By Geno McGahee
In 1973, one of the most terrifying horror movies was released. THE EXORCIST featured a young Linda Blair as Regan MacNeil, possessed by an evil spirit. It was an instant hit and was that much scarier because of the religious storyline. It could “really happen” and when several Catholic priests came forward to say that it was very close to the truth, it gave the film more life. A great film turned into a classic.
THE EXORCIST 40th ANNIVERSARY Blu-ray set will hit the streets on October 8th. The Blu-ray presentation of the movie is incredibly sharp. The movie looks great and you get both the theatrical release and the Extended Director’s Cut, but the film is only part of this package. Below is a list of the special features that Warner Bros. have unleashed on those brave enough to own this horror set:
Beyond Comprehension: William Peter Blatty’s The Exorcist (NEW) 40 years after his novel was published, The Exorcist author, screenwriter and producer returns to where it all began. First stop is a cabin/guest house in the hills of Encino, California, where Blatty wrote the novel. The author visits the place for the first time in 40 years and shares not only memories of writing the book, but also discusses how it inspired him. We then meet Blatty in two key and iconic locations; Georgetown University where the film was shot, and at the now-famous Exorcist steps. Throughout, Blatty reads from his novel, including an excerpt from a chilling newly published passage.
Talk of the Devil (NEW) – While at Georgetown University, William Peter Blatty heard about a true case of possession from Father Eugene Gallagher. At the time the film came out, the priest talked at length about exorcism, the true story and about Blatty; this footage is now available for the first time in many years. It is as revealing as it is shocking.
Two Commentaries by William Friedkin
Commentary by William Peter Blatty
Introduction by William Friedkin
1998 BBC Documentary “The Fear of God: 25 Years of the Exorcist”
Raising Hell: Filming the Exorcist Set footage produced and photographed by Owen Roizman, camera and makeup tests, and interviews with director William Friedkin, actress Linda Blair, author/screenwriter/producer William Peter Blatty and Owen Roizman.
The Exorcist Locations: Georgetown Then and Now — Featuring a tour of the iconic locations where the film was shot.
Faces of Evil: The Different Versions of The Exorcist — with director William Friedkin and author/screenwriter/producer William Peter Blatty discussing the different versions of the film and featuring outtakes from the film.
Original Ending
Interviews
The Original Cut
Stairway to Heaven
The Final Reckoning
Sketches & Storyboards
Radio Spots
TV Spots
Trailers
THE EXORCIST was nominated for 10 Academy Awards and won 2 Oscars and became a franchise and a base for all other possession movies. The quality of this set, the amount of special features and the hours upon hours of entertainment make this a must own. This is what a collector’s set is supposed to be and I highly recommend it. THE EXORCIST is one of my favorite films and it could not be presented any better.
