Review of Exorcist, The

Introduction

Its been 25 years since William Friedkin’s seminal creep-show changed the face of horror movies forever. And, given what an unpleasant experience it was with a 90’s audience (The cine-lit pseudo-sophisticates bursting into uncomfortable spells of hilarity) we can now enjoy it within the discomfort of our own homes for the first time since it was banned after the Video Recordings Act. Fortunately, watching ‘The Exorcist’ on DVD is everything it should be, and more.

Video

Specially remastered for this edition and presented in its original 1.85:1 ratio (perfect for most windscreen televisions) ‘The Exorcist’ has, quite simply, never looked better. The sun-baked deserts of Iraq seem to glow with a musty, threatening heat, whereas the chilling desolation of a Georgetown Fall seems to radiate an unholy imbalance. Most importantly however, Friedkin’s distressing visual disunity comes across more powerful than ever before.

Audio

Moving from scenes of whispery silence to scenes of Hellish cacophony, ‘The Exorcist’ was always going to be a tough soundtrack to pin down. Well, as difficult as it may have been, its been done to perfection in this transfer. The Dolby Digital 5.1 shivers and shrieks, the haunting voices of the demon lingering in the mind long after you’ve pressed stop. Startling.

Features

Like the ‘LA Confidential’ disc, Warner’s have really pulled their finger out to deliver a top-flight DVD for a classic film. First of all, we get a whole host of trailers and TV Spots (watch the particular freaky ‘Flash Image’ if you want to be rattled for before viewing the genuine article) the TV Spots are interesting additions, giving us some insight into how Warner’s marketing department tried to sell such a complex and difficult film. We also get a trio of excellent interviews with writer William Peter Blatty and director Friedkin, the former somewhat bitter at the latter for editing some aspects of the film, including the original ending, which we get to see for the first time. There are a large collection of sketches and storyboards, not to mention two separate commentary tracks, one from the arrogant but immensely talented Friedkin who gives us some incredible insight into this dark and mysterious work. The secondary commentary is split into two halves, the first is an interview with William Peter Blatty and the second half is a fascinating series of audio tests from Mercedes McCambridge, who provided the malevolent voice of the demon. Best of all however is the brilliant ‘Fear Of God’ documentary, which charts almost everything you could ever want to know about the film, featuring rare interviews and deleted scenes, including the famed ‘Spider walk’ sequence, which has remained hidden until now. Strangely, this is an edited version of the original 72 minute documentary originally screened on the BBC, and presented by film critic Mark Kermode. All of the Kermode intrusion has been removed, as well as some other curious omissions, even more odd is the fact that the full ‘Fear of God’ documentary appears on the VHS version. Weird.

Conclusion

This is simply one of the best DVD’s available. The film, ambiguous as it is, speaks for itself and will leave you tormented, haunted and filled with thought and feeling long after the credits run. Blatty’s script is stunning work, turning what could have been a stupid, ultraviolent horror-show into the most unnerving, moving and intelligent spiritual horror film ever made. The performances put the film’s incredible technical excellence to shame: Ellen Burstyn is breathtaking as Reagan’s desperate and tormented mother, Max Von Sydow and Linda Blair are stunning if horribly difficult roles. Best of all however is Jason Miller whose crisis of faith mirrors our own spiritual ambivalence. Completely breathtaking and definitely the way to treat a masterpiece.