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 The
Exorcist
DVD Review by Yanman |
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“Your mother's in here, Karras. Would you like to leave a message? I'll see that she gets it!” When you put together a list of the scariest films of all times, The Exorcist is bound to be somewhere near the top of your list. And it should be. This one is not a “slasher” movie, but a psychological thriller type scary movie. The DVD 25th Anniversary Special Edition is definitely the definitive way to see this classic (Which according to the director William Friedkin a DVD edition is what every director should want). This story starts in northern Iraq with an archeological dig, where Father Merrin (Max von Sydow) finds a talisman that gives him a premonition of things to come. We then cut to the MacNeil household, in Georgetown Washington DC, where actress Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn) and her 12 year old daughter Regan (Linda Blair) appear to be a normal “Hollywood” family (If there is such a thing). But like all movies in this genre things start to change, first there are the noises in the attic. Then Regan gets “sick” during one of her mothers social parties. After a barrage of doctor’s, both physical and mental, cannot find anything wrong with this little girl, they recommend the unconventional approach, a Roman Catholic exorcism. After a lengthy review of the current situation Father Damien Karras (Jason Miller) decides to ask the church for permission to perform the ancient ritual. After being joined by Father Martin, the two priests prepare for the battle of their lives. The remixed Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack is very good, and adds a lot to this classic film. Simply due to the age of this film however the soundtrack does not fully utilize all the capabilities that are possible with a 5.1 soundtrack. The video could have been better, there are many artifacts and transfer flaws not to mention the overall dark soft look throughout. It’s a shame that a better transfer was not available to preserver this one for future generations. There are a very good amount of extras here (see side bar), a Special Edition indeed. The director's commentary is definitely a stand-out, you have to listen to his comments about DVD during the credits. One distraction with the extras though, the extras are all placed on side two. We would have been much rather seen a duel layer disc here (might have helped with afore mentioned artifacting as well), and can only hope that day of “flippers” is over. If you are tired of the mindless, large death count, totally unbelievable horror movies. Then get ready for a classic that will make you afraid of things that go bump in the night. It’ll literally make your head spin!
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The Exorcist Get ready for a classic that will make you afraid of things that go bump in the night. It’ll literally make your head spin! Staring: Linda Blair William Friedkin Running time: 175 min Bonus Materials
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