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- The Exorcist (The Version You've Never Seen) - US DVD -  

In 1973 one of the scariest movies ever filmed arrived in theaters. When it was 
initially released "The Exorcist" caused quite a stir. Both those who went to see 
it and those who would never even consider seeing it, debated the merits of the 
film. In the fall of 2000 the movie was released with a restored soundtrack and 
approximately fifteen minutes of previously unseen footage.	
"The Exorcist" is easily one of the most important horror movies ever made. This 
film helped to bring an expanding genre into the mainstream. Gore, graphic language, 
sexual deviation, and demonic possession are all set in a background of normal 
everyday life. This film does use many unpleasant aspects to stagger our imaginations. 
The graphic language and vulgar acts are not designed to incite our darkest depravities. 
Rather, these are used to demonstrate evil in its purest form. 
Director William Friedkin and producer/screenwriter William Peter Blatty (who also 
wrote the novel) do a fine job of ensuring a smooth translation from book to movie. 
The film does not initially overpower us. Tension and suspense are apparent from 
the beginning. Slowly the story grips us and builds on our fears.           	                       	
The story seems simple at the outset. 'Chris MacNeil' (Ellen Burstyn) thinks that 
her twelve-year-old daughter 'Regan' is acting strangely. 'Regan' (Linda Blair) is 
brought in for a medical check up. It does not help. 'Regan's' mental and physical 
condition degrades further and further. The doctors can find nothing wrong. 'Regan's'
mom suspects that her daughter has become possessed by the Devil. As a last resort, 
'Chris' seeks out someone to perform an exorcism. 'Father Karras' (Jason Miller) 
reluctancy agrees to see young 'Regan.'             	
The movie is a journey into the true human nature. We see people as they really are, 
with their faults, strengths and more important, their weaknesses. 'Father Karras' 
is the focal point here. 'Karras' is beginning to question his faith. The recent 
death of his mother does not help his ability to deal with his internal conflict and 
the dilemma of what to do with 'Regan.' 'Chris' is also dealing with a personal 
struggle. Her husband is not in the picture as the marriage is falling apart.	   
These weaknesses become extremely significant to the plot. The demon possessing 'Regan'
uses these to his advantage. This is his mastery of evil. The devil thrives on anything 
that makes us vulnerable. If the devil would prey on an innocent young girl for no 
apparent reason, who would not he prey on?  	
We can only assume what the Devil's true intentions are. The perspective is from the 
humans involved and how they interpret the Demon's actions. The film never tries to 
justify how they feel. It does not need to do that. Whether those fighting evil are 
right or wrong or somewhere in between is not the point. The point is that they are 
trying to battle evil in the only manner that they can find.                
The film does not attempt to make a judgement between good and evil. It simply shows 
us that there are stark differences. Good is not perfect. Evil, in its unadulterated 
form, is something to be truly feared. This is not a film that takes a moral stand. 
In some ways the movie is neutral. The characters take sides. Religion is not mocked. 
It is shown for what it is. You will not feel that you are being told to grasp on to 
faith to fight off evil.
A great cast is assembled for this film. One of the finest performances in the movie 
may be overlooked by many. Lee J. Cobb (it's unfortunate but many have probably never 
heard the name of this great American actor) is Oscar-worthy in his portrayal of 
'Police Lieutenant Kinderman.' This role is interesting. 'Kinderman' knows less of 
what is taking place then does the audience. 'Kinderman' gives the story the rational 
perspective that it needs. Even though his investigation of a possible murder brings 
him close to what is taking place, he is still outside the realm. Both good and evil 
almost need 'Kinderman.' Through him both sides can be assured that the truth of what 
happens is never discovered by the world.
The previously unseen footage actually makes the film flow a little better. We see more 
of the medical attempts to cure young 'Regan.' The best new scene is quite a horrifying 
one. It is of a possessed 'Regan' running down the stairs in a spider-like crawl. It 
is a quick scene, but it hits hard. Some of the other previously unseen scenes help us
to better understand the characters.
I was left a little disappointed with the extras. There were a few of the basics that 
I did not expect much from. TV/Radio spots, theatrical trailers and a listing of the 
cast and crew were exactly what I thought they should be. A few were included that I 
thought would provide possibly some interesting footage and even some thought-provoking 
comments. 'Behind the Scream,' a piece about Blatty and Friedkin's differences concerning 
the screenplay, and 'Fast Facts' were nothing more then a few pages of notes. 
Thankfully a commentary version with director William Friedkin is available. If you are 
a fan of either this movie, or horror in general, I highly recommend listening to what 
the director has to say. He focuses on the movie and solely the movie. This is not some 
over rated Hollywood mucky-mucky trying to tell us how great he is. It is refreshing.    
"The Exorcist" is one of the scariest movies ever made. Even more than thirty years after 
its original release, it has not lost its effect. If you have not seen this newer version 
of the film, you should. If you have never seen "The Exorcist", shame on you.

Reviewed By Scal Williams

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