The Exorcist Extended Cut Review

Written by: TheDemon   

It had been a while since i viewed the original 1973 movie, which many still refer to as the scariest movie EVER.  However, I remembered I had this version so I popped it in my DVD player and was immediately reminded why I liked this version so much better. 

In this version, you are given 12 additional minutes of footage originally shot but not included in the 1973 release.  I still don't understand why Friedken did not include Regan's infamous "spider walk," because that effect--like so many others in the movie--blew me away.  The additional minutes made the movie more more cohesivee, at least to me.  You are given footage of Regan's first doctor visit where it is apparent that SOMETHING is wrong; you just don't know what it is.  Also, there are more superimposed images of the demon that is trying to take over Regan's body and soul.  You see them everywhere:  on tops of the kitchen stove, on doors, and in Regan's room.

Everything about this movie works:  the actiing, the directing, the editing, the cinematography, EFX, and especially the sound.  This version is remastered and the impact is unbelievable.  The acting is by far and away the best you''ll ever see in this genre.  Ellen Burstyn, as the mother; Max von Sydow as Father Merrin; Jason Miller, as Father Karras, and, of course, Linda Blair, as Regan were all Academy Award-worthy; however, Hollywood chose to overlook them all..  Not one of these characters are one dimensional, and they run the acting gauntlet from A to Z.  It simply floored me when I found out that Max von Sydow was only 42 when he played the role of Father Merrin!  The scene between Ellen Burstyn and Jason Miller (when she's trying to tell him her daughter is possessed) moved me to tears because it was so REAL.

As wonderful as this movie is, I still must give a HUGE warning:  this is NOT for children.  The infamous crucifix scene alone is for adult eyes only.  However, I would not allow younger viewers to see this because of the psychological affect it could have.  A true masterpiece is judged by how it stands the tests of time.  This one has withstood everything and is still the scariest movie ever made.  Highly recommended.