The Exorcist [4K Ultra HD] [1973] [Blu-ray]

'The Exorcist.' absolutely deserves its legendary status because it's more than just a Horror Film.For me 'The Exorcist.', as well as obviously being a story about demonic possession, is about the love of a Mother for her child and the importance of family bonds. It's also an exploration of the idea of the Devil as a real entity rather than an abstract concept, and about the power of Faith in a Higher Power through an Organized Religion.On reflection that last stated theme does strike me as a little odd or at least a little surprising since Regan and Chris MacNeil are clearly depicted as atheists!One might argue then, that 'The Exorcist.' could be seen as an advertisement for the Catholic Church - although if it is it's certainly not an overbearing one.What I can say with certainty is that if one wants to see 'The Exorcist.' as a Horror Film, then it's the thinking person's Horror Film.Of course given that it was made in 1973 'The Exorcist.' presents a much more flattering representation of the Catholic Church than would probably be the case if it was made now, in the much more Secular and Organized Religion-sceptical 2023.The performances by all of the main cast, especially Ellen Burstyn as Chris MacNeil, are absolutely top notch with a cast who all seem to be invested in their characters to a degree that is utterly naturalistic and in many cases, incredibly raw.For me the acting and the characterization are what makes 'The Exorcist.' the timeless classic that it is. Also; it's a rare Horror Film that has such admirable mature thematic depth.By today's standards 'The Exorcist.' isn't particularly scary but then again it's Director, the late William Friedkin, never intended it to be. He intended it mainly to be a powerfully emotional story about the triumph of Good over Evil.This is why I find 'The Exorcist.', in spite of its often horrifying imagery and its occasionally foul language, a courageous, challenging and yet strangely comforting and rewarding Film. How many Films that are given the label 'Horror' can be described as comforting?!This 4K release has an astonishingly good-looking image which often makes it look like a Film which was made recently and is set in 1973, rather than one that was made in 1973. The image is absolutely pristine with not a hint of damage that I could see.The HDR, which I personally find renders many FiIms too dark, is thankfully applied in an appropriately restrained manner on 'The Exorcist.'.All I can say is that after decades of dismissing 'The Exorcist.' as a prime example of empty Exploitation Horror that doesn't deserve the praise that's heaped on it, I'm so happy that I decided to buy this 4K release and had the opportunity to totally reappraise it and finally appreciate just how good it is.So I highly recommend 'The Exorcist.' on 4K blu ray - including to non-Horror fans and even to practicing Catholics who are capable of keeping an open mind and taking the shocking visuals and the occasional foul language with a pinch of salt.

Wonderful edition with a spectacular 4k restoration making the film even darker with immense clarity in its image that allows a beautiful play of colors along with a clean and more real sound. There are juicy details such as the reversible poster, postcards, booklet and the usual extras in the bluray edition (3x Documentaries: Raising Hell: Filming The Exorcist, The Exorcist Locations: Georgetown, Then and Now and Faces of Evil: The Different Versions of The Exorcist ; Commentary by Director William Friedkin. Theatrical Cut Blu-ray: 2 Commentaries by Director William Friedkin and Producer/Screenwriter William Peter Blatty; Introduction by William Friedkin; Feature-Length 1998 Documentary The Fear of God: The Making of The Exorcist; Interview Gallery Covering the Topics: The Original Cut, The Final Reckoning and Stairway to Heaven; Original Ending. and an exclusive new disc with a couple of new extras created for the 50th anniversary edition. (Beyond Comprehension: William Peter Blatty's The Exorcist Documentary; Talk of the Devil Documentary).Highly recommended for fans of the film and/or director.-------------Maravillosa edición con una restauración espectacular en 4k haciendo más oscura aún la película con una claridad inmensa en su imagen que permite un hermoso juego de colores junto con un sonido limpio y más real. Vienen jugosos detalles como el cartel reversible, postales, librito y los extras habituales en la edición bluray (3x Documentaries: Raising Hell: Filming The Exorcist, The Exorcist Locations: Georgetown, Then and Now and Faces of Evil: The Different Versions of The Exorcist; Commentary by Director William Friedkin. Theatrical Cut Blu-ray: 2 Commentaries by Director William Friedkin and Producer/Screenwriter William Peter Blatty; Introduction by William Friedkin; Feature-Length 1998 Documentary The Fear of God: The Making of The Exorcist; Interview Gallery Covering the Topics: The Original Cut, The Final Reckoning and Stairway to Heaven; Original Ending. y un nuevo disco exclusivo con un par de extras nuevos creados para la edición del 50 aniv. (Beyond Comprehension: William Peter Blatty's The Exorcist Documentary; Talk of the Devil Documentary). Altamente recomendable para los fans de la película y/o director.

The Exorcist is a fantastic film and remains a cult classic, filled with plenty of terror and scares to keep you awake at night. To this day The Exorcist still manages to invoke fear in audiences with it’s terrifying visuals, sense of dread and creepy atmosphere and this new 4K transfer really lets the film shine even more. The visuals are pin sharp and the audio is immersive, loud and impactful. Alongside that, the release is jam packed with extras so you are definitely getting what you paid for. This film belongs in every horror enthusiast’s collection and if for some strange reason you have not yet seen the film or don’t have it in your horror collection then i would seriously recommend you pick this film up and watch it with all the lights off. You will not be disappointed.

On any streaming platform you'll see wave after wave of exorcism movies. Some of those are decent... Some are utter tripe (more tripe than decent if I'm honest).However, the daddy of the exorcism movie is/was and will always be, William Peter Blattys 'The Exorcist'Made in the 70's this movie is as creepy, stomach churning, and raises as many questions as it ever did.This film leads all other of its type by a country mile.If you've never seen it, watch it.If you've seen it and you agree with me, then watch it again.If you've seen it and it scared the bejesus out of you... Well it did the job it was made for 5*/5*