The Exorcist: Believer 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "The Exorcist: Believer" is a remarkable display of detail and depth, thanks to the high-resolution transfer. The film was captured digitally in ARRIRAW (4.5K and 3.8K) using Arri Alexa LF and Mini LF cameras, providing a well-rounded visual experience. The texture work is immaculate, whether it’s the fibrous details on Angela's sweater or the nuanced make-up effects on possessed characters, with deep red scars and caked blood. Outdoor sequences, such as the stunning fall scenes in Georgia and the leaf-littered cemetery, exhibit excellent dimensionality, while close-up shots render the actors' dramatic expressions with clarity.

High Dynamic Range (HDR10 and Dolby Vision) significantly uplifts the visual experience by offering deeper shadow gradations and enriched black levels. Despite the film's dark setting, the HDR grades maintain intricate details in the shadow-heavy scenes and provide a vivid contrast that enhances the film's core aesthetic. Whites pop starkly during hospital scenes, and skin tones for non-possessed characters appear realistic and healthy, preserving natural appearances.

The film's digital intermediate holds a 4K resolution, primarily operating in the 60-80Mbps range, ensuring a high bit-rate that facilitates rich textures and an organic feel to the imagery. The balance between light and dark scenes is managed deftly with no significant enhancement issues, though the CGI effects slightly detract from an otherwise stellar presence. The HEVC 4K 1.85:1 image effectively fills the screen, balancing brightness and contrast to maintain viewer immersion throughout this chilling exorcism narrative.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Exorcist: Believer" offers a robust Dolby Atmos audio track that significantly enhances the movie's viewing experience. The opening sequence in Haiti is a showcase of the audio engineering prowess at play, as the ground rumbles and debris explodes around the viewer, thanks to a finely tuned bass response and immersive surrounds. These elements transition smoothly into quieter, more ambient scenes where the dialogue remains clear and distinct, even as it’s occasionally distorted to match the storytelling needs. This track excels particularly well in scenes with heightened audio activity, such as a crowded church service or a dramatic thunderstorm, effectively placing the listener in the midst of the action.

Both the Blu-ray and 4K disc feature the same Dolby Atmos track, ensuring that those without a 4K setup won’t miss out on its exceptional audio qualities. Vocals are meticulously rendered, even during intense sequences involving guttural exorcism chants and demonic screams. The directional audio is precise, offering an enveloping experience that keeps the listener engaged and attuned to the narrative. Surround channels are surprisingly active, providing a rich auditory background that complements the on-screen horror.

Additional soundtrack options include English Dolby Atmos (7.1 Dolby TrueHD compatible), Spanish (Latin), and French (Canadian) 7.1 Dolby Digital Plus, with identical subtitle support. Elements like non-human sounds, disturbing noises, and iconic cues such as "Tubular Bells" over the closing credits further elevate this audio track, making it not just supportive but essential in delivering "The Exorcist: Believer’s" chilling atmosphere. The attention to audio detail ensures that both dialogue-driven scenes and intense horror moments are handled with equal finesse, making this a standout presentation for audiophiles and casual viewers alike.

The extras on the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "The Exorcist: Believer" comprise a well-rounded look into the making and thematic elements of the film. The commentary and featurettes shine a light on various production aspects, from character development and thematic inspirations to detailed discussions about makeup effects and editing. The content underscores the collaborative effort between cast and crew, with particular focus on how they drew from the original film while navigating contemporary storytelling challenges. Notable is the attention to both the technical craft and the emotional core of the narrative, mirroring the evolving religious and psychological dimensions of possession.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making a Believer: Filmmakers and cast discuss the continuity and new directions in the series.
• Linda and Ellen Reunited: A historic on-set meeting of two icons.
• Stages of Possession: Insight into the evolving makeup effects for the possessed girls.
• The Opening: A look at the significance of the Haitian prologue.
• Editing and Exorcism: Challenges of editing the climactic scenes.
• Matters of Faith: Theology experts' input on religious depictions.
• Feature Commentary: A comprehensive discussion by key crew members on various production elements.

David Gordon Green's "The Exorcist: Believer" endeavors to revive the legendary horror narrative, beginning with an intriguing prologue set in Haiti where a tragic earthquake introduces the surviving character, Angela. Portrayed by Lidya Jewett, Angela, along with her friend Katherine (Olivia O’Neill), delivers compelling performances especially during their possession scenes, displaying physical contortions and chilling presence aided by Christopher Nelson's disturbing make-up effects. Despite their efforts, the film struggles to establish the same level of suspense and foreboding that made its predecessor iconic.

Leslie Odom Jr.'s portrayal of Victor Fielding initially captures his desperation and fatherly concern when the girls go missing. However, the film falters when Victor's character swiftly accepts the notion of demonic possession with minimal skepticism, leading to a somewhat monotonous emotional trajectory. The narrative heavily references the original "The Exorcist," from its exotic introductory location in Haiti akin to Iraq in the 1973 film, to multiple forced homages like the wood-carved "Regan" and Ellen Burstyn's appearance as Chris MacNeil. While these elements might evoke nostalgia, they also underscored a perceived lack of innovation in Green's direction.

The climactic exorcism scene further detracts from the film’s gravitas. Unlike the original, which portrayed exorcism as an arduous, specialist endeavor, "Believer" opts for a collaborative approach involving various faith practitioners alongside Victor and Miranda. This eclectic group diminishes the solemnity and perceived peril of such a ritual, rendering it less formidable and more accessible – an approach that may alienate purists of the genre. This multi-denominational exorcism is a notable divergence but ultimately undermines the narrative tension, sidelining the profound sense of horror that defined "The Exorcist."

"The Exorcist: Believer" on 4K UHD Blu-ray brings a technically impressive, though narratively inconsistent, entry to the storied franchise. Director David Gordon Green attempts to capture the essence of William Friedkin’s 1973 classic. While the film boasts strong performances, particularly from Leslie Odom Jr. and the two young actors portraying the possessed, it ultimately misses the mark in delivering the original's intense atmosphere and sense of dread. Ellen Burstyn's return offers brief moments of heightened quality and nostalgia, yet her limited screen time is a missed opportunity to elevate the narrative further. From a technical perspective, the picture quality and audio performance are outstanding, making it an enticing option for those valuing top-tier home media experiences.

The movie's pace falters, especially during its prologue, and struggles to maintain tension as it progresses towards the climactic exorcism. The decision to depict two simultaneous possessions adds a unique element but is not enough to compensate for the film's lack of an engaging script and atmospheric horror. Green exhibits admirable restraint where other directors might succumb to shock value, resulting in a more intelligent approach to the exorcism genre. Despite these efforts, however, the film falls short of replicating the impending doom that made the original an iconic piece of horror cinema.

In conclusion, while "The Exorcist: Believer" does attempt to honor its predecessor, it is evident that some classics should perhaps be left untouched. Fans of the original may find enjoyment in the return of certain characters and the brilliant makeup effects, but will likely be left wanting more in terms of storytelling and genuine scares. Nonetheless, for collectors and fans of high-quality 4K presentations, the strong technical merits and supplemental material make this release a worthwhile purchase.