The Exorcist 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Warner Bros' 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "The Exorcist" is a notable upgrade from its previous Blu-ray releases, offering impressive technical improvements, though not without some caveats. The new restoration uses a native 2160p resolution with HDR10, no Dolby Vision, and preserves the original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The image quality is significantly elevated in many scenes, displaying sharp detail, natural film grain, and rich color saturation due to the Wide Color Gamut (WCG). Particularly, sequences set in Iraq and Georgetown benefit from remarkably refined texture and dynamic brightness levels provided by HDR. However, it’s worth noting that the overall effect of HDR is somewhat inconsistent—a contrast evident in the brilliant clarity of daytime scenes versus the noticeably softer and noisier look in certain low-light sequences.

The transfer is not without its blemishes, as about 10-25% of the film exhibits problematic visual anomalies. The final climactic exorcism scene appears notably softened and suffers from color bleeding, a possible result of digital manipulation or DNR. This unnaturally soft appearance contrasts sharply with the precise detail seen throughout the rest of the film, creating an off-putting visual inconsistency. There are also moments where white blooming detracts from detail, particularly under fluorescent lighting in subway scenes. Additionally, the revised color timing still tends to overemphasize certain hues—specifically reds—and is likely influenced by director William Friedkin’s history of tweaking color gradation in home video releases.

Despite these issues, which some purists might find contentious, the new 4K UHD rendition of "The Exorcist" largely succeeds in enhancing the film’s visual repertoire. Most of the movie displays significantly better-defined textures, deeper blacks, and more vivid colors than prior editions—of note is the tactile sharpness of fabric and skin textures and the wonderfully oppressive darkness in night scenes. Despite some problematic segments, the overall presentation offers an improved and more engaging viewing experience that collector's and horror aficionados will appreciate.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Exorcist" offers an exceptionally impressive Dolby Atmos soundtrack that significantly enhances the film's auditory experience. The mix is a dynamic sonic journey, whether it’s the thunderous clanging of pickaxes in the Iraq prologue or the swirling winds and low-level ominous sounds that persist throughout. This new mix skillfully balances aggressive and subtle audio elements, creating a richly immersive soundstage. The dialogue remains clear and well-prioritized, with no trace of harshness or hiss. Overhead channels are employed masterfully, contributing to the spatially expansive soundfield and bringing out nuances like demonic whispers or the ambient noises of Georgetown, further intensifying the atmosphere.

Complementing this new mix is the inclusion of the original theatrical mono mix in DTS-HD MA 2.0 on the theatrical cut of the film. This track provides a more authentic, purist listening experience with its natural tonal quality and smooth rendering of dialogue and effects. It lacks the bombast of the new Atmos mix but makes up for it with its fidelity to the original sound design, free from any hiss or distortions. Warner Bros' decision to retain this original track allows viewers to choose between an immersive, modern surround sound experience and an authentic replication of the film's original audio, ensuring that both audiophiles and traditionalists are catered to.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Exorcist" offers a robust lineup of supplements, though it primarily repackages previously available content. Theatrically, William Friedkin's introduction and commentaries add historical depth, bolstered by William Peter Blatty’s audio essay with special sound effects. For the Extended Director's Cut, Friedkin’s additional commentary and archival features like "Beyond Comprehension: William Peter Blatty’s 'The Exorcist'" and "Raising Hell: Filming 'The Exorcist'" provide extensive behind-the-scenes insight. Despite the lack of new content, the inclusion of "The Fear of God: 25 Years of 'The Exorcist'" remains invaluable. The set maintains a premium feel with its solid presentation, though the omission of newer documentaries may disappoint some.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction by William Friedkin: Director introduces the film.
• Commentary by William Friedkin: Engaging track with historical insights.
• Commentary by William Peter Blatty: Audio essay combined with sound effects.
• The Fear of God: 25 Years of 'The Exorcist': Retrospective documentary.
• Beyond Comprehension: Blatty’s examination and excerpts from his novel.
• Raising Hell: Insights into filming challenges.
• The Exorcist Locations: Tours Georgetown filming sites.
• Faces of Evil: Comparison of different versions.
• Radio and TV Spots: Promotional materials showcasing the film's legacy.
• Trailers: Various theatrical trailers for historical context.

William Friedkin’s 1973 masterpiece, "The Exorcist," continues to reign as a cultural touchstone in horror cinema, now presented with new clarity and detail in the 50th anniversary 4K UHD Blu-ray release. This edition includes both the original theatrical cut and the extended director's cut, each meticulously remastered in 2160p/HDR. The film’s notorious scenes—the head-spinning, the projectile vomiting—are as potent as ever, made strikingly vivid through high-resolution imaging. While the HDR application enhances much of the film, giving it a vibrant yet eerie aesthetic, it’s not without flaws; certain scenes suffer from excessive blooming and detail smearing, particularly in bright or fluorescent settings. Nevertheless, these imperfections don’t overshadow the significant improvements in color fidelity and shadow detail.

"The Exorcist" transcends its genre roots, anchored by deep thematic explorations of faith versus science, generational tensions, and spiritual crises. The screenplay by William Peter Blatty, who also wrote the novel, is a sophisticated tapestry interweaving supernatural horror with existential dread. The performances are monumental—Linda Blair's portrayal of Regan remains iconic, while Ellen Burstyn’s and Jason Miller's characters add layers of emotional depth and relatable struggle. The film's technical mastery is equally commendable: Dick Smith’s makeup effects stand the test of time, and Jack Nitzsche’s chilling score complements Roizman’s documentary-like cinematography perfectly under Friedkin’s direction.

Ultimately, "The Exorcist" retains its shocking, unsettling power even after five decades. Friedkin’s unique blend of traditional and experimental techniques, combined with the film’s historical significance and sustained cultural relevance, ensures it remains at the apex of cinematic horror. For fans and newcomers alike, this 4K UHD edition is an exceptional opportunity to experience the chills anew.

Warner Bros. has meticulously given "The Exorcist" a robust 4K UHD upgrade that both honors and at times challenges the late William Friedkin's gritty, raw aesthetic. The video quality is a notable leap from any previous edition, displaying stunningly beautiful HDR10 visuals. However, this release isn't without its drawbacks. The notorious color revisionism and sporadic visual anomalies in the final 30 minutes slightly mar the overall presentation of the film. That said, the two included audio tracks—a stellar new Dolby Atmos mix and the original theatrical mono—substantially compensate for these issues, preserving the film’s haunting atmosphere.

The disc features both the original and extended versions of the film, each coupled with a solid collection of legacy supplements. The addition of improved detail and correction of previous errors make this edition a significant improvement over past releases. While some might find David Gordon Green’s reboot or other contemporary horror films more captivating, "The Exorcist" remains a seminal classic in its slow-burn approach to demonic terror. This 4K release ensures it looks and sounds better than ever, despite the lingering visual inconsistencies attributed perhaps to Friedkin’s signature style or Warner’s controversial decisions.

Despite the inherent flaws, "The Exorcist" on 4K UHD is highly recommended for fans and collectors alike. The film's cultural impact and enduring legacy are cemented with this stellar audio-visual presentation that brings Friedkin's masterpiece into the modern era with great technical prowess.

One of horror cinema's true masterpieces, "The Exorcist" has lost none of its power after reaching its fiftieth year and remains an iconic example of sophisticated genre cinema. It delves into key social and cultural themes while telling a chilling and deeply disturbing story. Despite certain visual shortcomings in the new restoration, Warner Bros.' efforts—especially the new Atmos mix and comprehensive editions—make this a compelling package. "The Exorcist" in 4K UHD is a must-have for enthusiasts, ensuring its revered status for years to come.