The Exorcist finally announced on blu-ray!

[Matt89]

From blu-ray.com:

Warner Home Video has announced The Exorcist (http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/The-Exorcist-Blu-ray/2250/) for release on October 5, in a two-disc Digibook edition, packaged with a personal letter written by director William Friedkin inside a 40-page booklet. Both the extended director's cut and the theatrical version of this 1973 horror masterpiece will be included, remastered from the original camera negative. Three new documentaries, produced by acclaimed documentarian Laurent Bouzereau, are also included exclusively in the Blu-ray edition.

Regarding the two versions, director William Friedkin says, "After my final cut of the original The Exorcist, I took out 12 more minutes before we actually released it in theatres. Years later, Bill Blatty asked if I'd consider reviewing some of that rejected footage (which he always felt should have remained) with an eye towards putting it into a new version. Bill gave me the best piece of material I've ever received and because of that and because the film had such a major reputation over some 25 years, I agreed to revisit all these scenes. When I saw them, I came to realize that Bill was, in fact, right. With technical advances, scenes that didn't work then could now be fixed with CGI and there were others that I thought strengthened the spiritual aspect of the film. Warner agreed and released a whole new theatrical print in 2000 which we called The Exorcist: The Version You've Never Seen. And I now agree with Blatty that this is the best and most complete version."

Said Jeff Baker, WHV Executive VP & General Manager, Theatrical Catalog, "Generally speaking, sourcing relevant and provocative film assets for older films (30 years and older), is difficult, and more often than not, proves to be unsuccessful. The never before seen behind the camera treasure trove of material that consumers will see in The Exorcist Blu-ray release is one of the great finds in modern day home entertainment history. Laurent Bouzereau, an acclaimed documentarian, has blended this archival rare footage with updated present day interviews to create a masterpiece that will be treasured and studied for decades to come."

Disc contents are as follows:

Disc 1: - Extended Director's Cut (2000) plus Special Features

Commentary by William Friedkin
Raising Hell: Filming the Exorcist – set footage produced and photographed by Owen Roizman, camera and makeup tests, and interviews with director William Friedkin, actress Linda Blair, author/screenwriter/producer William Peter Blatty and Owen Roizman (new; Blu-ray exclusive)
The Exorcist Locations: Georgetown Then and Now – Featuring a tour of the iconic locations where the film was shot (new; Blu-ray exclusive)
Faces of Evil: The Different Versions of The Exorcist – with director William Friedkin and author/screenwriter/producer William Peter Blatty discussing the different versions of the film and featuring outtakes from the film (new; Blu-ray exclusive)
Trailers, TV spots & radio spots from the film's 2000 release

Disc 2 - Theatrical Cut (1973) plus Special Features

Introduction by William Friedkin
Commentaries:

William Friedkin
William Peter Blatty with Special Sound Effects Tests


The Fear of God: 25 Years of The Exorcist [1998 BBC documentary]
Additional interviews with William Friedkin and William Peter Blatty:

The Original Cut
Stairway to Heaven
The Final Reckoning


Original ending
Sketches & storyboards
Trailers & TV spots from the 1973 version

I'm diggin' that cover art too. Good thing they stuck with the original.

~Matt

[Zombie Dude]

Wow, I hope this is region free. I have yet to buy the Exorcist in any form and this seem like the way to go. Plus I've never seen the theatrical version which a lot of people say they prefer to the new one.

[shithead]

Well, now I HAVE to get a Blu-Ray Player...

[Hellbilly]

One of my most anticipated Blu-ray releases of the year. This and the Alien movies.

[Matt89]

Wow, I hope this is region free. I have yet to buy the Exorcist in any form and this seem like the way to go. Plus I've never seen the theatrical version which a lot of people say they prefer to the new one.

You shouldn't have much to worry about. To date, I believe every single North American (and foreign I believe too) blu-ray release from Warner has been region-free. I think it primarily has to do with the fact that Warner owns the most titles out of any major studio, so it's very rare that a title owned by Warner in North America is owned by another company in foreign countries. Therefore, no reason or need to region-lock their titles.

~Matt

[Zombie Dude]

You shouldn't have much to worry about. To date, I believe every single North American (and foreign I believe too) blu-ray release from Warner has been region-free. I think it primarily has to do with the fact that Warner owns the most titles out of any major studio, so it's very rare that a title owned by Warner in North America is owned by another company in foreign countries. Therefore, no reason or need to region-lock their titles.

~Matt

That's good to know then. I should probably pick up Poltergeist while I'm at it.

[Ash28M]

I'm even more surprised that William Friedkin now prefers the version you never seen.

[X-human]

Not a word about his "pastel look" (http://www.horrordvds.com/vb3forum/showthread.php?t=38171) so we'll have to see. French Connection didn't really have any heads up warning though. I wouldn't pre-order this until I saw a review.

[MorallySound]

Glad both versions are included!

[buck135]

Not a word about his "pastel look" (http://www.horrordvds.com/vb3forum/showthread.php?t=38171) so we'll have to see. French Connection didn't really have any heads up warning though. I wouldn't pre-order this until I saw a review.

That's exactly what I was thinking as well. I don't know what I'm looking forward to more; this or a correct transfer of the French Connection.

[Nailwraps]

I'm diggin' the specs! The Excorcist (and Psycho) are going to be the best horror Blus of the Fall.

[Darryl Revok]

looks like a day one purchase to me

[blu]

Awesome that the theatrical version is being included. One thing I don't like about this is the digibook. I'll import the UK version which should be in a standard BD case. Call me anal but I like uniformity on my movie shelf.

Knowing Warner they won't include a lossless mono track either.

[Matt89]

Awesome that the theatrical version is being included. One thing I don't like about this is the digibook. I'll import the UK version which should be in a standard BD case. Call me anal but I like uniformity on my movie shelf.

Knowing Warner they won't include a lossless mono track either.

There seriously isn't much benefit from lossless mono. Criterion always uses original audio on their blu-rays (and most often it's lossless mono) and I dunno...lossless mono does nothing for me.

~Matt

[spawningblue]

Not a word about his "pastel look" (http://www.horrordvds.com/vb3forum/showthread.php?t=38171) so we'll have to see. French Connection didn't really have any heads up warning though. I wouldn't pre-order this until I saw a review.

That's exactly what I was thinking as well. I don't know what I'm looking forward to more; this or a correct transfer of the French Connection.

Yep. I'm pumped for this release, but I'm not selling my DVD until reviews are out stating that Friedkin didn't screw with the transfer.

[Harry Warden]

I cannot wait. This is a must buy. Both versions to boot!! Woohoo!!!! :banana:

[satans-sadists]

I like the packaging and both versions included. Anxious to read those reviews when they come out.

[Katatonia]

Not a word about his "pastel look" (http://www.horrordvds.com/vb3forum/showthread.php?t=38171) so we'll have to see. French Connection didn't really have any heads up warning though. I wouldn't pre-order this until I saw a review.

Yeah, same here. I'm going to wait for some reviews just to be sure Friedkin didn't go Lucas here...which I really wouldn't doubt at all.

[Zombie Dude]

Not a word about his "pastel look" (http://www.horrordvds.com/vb3forum/showthread.php?t=38171) so we'll have to see. French Connection didn't really have any heads up warning though. I wouldn't pre-order this until I saw a review.

Actually I do remember reading about this before. Hopefully this release doesn't muck around with that.

[Myron Breck]

Well, now I HAVE to get a Blu-Ray Player...

That was my first thought as well.....god help me. I really can't afford this!

[shape22]

Not a word about his "pastel look" (http://www.horrordvds.com/vb3forum/showthread.php?t=38171) so we'll have to see. French Connection didn't really have any heads up warning though. I wouldn't pre-order this until I saw a review.

Yep. This announcement reminds me of the scene in Pulp Fiction where Keitel chastises Travolta and Jackson.

All evidence points to Friedkin being completely insane. So "Let's not start sucking each other's dicks just yet."

[dave13]

I'm even more surprised that William Friedkin now prefers the version you never seen.

yeah, thats a real shocker. i've got no use for the version you've never seen before. and i had a lot of respect for friedkin for cutting the picture the way he did.

the original anniversary edition dvd is pretty amazing. I'd be surprised if any of these new featurettes can add anything substantial to whats already there. I'll wait and see what the transfer looks like. A good transfer will make this a must buy though...

[Grim]

Glad that both versions are being included. I'll wait for a review, though, to see how the transfer fared. I'm not exactly opposed to this "pastel" technique, but from what I read about the French Connection release, the way it was done was just horrible and there was horrible amounts of color bleeding and other issues. If this one doesn't have those issues, then color me curious.

[Erick H.]

If he hasn't gone pastel on it I'll get it.

[Nailwraps]

http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news/topnews.php?id=16270

"One of the great movie-going experiences of my life to date has been seeing William Friedkin's The Exorcist on the big screen, with a packed and lively crowd. Regardless of the cut - this was in 2000 with the added footage - it was incredible.

Warner Bros. is re-releasing the director's cut in theaters on September 30 for one night only. This is timed, of course, to promote the hell out of Warner's anticipated Exorcist Blu-Ray which hits on October 5."

[Shlockjock81]

http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news/topnews.php?id=16270

"One of the great movie-going experiences of my life to date has been seeing William Friedkin's The Exorcist on the big screen, with a packed and lively crowd. Regardless of the cut - this was in 2000 with the added footage - it was incredible.

Warner Bros. is re-releasing the director's cut in theaters on September 30 for one night only. This is timed, of course, to promote the hell out of Warner's anticipated Exorcist Blu-Ray which hits on October 5."

One night only? That seems a little pointless. I'm sure there's many people who would love to see it again in theaters, but may not be able to on that specific night. They should run it for at least a week.

[Marv]

Don't forget guys its out on tuesday.

[fceurich39]

yep havent seen any reviews yet but i heard rumors on a few websites saying there will be a shortage of copies for some duplication reason

but my bestbuy got six copies in for tuesday

[rhett]

Yeah, Warner's been sending me a bunch of horror stuff lately but curiously not The Exorcist...

[knewby]

My local Best Buy put copies out early on Sunday. I snagged on Sunday and had the price adjusted for the sale price....$24.99!

[Stige]

was thinking of buying the canadian buray from playusa

anyone know if it will be different from the american version 2 disc book etc?

[Matt89]

was thinking of buying the canadian buray from playusa

anyone know if it will be different from the american version 2 disc book etc?

The Warner Digi-Books are exactly the same in both the US/Canada.

~Matt

[shape22]

yep havent seen any reviews yet but i heard rumors on a few websites saying there will be a shortage of copies for some duplication reason

My Amazon pre-order is shipping out today. So if you ordered from Amazon you shouldn't have anything to worry about.

I hope Friedkin didn't go all Friedkin on these transfers. The complete absence of reviews is scaring me.

[Katatonia]

My Amazon pre-order is shipping out today. So if you ordered from Amazon you shouldn't have anything to worry about.

I hope Friedkin didn't go all Friedkin on these transfers. The complete absence of reviews is scaring me.

Mine shipped earlier from Amazon as well.

I doubt it, judging from the trailers online exclusively for this release. Friedkin is a complete fucktard if he did.

[Matt89]

Nah he didn't fuck this release up, so you guys can stop worrying now. I bought the blu-ray today and it looks great. Solid, vibrant colors, nice grain. No DNR that I can tell. The blu-ray comes with a small insert as well, explaining the transfer process and how the film came to be, titled "A Message From William Friedkin". Apparently the transfer was supervised by the cinematographer, so I think it's safe to assume we're getting Criterion-level quality with this release. It's a nice package, and definitely one of the best blu-rays I've bought all year. Completely satisfied.

~Matt

[blu]

^ Sounds terrific. I'm waiting a couple more weeks to get the UK version since I hate digibooks. Definitely anxious as hell to see this classic in HD.

[Katatonia]

That's good news Matt, you have allayed our fears. :)

Mine will arrive tomorrow from Amazon!

[mlock]

Yes, thank you very much Matt! As shape22 already mentioned, the absence of reviews was making me nervous although my amazon.com order already shipped.

I don't mind digibook packaging, but I DO mind the pain-in-the-ass bi-lingual packaging found on nearly all Canadian releases! :mad:

[Hellbilly]

Here's a review: http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/The-Exorcist-Blu-ray/2250/#Review

Sounds ok.

[Matt89]

Yes, thank you very much Matt! As shape22 already mentioned, the absence of reviews was making me nervous although my amazon.com order already shipped.

I don't mind digibook packaging, but I DO mind the pain-in-the-ass bi-lingual packaging found on nearly all Canadian releases! :mad:

No bilingual packaging here. :) I don't think I've ever seen a Warner Digi-Book with bilingual packaging (which is why I like them haha).

~Matt

[Katatonia]

Here's a review: http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/The-Exorcist-Blu-ray/2250/#Review

Sounds ok.

Looks beautiful. :evil: I should have mine arriving from UPS this afternoon, finally!

[dickieduvet]

Can't bloody wait for this, Packing at PlayUSA at the moment.

[X-human]

Nah he didn't fuck this release up, so you guys can stop worrying now.

In an odd way I'm kinda disappointed, because what he did to French Connection might have worked for Exorcist. It was a terrible idea for French Connection mind you. But overall it's for the best that someone somewhere did a 180 on Friedkin, either himself or someone at Warner.

[Matt89]

In an odd way I'm kinda disappointed, because what he did to French Connection might have worked for Exorcist. It was a terrible idea for French Connection mind you. But overall it's for the best that someone somewhere did a 180 on Friedkin, either himself or someone at Warner.

That is true, actually. The washed-out pallete on The French Connection would've added to the cinematography of The Exorcist, definitely. At least this transfer is true to the original theatrical presentation of The Exorcist, and there was no "artistic manipulation" to the image. And props to Friedkin for including the original theatrical version of The Exorcist. Maybe George Lucas could learn a thing or two from this.

~Matt

[Katatonia]

Very interesting review of the Blu-ray set, with comparisons to the old DVD editions: http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDCompare5/exorcist.htm

[fceurich39]

the transfer and sound is pretty freakin amazing and behind the scenes footage was awesome as well

but buyers beware Walmart is selling the non digibook blu-ray and it only has the extended edition blu-ray so it is missing the theatrical edition disc 2

[Jason25]

Watched the Theatrical Cut, very impressed by the quality of the Video and Audio. Extras are quite interesting as well. Warner did an excellent job here.

[satans-sadists]

The Blu-ray release is currently $19.99 on Amazon.

[foller]

Could someone help with the different BluRay versions of "The Exorcist"?

First there was the 2-disc BluRay with the Director's cut and the Theatrical version (book). Then came the single 1-disc BluRay that only had the Director's cut. Now different shops list a third version (883929202058) also with 2 discs. Sadly they only display the cover of the single disc (maybe the same?) or no cover at all.

-Can anyone confirm that this new 2-disc Blu is the same as the first edition (Director's cut + Theatrical cut) just in a keep case? It seems likely but I would like to know for sure.
-Is the cover actually identical to the single disc or does it also say "Director's Cut + Theatrical version" like the book?
- Does it still include the booklet?

Thanks :)

[Fistfuck]

Why not just buy the digibook, mate?

[bigdaddyhorse]

Could someone help with the different BluRay versions of "The Exorcist"?

First there was the 2-disc BluRay with the Director's cut and the Theatrical version (book). Then came the single 1-disc BluRay that only had the Director's cut. Now different shops list a third version (883929202058) also with 2 discs. Sadly they only display the cover of the single disc (maybe the same?) or no cover at all.

-Can anyone confirm that this new 2-disc Blu is the same as the first edition (Director's cut + Theatrical cut) just in a keep case? It seems likely but I would like to know for sure.
-Is the cover actually identical to the single disc or does it also say "Director's Cut + Theatrical version" like the book?
- Does it still include the booklet?

Thanks :)

From all I can find googling the UPC, it looks like a re-issue of the 2disc set in a standard cover insted of digibook. This is common among WB offerings, already happened with Matrix, Seven and a few others. I'm 99% sure the digibooks have different UPC's than the standard case re-issues that replace them after a while. I'd still hold off until being sure (or just get the digibook, they're cool), with all the digital copy madness, 2-disc doesn't mean all it used to and the second disc could be that bullshit digtial copy.