I don't know that The Exorcist has ever really struck me as scary; I think it works as a drama, first and foremost, albeit with a cool, supernatural element. What really drives the story is the pain single mother Ellen Burstyn struggles with when her only daughter grows apart from her and their incredibly close, codependent relationship. And the lengths she goes to in an attempt to save it, from the awful medical procedures we witness her undergo, to the ultimately absurd step of actually soliciting an exorcism in our modern, agnostic society. I mean, the head twist was an awesome effect, and this film certainly went to an audience shocking extreme... I can't imagine next week's Exorcist: The Believer will depict anything a fraction as transgressive as the scene of underage Linda Blair flaying herself bloody while violently masturbating with a crucifix, then forcing her mother's face into her crotch screaming, "lick me! Lick me!" That kind of cultural taboo envelope pushing pretty much peaked fifty years ago.
And sure, William Friedkin establishes some mildly spooky atmosphere, like Burstyn slowly creeping through her dark attic with a candle. I guess there's a jump scare or two. But honestly, you could almost cut the whole, big exorcism sequence out; the film had already made its mark by then. It's always nice to get some more Dick Smith effects and (highly controversial!! ...But we'll get back to that) colorful lights for the climax. It's got a great score, excellent character work by Jason Miller and Max von Sydow, and really... everything is on point in this film. There's a reason it's still hailed as a classic. But apart from clearly declaring itself "The Scariest Movie Of All Time" right there on the DVD cover, I can't imagine this movie instilling much actual fear into the hearts of modern movie-goers, at least not as much as any competent slasher flick. And I'm not calling that out as a failing. I just don't think that was ever really the point.
Well, naturally, this film has had an extensive history on home video, all from Warner Bros. The original DVD was a barebones flipper disc from 1997, which some say is still the ideal presentation of the film, at least in terms of color timing. The very next year gave us their 25th Anniversary special edition, and that was followed by "The Version You've Never Seen" in 2000, which restores just over ten minutes of deleted scenes and makes some other interesting revisions. It's called "The Version You've Never Seen" because at the time, Friedkin insisted the original theatrical version was still his preferred director's cut, but he seems to have come around to the newer version later in life.
a scene only in the director's cut |
1) 2000 DC DVD; 2) 2006 TC DVD; 3) 2006 DC DVD; 4) 2010 DC DVD; 5) 2013 TC BD; 6) 2013 DC BD; 7) 2023 TC UHD; 8) 2023 DC UHD. |
So, we're looking at eight transfers here, but the director's cut and theatrical cut on the Anthology DVDs, the 40th Anniversary BDs and 50th Anniversary UHDs are, for all intents and purposes, identical sets. Those 2006 Anthology DVDs are also using the same transfer as the older 2000 disc. So there's really four different transfers up there. The 2010 remaster looks pretty similar to the older DVDs on first glance, but it is somewhat brighter, and the tweaks the geometry a very slim pinch, revealing a few extra pixels along the edge in the process. It also separates the colors a little better, removing a slight reddish hue and deepening the blacks in a satisfying way. So yeah, it was an upgrade for its time.
And it's apparently the same master on the 2013 BDs, though of course it's sharper and cleaner in HD. It also tweaks the geometry a second time, clarifies finer detail and at least hints at grain. But the new 4k is the first one to really get filmic. Grain is still a little soft in places, but it's a big step beyond the blus. Color-wise, I'd say the blus are a little washed and the UHDs are bordering on over-saturated, like some of the reds. I prefer the UHDs color-wise (and absolutely resolution-wise, which each cutting filling nearly 80GB on triple layer discs, and of course in terms of restoring the jump cut, the proper aspect ratio etc), but Warners might've found the 100% perfect timing somewhere in the middle. Still, viewers approaching this film for the first time, with no expectations set up by transfers that came before, will just be struck by how good the picture looks. Although, one section of the film is more controversial than the rest...
1) 2000 DC DVD; 2) 2006 TC DVD; 3) 2006 DC DVD; 4) 2010 DC DVD; 5) 2013 TC BD; 6) 2013 DC BD; 7) 2023 TC UHD; 8) 2023 DC UHD. |
Especially since the UHD also restores the original mono audio track to the theatrical cut. All the other discs on this page have the same 5.1 track (except it's bumped up to DTS-HD for the BDs), which changes some sound effects and things, which is fine for the director's cut. I should also mention that the 1997 DVD had a 2.0 track, which I'm pretty sure is the original mono, but I don't have it to say for sure. But it's a relief to have the original mono accessible again in any case, and lossless for the first time ever. It also has a new Atmos mix, which sounds great, but has the altered sound effects of previous the 5.1 remix. And the director's cut just has the Atmos. Every disc also has at least English and French subtitles, but starting with the BDs, they've added a slew of foreign dubs and subs, too.So let's talk extras. Over the years, Warners has put together a whole ton of stuff. The 2000 DVD has an audio commentary by Friedkin, which is pretty good. He starts out with a lot of information, but by the end devolves into mostly just describing the action on screen. There are also a bunch of trailers, radio spots and odds and ends. By 2006, they'd added a brief introduction by Friedkin, a second audio commentary by Blatty (which is good but only runs for the first hour, including a few minutes of early recordings of the possessed demon voice) and the BBC Fear Of God documentary, which is a great comprehensive overview by Mark Kermode that visits the shooting locations and talks to practically everybody. It should be noted that it's not the "festival cut," though, which is a few minutes longer and includes two additional interviews. That's never been released on disc, at the interview subject's request.
And there's still more. We get second Friedkin commentary for the director's cut (though it's very redundant), deleted scenes, and more interviews with Friedkin and Blatty together. The one where they discuss the director's cut is especially informative and covers ground not in the other extras. There's another half-hour making of doc, which is great because it's full of never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage. And there's a new featurette visiting the film's locations more directly than Kermode did, plus galleries of storyboards, photos, etc.
the 40th Blatty featurette |
And the UHDs? Oh, they dumped everything but the commentaries and the intro - whoopsie! The only way to get all those docs and things I described above is to import expensive limited editions from the UK. But the good news is, those imports are five disc sets. The two UHDs that we got in the US, plus the three BDs from the 40th Anniversary. So if you already have that set, the bog standard, reasonably priced US release is all you need to have absolutely everything, except the new swag. There's going to be an AmazonUK exclusive one designed to look like a leather-bound bible and comes with a big BFI book, posters, lobby cards and stuff, which I have to admit looks damn impressive. But here in the US, we just choose between a steelbook or basic amary case in a slipcover and that butt ugly artwork you see above. Oh well, it's what's on the disc that's important, right?
It does feel a bit cheap that Warner didn't include their legacy extras in the new UHD sets here in the states. Even overseas didn't get the full, uncut Fear of God. And I understand people being a little let down that some of Friedkin's tampering still seems to be lingering in the theatrical cut. We may have to wait for the 100th Anniversary to see a truly controversy-free Exorcist release. But as it stands, this is the best Exorcist yet: 4k, 1.85, jump cut restored, the original audio, and the massive collection of features are available if you're willing to put in the extra work. This is good news, guys.
Controversial is the correct word, rather than bad. There are a number of big pluses here (mainly to the theatrical version), but from what I've reading, some folks are not going to budge until the third act looks as shit brown as it did on VHS and the pre-Anniversary DVD. The answer to *that* riddle might be somewhere inbetween (check out Exorcist II's Home Video Cut's prologue from Shout Factory).
ReplyDeleteAnd the terrible domestic artwork and legacy extras being an overseas thing gets a big finger wagging from me. I'll wait for a sale/discount.
As with most films I almost always prefer the theatrical release, especially if sanctioned by the director without studio interference. Extended, so called director's cuts whether intended(forced by marketing purposes!) or not ruin original intention e.g Dances with Wolves, Alien, T2(who wants to see the Terminator trying to smile?) etc, and the Exorcist is similarly contrived with no need for extra exposition!
ReplyDeleteJudd
I usually prefer theatrical but the extended cuts of 'Nixon', 'Kingdom of Heaven', 'Gettysburg', and 'Gods and Generals' among others are superior versions of the films that I find allow them to breathe more.
ReplyDeleteAs a 'loose' rule I almost always prefer the 'uncut' theatrical. Untampered might be the better word. Theatrical T2(apart from extracting/resetting from Arnie's scalp the micro chip scene which should have been left in the theatrical; Alien(flows better, but D.C is pretty good!);Aliens(showing the children playing in electric buggies made me cringe like an awful Goonies scene);Dances With Wolves(extended for me ruined the mystique of the film and introduced more continuity errors!) Yes, Kingdom of Heaven is woeful in theatrical version. D.C is better film!
ReplyDeleteLoads more: Apocalypse Now theatrical is a masterpiece. Godfather III Coda slightly better than the original. Dark City D.C improvement. Donnie Darko theatrical the better version. List is endless! Dawn of The Dead 1979 theatrical US version is excellent. Argento, Cannes versions not necessary but have their fans. We can thank dvd for giving us all these various cuts. I'd love to see Dracula Untold with the Babba Yagga chicken house scene restored in a D.C, sort of makes it Evil Deadish like homage!
Blade Runner with the voice over International version which I luckily saw overseas at the cinema in a film festival will always be the definitive for me. Terrific feel. The original of Devil's Advocate where the audience stood up and cheered Al Pacino's character saying "Vanity is my favourite sin!" This is another fave of mine as the art work was phenomenal, but changed for later releases. Ah they were the days!
Judd
Excellent post. Another I meant to mention was 'Alexander the final cut' flawed still but much more sensible than the theatrical.
DeleteThanks Chris. You beat me to it. Forgot to include 'Alexander' in list and loads more no doubt! By the way love Gettysburg in any form, but the D.C was truly excellent. Magnificent achievement and a film window into history showing sacrifices made by both sides and their common humanity. Tom Berenger's performance was magnificent and a pinnacle as an actor I think. Great in Sniper too!
ReplyDeleteJudd
Yes, love 'Gettysburg' one of my all time favorites. So many wonderful actors put their all into the performances. When I read about the real Longstreet I think of Berenger. By the way, on extended/theatrical what do you think of the different cuts of 'The Town', 'Troy', 'Gladiator', 'The Warriors', and 'Das Boot' among others?
DeleteThe longer the better for Das Boot, as far as I'm concerned. Going back to the theatrical cut after the Miniseries version and Director's Cut made me much more conscious of what was missing, and the downtime, the doldrum, is equally as important as the big setpiece action scenes.
DeleteApparently Berenger became quite an expert and did extensive research on Longstreet, even consulting family relatives etc! Regarding your question Chris on Troy et al. D.C of Troy is the R version I think and superior to the theatrical. The Town, I've only ever seen the theatrical; the extended is closer to the ending of the novel I believe. Film was okay, but didn't grab me like the excellent 'Heat' did which is another slightly changed in some scenes but slightly only. I will slip in another: Manhunter the theatrical by Mann too is the way to go!
ReplyDeleteGladiator theatrical is the better version. I only wish they had reinserted the 'forced' MPAA cuts to make the R category. The lion attack can be seen partly as a deleted scene and is quite ghastly really, but emphasizes the atmosphere of live or die in the Arena. Scenes in the extended drag it down I feel. Warriors the theatrical/original all the way as that cartoon revamp is pretty woeful.
Regarding the D.C of Das Boot, one minute the crew are beardless at the start and the next scene with near full beards. The transitions are too quick, but still cleverly edited. Watching this after knowing what's missing from the series ruins the overall experience like Kevin states. The theatrical version though considerably shorter at 149 mins is still a good experience and well edited for any first time viewer. Just avoid any dubbed version which destroys the feel of any film I think!
p.s. there was an English dubbed version of theatrical Das Boot dvd doing the rounds I'd seen, if memory serves just over 2 hours or so?
ReplyDeleteJudd
I'm referring to dvd rental market where often films were often edited for content and length.
ReplyDeleteJudd
Actually the principal actors of Das Boot re-recorded their dialogue in English so the dubbing is very good, but the original: German is always the authentic better as with any foreign film or series as said.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the replies. I agree that the longer versions of 'Das Boot' are the best. Another fascinating extended WWII film is Sam Fuller's 'Big Red One'. I also meant to say earlier the worst of the revisionists have been Lucas, Cameron, and Friedkin. They could never leave well enough alone.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Chris. Agree totally about Lucas. Spielberg also has lamented on his E.T revision too and don't get me started about Friedkin's 'French Connection' colour timing! Cheers mate.
ReplyDeleteJudd
Forgot to mention John Badham's Dracula 1979 which looked absolutely dreadful on dvd, but on HD despite its black and white washed out tones actually is not too bad. That said Badham sanctioned the original colour palette release as well, but print is not as sharp or detailed!
ReplyDelete