The Exorcist

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Exorcist" offers a video presentation that is both commendable for its enhancements and controversial for its deviations from expectations. Delivered on two 100GB discs for the Theatrical and Extended Director's Cut versions, the films feature a native 3840 x 2160p resolution, preserving the original aspect ratios of 1.85:1. Employing a 10-bit video depth alongside Wide Color Gamut (WCG) and HDR10 (absent of a Dolby Vision layer), encoded using the HEVC (H.265) codec, this release aims to present the films in their finest form yet. However, certain artistic choices and anomalies, such as the pronounced softness and color bleeding during pivotal scenes like the final exorcism, have sparked debates regarding fidelity to director William Friedkin's original vision.

The majority of "The Exorcist" shines in this 4K restoration, with the opening Iraq sequences, daytime exteriors in Georgetown, and well-lit indoor scenes displaying remarkable clarity, enriched color grading, and meticulous detail. The HDR10 composition elevates the visual experience with vibrant whites and deeper black levels, offering a cinematic texture that’s faithful to the film’s gritty aesthetic. Yet, it's not without its flaws. Identified issues such as unnatural color bloom, excessive noise, and the controversial softening of certain key sequences have left enthusiasts torn. These visual choices, whether a result of directorial intent or digital manipulation, notably affect the immersive quality of these moments, drawing some viewers out of the narrative.

Despite these contentious points, it's undeniable that this release marks a significant improvement over previous editions in many respects. The restoration work showcases an admirable dedication to preserving the film's authenticity while embracing the advantages of modern technology, offering an overall enriching viewing experience. Individuals especially sensitive to image fidelity may find certain aspects problematic, but most will appreciate the effort to enhance this horror classic for contemporary audiences. This release encapsulates the challenges and rewards of bringing vintage cinema into the realm of 4K UHD, marrying historical filmmaking techniques with state-of-the-art restoration processes.

The Warner Bros. release of "The Exorcist" on 4K UHD Blu-Ray presents a meticulously crafted audio presentation that truly enhances the eerie atmosphere of this cinematic classic. At the forefront of its audio options is a new Dolby Atmos track, built from elements of previous surround mixes, which stands as a testament to audio engineering excellence. This mix isn't merely an upgrade; it shifts seamlessly from subdued, naturalistic moments to aggressive auditory experiences, mirroring the film's duality between contemplative themes and horrifying elements. The overhead channels are employed masterfully, adding depth through subtle ambient effects and startlingly clear overhead noises that enrich the three-dimensional soundscape. Whether it’s the disturbing opening in Iraq or the unnerving quiet of the Georgetown set pieces, the Atmos mix excels in immersing the viewer, with well-prioritized dialogue and a dynamic range that respects the film's original sonic fingerprint while embracing modern audio capabilities.

Further enhancing the package, Warner Bros. has also included the original theatrical mono mix for purists. Available as a split DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, this inclusion pays homage to the film's initial acoustic presentation, offering a clean, polished experience that maintains the film's integrity with excellent fidelity. It provides an authentic aural experience, albeit with less dynamism than its Atmos counterpart but satisfying for those craving originality. The comprehensive subtitle options across various cuts underscore the studio's commitment to accessibility and preservation, ensuring that audiences worldwide can appreciate the film's nuanced sound design.

In this new Dolby Atmos reimagining, audio elements come alive with unprecedented clarity and depth. From the subtle sounds of ambient wind to the disturbing clarity of demonic voices, the mix skilfully exploits the format's capabilities without ever feeling overdone. The bass is deep and discerning, lending weight to the supernatural occurrences, while music and sound effects are integrated smoothly, maintaining clear separation that enhances the overall viewing experience. Despite occasional brightness in louder scenes, the soundtrack remains detailed across its range, with vocals standing out crisply against the atmospheric backdrop. The inclusion of both this new mix and the original mono track offers listeners a choice between groundbreaking immersion and nostalgic authenticity, making "The Exorcist" an auditory experience as formidable and nuanced as its visual counterpart.

The Deluxe 4K UHD Blu-ray set of "The Exorcist" encompasses a rich and diverse compilation of extras spread across five discs, significantly enhancing the viewing experience with deep dives into the film's making, its legacy, and its profound impact on horror cinema. Noteworthy among these is the inclusion of both the Theatrical and Extended Director's Cuts, accompanied by illuminating commentaries from director William Friedkin and writer William Peter Blatty, providing intriguing insights and anecdotes. Although the set recycles extras from previous UK and US releases without introducing brand-new content, it compensates with the comprehensive collection of existing supplemental materials, including the renowned Mark Kermode documentary. This release is somewhat marred by less practical packaging, which could potentially risk disc damage over time. Nonetheless, it remains a premium offering that superbly honors the film's storied history, making it an essential acquisition for dedicated fans, despite the absence of recent documentaries like "Leap of Faith" or "Fear & Love in Georgetown" that could have rendered this edition truly definitive.

Extras included in this disc:

Introduction by William Friedkin: Short introduction to the theatrical version.

Commentary by William Friedkin: Available on both Theatrical and Extended Director’s Cut versions.

Commentary by William Peter Blatty with Special Sound Effects: Exclusive insight from the writer.

Digital Codes: Providing access to some previously released but now missing extras.

The 50th Anniversary 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of "The Exorcist," William Friedkin's monumental horror masterpiece, has been expertly revitalized to bring this culturally significant and terrifying film into the 21st century. Highlighting a new 2160p/HDR transfer that promises to illuminate Friedkin’s genius in high definition, this edition encapsulates the chilling depth and innovative craft of the original. With dual audio tracks and inclusion of both the original theatrical and an extended director's cut across two 100GB discs, the set respects the film’s dual identity while leveraging modern visual and auditory capabilities to enhance the viewing experience. However, it's notable that purchasers will need to retain their previous editions to enjoy the full spectrum of legacy extras, as this release focuses predominantly on presenting the film itself in unprecedented quality.

"The Exorcist" remains a profound narrative, weaving a tale far surpassing the simplicity of a girl’s demonic possession. It engages in a profound exploration of themes such as the clash between science and faith, generational conflict, and the essence of evil through superbly drawn characters and masterful storytelling. William Peter Blatty’s script, paired with Friedkin’s direction, achieves a sophisticated and intense storytelling experience. Their collaboration brings to life the terrifying yet deeply human story of Regan’s possession with exquisite detail, supported by a stellar cast led by Linda Blair, Jason Miller, and Max von Sydow. The film’s blend of eerie visuals, poignant sound work, and groundbreaking makeup effects not only established it as a cinematic classic but also as a benchmark in horror filmmaking that continues to resonate with audiences today.

This 4K UHD edition is a tribute to the enduring power of "The Exorcist," pairing its historical significance with technological enhancement to offer both longtime fans and new viewers the opportunity to experience the film’s palpable tension and psychological depth like never before. Despite some disappointments concerning supplemental material, the release underscores the movie’s extraordinary impact, blending Friedkin’s mix of classical and experimental techniques with modern advances in picture and sound quality. As "The Exorcist" celebrates its half-century legacy, this edition reaffirms its status as a masterpiece in horror cinema, capturing an essential clash between human vulnerability and the incomprehensible forces of darkness.

Warner Bros.’ new 4K UHD release of "The Exorcist" brings this cultural and horror milestone into the modern era with commendable effort, despite some unavoidable drawbacks. This edition, celebrating its 50th anniversary, delivers the film with stunning visual clarity in HDR10 and a newly mixed Dolby Atmos soundtrack that revitalizes its haunting atmosphere. While the restoration showcases significant enhancements, ensuring this classic has never looked better on home media, some inconsistencies mar the final 30 minutes of the movie. Reports suggest this could be a conscious decision by the late director William Friedkin, known for his meticulousness, or perhaps an oversight by Warner Bros. Nonetheless, these visual anomalies cannot overshadow the overall superior quality of this release.

In terms of additional content, this release preserves all legacy supplementary materials and adds them to breathtakingly designed Ultimate Collectors and Deluxe Editions. The physical package is as impressive as one would hope for such a significant release, appealing to both longtime fans and collectors alike. However, the assortment of bonus features may leave some desiring more, especially considering the importance of this anniversary edition. Despite this, the inclusion of both original and new audio tracks offers viewers a chance to experience the film as it was originally heard or with contemporary enhancements.

Conclusively, while the inconsistency in image quality towards the film’s climax is disappointing, it doesn't significantly detract from the overall experience offered by Warner Bros.’ 4K UHD presentation of "The Exorcist." The brilliant restoration work for the majority of the film, combined with the atmospheric Dolby Atmos mix and extensive supplementary materials, makes this edition highly recommended. Whether revisiting Friedkin's masterpiece or discovering it anew, this release underscores the enduring impact and sophistication of "The Exorcist" as a pinnacle of horror cinema, making it an essential addition to any collection.