The Exorcist : Which DVD should I buy?

Which DVD should I buy?

Hi,

Which DVD version should I buy of this? Just watched this for the first time on Netflix so not sure which version that one is, but I am looking at purchasing this DVD:

https://www.amazon.com/Exorcist-Version-Youve-Never-Seen/dp/B0000524CY/ref=tmm_dvd_title_1?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1471211274&sr=1-1

or this:

https://www.amazon.com/Exorcist-Directors-Cut-Extended/dp/B003UGLCIA/ref=tmm_dvd_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Or should I get another one?
Thanks

Re: Which DVD should I buy?

I'd have to say none of the above.

The one to look for would be the original cinema version, how it was screened before they added the unnecessary CGI effects and that bloody awful spider walk to it (actually, the spider walk might have been more effective if they'd shown it as it was originally filmed, but even with that one, I can go along with Friedkin's decision to exclude it).

Certainly with The Version You've Never Seen, some of the restored scenes do enhance it a bit, but it doesn't really need them. If you want to see the film at it's very best, seek out the original cut and stick with that.

Re: Which DVD should I buy?

Here's a detailed comparison of the two you linked:

http://www.movie-censorship.com/report.php?ID=5706806

Ideally, and generally speaking, the director's cuts should be the ones to have (IMO), but all in all, I don't think it really matters much in this case unless you're overly picky, or if the "spiderwalk" scene makes or breaks it for you. If you absolutely must make a weighted decision, take the one with the longest runtime and skip over the parts you think shouldn't be there.

Re: Which DVD should I buy?

Wouldn't you rather a nice HD Blu-Ray version instead?

Re: Which DVD should I buy?

IMO The Director's Cut

Re: Which DVD should I buy?

At one time, I had all disc versions, but April 2015 my house got destroyed by fire and I lost my entire movie collection. Now rebuilding from scratch, but I have abandoned disc collecting, and going exclusively streaming (VUDU). I bought the theatrical version only and no plans to buy the other versions. It's simply my favorite viewing of all versions, so more personal reason than objective comparison.



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One of these days I'm going to cut you into little pieces.

Re: Which DVD should I buy?

"The 25th Anniversary" DVD is the one you want. It has the original theatrical cut digitally remastered. There may even be a set that has both editions of the film on it, but I can't remember.





I'm not a control freak, I just like things my way

Re: Which DVD should I buy?


"The 25th Anniversary" DVD is the one you want. It has the original theatrical cut digitally remastered. There may even be a set that has both editions of the film on it, but I can't remember.
Vudu's HDX version is equal in quality to Blu-ray, imo. But they did not have the 25th Anniversary theatrical cut. So it does have a bit of graininess to it due to it not being digitally remastered. The only other version they have is the Extended director's cut which includes the spider walk. I'm fine without it. Not to mention I have a standing rule of no demon subliminal images allowed in the kitchen.

Going Blu ray disc would have resolved this for now since I do have a BR disc player. But I agree with many articles predicting the movie disc will eventually die like VHS tape. Virtual movie libraries are the future (and a house fire can't destroy my virtual copy of The Exorcist ).



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One of these days I'm going to cut you into little pieces.

Re: Which DVD should I buy?

The 2-disc Blu-ray has both versions. Personally, I have always found the original release (included in this set) is a far superior film.

Re: Which DVD should I buy?

Amen to that! The original still stands as the superior film, and I much prefer the ending of Dyer looking down the steps and walking away, as Tubular Bells gives way to the crashing of Fantasia for Strings. So unsettling, so good!

I find the extended cut to already feel more dated by all those CG inserts by Friedkin, and it isn't paced as well as the original. It's also obvious that the last scene was missing some audio elements, hence the long shot of Kinderman and Dyer walking away together without the "beautiful friendship" dialogue.

Re: Which DVD should I buy?

Yes....and another thing. The completely remixed sound in the "new" version just falls flat. For a movie that depends so heavily on sound for scares, they just messed that one up. The sound mix on the original (which won an Oscar) is perfection.
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