We all kinda knew a 4K release of The Exorcist was coming long before it was ever announced. Being one of Warner Brothersâ most iconic films, including it as part of the studioâs year-long 100th Anniversary celebration is a no-brainer.
Regardless of oneâs personal opinion of the movie itself - this writer happens to think it remains the greatest horror film ever made - The Exorcistâs cultural impact and ongoing influence is irrefutable. Not only is it still being liberally ripped-off today, the title still apparently has brand name marquee value, with the first film of a new trilogy being released this year (which we probably donât need, but Iâll refrain judgment until I actually see it).
So yeahâŠa 4K restoration and release was inevitable. And I gotta say, if a technical upgrade of The Exorcist is what you seek, this is definitely a must own. The overall image isnât perfect, but a significant improvement over any previous disc release (and thereâs been a ton of âem). Similarly, the new Dolby Atmos track sounds great, which is available for both the theatrical and extended directorâs cuts. The theatrical cut also includes an original mono version.
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Sometimes you gotta dance like no one's watching. |
But elsewhere, this is practically a bare bones release. Other than a commentary and introduction by the late William Friedkin (RIP), thereâs no supplemental material included on these discs, even though many previous releases were loaded with them. After all, not only is it Warnerâs 100th Anniversary, itâs The Exorcistâs 50th, and considering the filmâs production history & cultural impact are nearly as fascinating as the movie itself, one would think a few more extras could have been thrown in (if even just older ones). Oddly enough, itâs the digital copies that feature a bunch of bonus material.
So while The Exorcist should be part of anyoneâs collection, the 4K edition is strictly for physical media collectors interested in a technical upgradeâŠand theyâll still want to hang onto their old copies for the supplements.
EXTRA KIBBLES
THEATRICAL & DIRECTORâS CUTS - On separate 4K discs.
INTRODUCTION - By director Willaim Friedkin (theatrical cut).
AUDIO COMMENTARY - By director William Friedkin. With a âSpecial Sound Effectsâ option (both cuts).
DIGITAL COPY - For some reason, the digital copy is the only one featuring bonus features, all carried over from previous releases.
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