Blu-ray Review: “The Exorcist”

Posted by staticblog

on October 27, 2010M at 1:38 pm

Rating: 92

Some horror films lose their power to chill over time, a consequence of outdated effects or formerly scary ideas becoming quaint or commonplace. But after nearly four decades, William Friedkin’s “The Exorcist” is still nothing short of terrifying. Since its original run in 1973, audiences made do with increasingly washed-out prints and home video editions, although a 2000 restoration returned some of the vivid color of pea soup to the proceedings. But little will prepare longtime fans for this new Blu-ray version, which includes the original edit and Friedkin’s cut.

Styles of clothes and cars notwithstanding, this “Exorcist” looks like it could have been shot last year. The digital remaster means viewers can see every crack in the walls of the Iraqi ruins where Father Merrin (Max von Sydow) first encounters the ancient devil statue. Regan’s desiccated lips and self-inflicted wounds still shock, and the special effects hold up beautifully on the digital transfer — as Regan (Linda Blair) sends all her belongings flying across the bedroom and later levitates over her mattress, the effect is still just as seamless and horrific.

In addition to Friedkin’s fine director’s cut, which adds 10 minutes and slightly improves the film’s continuity, the Blu-ray offers great commentary tracks from Friedkin and the book’s author, William Peter Blatty, along with the feature-length documentary “Fear of God: The Making of ‘The Exorcist’” and a 40-page booklet. Comprehensive and generous as the extras might be, the star attraction is still the shockingly sharp restoration of the film itself. If anything, eliminating many of the signs of age makes “The Exorcist” even more immediately frightening — the distance of time can no longer protect you.
– Lang

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