience and atmospherics. It makes effective use of the overhead channels with some “voice of God” effects. Low end bass in the mix is not bombastic. Instead it is solid, well extended and used judiciously. It adds a visceral audio element to the viewing experience.
In addition to the Director’s Cut on a separate 4K disc, Warner Bros. includes two audio commentaries and an introduction by the late director Willaim Friedkin.
Redeeming the Movies Anywhere digital code will get you several bonus features from previous releases, including the excellent “The Fear of God: 25 Years of The
Exorcist” and Beyond Comprehension, an interview with Blatty.