Rating: 
Summary: The best film of all time
Review: After playing with an Ouija board, Regan, a happy pre-teen girl living in Georgetown, Washington D.C. begins to develop increasingly horrific behavior. Baffled doctors suggest mental illness, but none of their tests can back this up. After witnessing several of Regan's horrific acts and all medical possibilities are exhausted, Regan's mother, Chris Macneil, turns to the church. She approaches Father Damien Karras who is a Jesuit priest and a psychiatrist. He looks at young Regan and becomes convinced that she is possessed by an evil entity, and after collecting the necessary evidence he brings this to the church's attention and calls in Father Merrin, who is an experienced exorcist. They try to drive the evil spirit out of Regan before she dies. Some say the "Iraq dig" prologue is long and boring. I think it is a wonderful piece of cinema which sets up the mood and the despair of the film. I love the way the clock stops in the room full of finds, I love the shot of Father Merrin face to face with the Pazuzu statue, and the disorted sounds of the dogs fighting haunted me long after the film finished. Some also criticize the film for being too slow, but I find the contrast between the slow scenes and the scenes in Regan's room to heighten the horror of it all. It also builds a contrast between light and dark, good and evil. The acting in the film is superb, especially that of Linda Blair. The film was nominated and won several awards for the acting. All technical aspects of the film are stunning. All the special effects are psychical and not computer generated. To think, the set had to be refrigerated overnight just to produce the foggy breath when today that is all just drawn in by computers! These effects have aged well, and they don't look cheap today and still have their realism and impact. The sound is one of the most chilling things in the whole film; it is what stays with you the most after seeing the film. The images are also haunting: Regan's injured face, the white face that appears only twice in the whole film, and one of the most mesmeric and memorable shots in cinema history when Father Merrin arrives on a foggy night to perform the exorcism. All of these things work in perfect harmony to create a truly amazing and chilling piece of cinema. Calling The Exorcist "the scariest film ever" does it no favors. Just let all your expectations go, let yourself believe, feel every hair on your body stand on end, and enjoy the best film ever made.
Rating:
Summary: The scariest movie of all time RESTORED!
Review: Not only is "The Exorcist" the scariest movie of all time, is is one my favorite movies of any genre. Although it does not share the same psychological suspense as "The Silence of the Lambs", "The Exorcist" is a very tense film, as well as a horrifying look at pure evil. As William Peter Blatty [the author and producer] says on the documentary, you take out of this movie what you want to. If you can look beyond the sometimes over-the-top demonic posession horror, the story is brilliant, and the movie is very tasteful in the way it represents itself. A major triumph. About the "Version You've Never Seen" aspect... The added scenes are not too spectacular, many of which could be seen on the documentary. Some added scenes, such as the opening shots really added to film, and others [such as the highlights of the demon face] did not seem to really add much, but were still interesting additions. Of the 3 DVD releases of "The Exorcist" [First Release, 25th Anniversary, "The Version You're Never Seen"], the most recent 2 both have their qualities, and are the better versions to pick from. The 25th Anniversary has an excellent 74 minute documentary "The Fear of God: The Making of 'The Exorcist'", full of interesting tid-bits of information including the rumored cursed production problems and intriguing 1998 interviews with members of the cast including Linda Blair [Regan McNeil] and Ellen Burstyn [Chris McNeil]. It also has a commentary track with both the director William Friedkin and the writer/producer William peter Blatty. The latest DVD, this version, "The Version You've Never Seen" not only has an incredibly restored Dolby Digital soundtrack, but an unbelievably clear [especially for 1973] restored picture. Like the other DVD it has a commentary track, only it has just the director speaking, no Blatty. Director Friedkin goes on and on as if it was a TheatreVision video for blind people; describing what is obviously happening on the screen. The few reflections he makes on making the film and why [now added] scenes were cut out are not even worth waiting for if you have to listen to his audio book-like commentary the rest of the time. I suggest you rent the Anniversary edition to watch the informative documentary, but purchase the restored version to have in your collection.
Rating: 
Summary: What's the Big Deal?
Review: Everyone touts this movie as being the "Scariest Movie of All Time." While I agree that there are some truly shocking and scary moments in the film, it simply isn't the scariest movie I've ever seen. To me, the film was more of an essay on faith, a drama that discussed powerful, controversial religious issues. Father Karris's journey from doubt to sacrifice in the film is breathtaking--but not frightening. Was I the only one that felt the dramatic impact of the film? The green puke was gross, the head-turning scene was revolutionary, and the crucifix, "Let Jesus..." scene was downright terrifying. But for me, the true beauty of the film is Father Karris and the victory of good over evil. You want to truly be terrified? Go watch "Glitter."
Rating:
Summary: What a movie
Review: All I can say after viewing The Exorcist is wow. Why so many people out there think it's some comedy is beyond me. It is simply the best film ever made...dark, spiritual, deep and emotionally (sometimes psyically!) exhausting. All I can say for the teens out there who think this masterpiece is so funny: watch it at midnight, ALONE. Scared yet?
Rating:
Summary: Attention Horror Movies: Meet your Archetype
Review: The Exorcist is the *classic* tale of a young girl named Reagan (Linda Blaire) who is possessed by a daemon. When all classic forms of treatment fail, her mother - who is not religious - turns to the Catholic church for help. Her only hope is a seldom done Exorcism to save her daughter. I have seen all three Exorcist movies about a dozen times (I'm pretty sure I even rented it on Beta once or twice), and I was very excited when they rereleased it. I enjoyed seeing it on the big screen, more than I did any of the Star Wars movies, and the extra footage was a pleasant surprise. Most of it is too risque to discuss here, but if you like scary movies, or you liked the Exorist the old way, you will *love* this movie. Just stay away from the pea soup for a couple days before.
Rating: 
Summary: Much better than I expected....
Review: I saw The Exorcist in the theater during its original release, at which time there was much controversy about the morality of showing such vivid scenes of pure evil inflicted upon an innocent young girl. The intervening years have been very kind to this film (especially considering the special effects technology in use at the time of its creation). And while some of the more "over the top" scenes are still somewhat shocking, they no longer dominate the viewing experience, leaving room to appreciate the many subtleties overlooked in the past. What once seemed to be exploitation now fits comfortably into the overall narrative. I feel that The Exorcist is as faithful to the novel as can be expected in a cinematic adaptation, and the acting and direction elevates it well above most of the subsequent entries to the genre. I enjoyed the inclusion in this version of previously deleted scenes, most of which add depth to the storyline without interrupting its flow. The new ending certainly changes the way the viewer is left to feel about the film, and some may object that this lessens its overall impact. I can only say that I found the new ending to be an appropriate and enjoyable change that did not diminish my experience in any way. One feature I always look forward to on DVD is a director's commentary track, which is included on this edition. But it is the most bizarre commentary I have ever heard, and I don't mean that as praise. Eighty percent of Friedkin's "commentary" consists of his telling us what the actors in the scene are saying, offering no additional insights, and taking the concept of screen-specific commentary to a new and absurd level. The other twenty percent of Friedkin's input is interesting, if just a bit lightweight. He does mangage to convey his sincere intentions in making this film, and his affection for the project and the people involved in its creation.
Rating:
Summary: Exorcist- A Good Film, Now Better.
Review: William Peter Blatty's The Exorcist-The Version You've Never Seen First off, the film. I think that The Exorcist is a very good movie. It is well done, well acted and written and directed. The movie really clicks because of some of the main actor's wonderfull potrayols of some of the characters. For one, Ellen Burstyn is simply sensational in her lead role as a tough mother who must watch as her innocent daughter is possesed by a foul mouthed demon, Pazuzu. Burstyn is a wonderful, talented actress and she played the role so well, it's like she's not acting! Jason Miller as Preist/Psychiatrist Father Damien Karras is just great. His quilt ridden character, fearing that he is losing his faith, is duplicated so very well by Miller's performance, his facial expressions, the way he talks, his eyes.... he's very convincing in this important role. Max von Sydow, as old Father
Merrin, is also very, very good. He was covered in thick layers of make-up to look older than he really was, and he still acted great. Wonderfull job that I feel deserved an Oscar. Lee J. Cobb, in a pretty much unimortant and gratuitous role, is still quite stunning. He plays Detective William F. Kinderman, a fan of movies as well as a sly investigator. Well done. Father Karras' sick mother is portrayed by Vasiliki Maliaros, and although she didn't ever make another movie, she's excellent as an old, dieing woman who stays sweet to her son. Now, of course, you can't forget Linda Blair, can you? No. I don't think anyone who sees this movie could forget Linda Blair as the demon possesed 12 year old girl. Mrs. Blair received an Acadamy Award Nomination for this movie, and I say it was well deserved. Although her voice was dubbed over by Mercedes McCambridge and the gross-out scenes were done with Eileen Deitz (is that spelled right?), Mrs. Blair does some sensational things in this movie. It's the way she let herself go and just acted that made her performance unforgettable. The directing on this film is quite good. It's been reported that director William Freidkan beat up his cast and crew to get a good reaction on-screen (he even fired guns to make people look surprised) but I beleive that's what made the acting so good. The writing on this is also good. William Peter Blatty adapted his bestseller book into a movie and I think he did a good job. He didn't change much from the book, but his adaption does the book faithfully and his script is well written, especially in the first half (those medical examination scenes give me the creeps). Some people have said the movie is only about a girl who gets possesed and spews pea soup and has sex with a crucifix, but this movie does have a message. It's quite difficult to find, and I know that when I first watched the movie, I thought it had nothing to do with faith, but after several repeated veiwings, I can see what the message is. There are several scenes about faith and it's faith that is needed to save the poor little girl, Reagan, but Father Karras is losing his. The film has a strong moral behind all the possesion scenes, but it's hard to find. The Exorcist has already gone through two DVD releases, one of poorer quality than the others. The second release, the 25th Anniversary Special Edition, was very good, full of extras and a beautiful transfer for the picture and sound, but this "Version You've Never Seen" release is slightley better, yet slightley poorer. The picture and sound on this one are far better than the previous release, much less film grain and brighter colors. The sound is in a new Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack that is quite spectacular. The new version adds scenes, which blend in seamlessly, as well as some discarded musical cues that help add to the tension. The new scenes flesh out the characters and the reason behind the girl's possesion, and there's also the shocking "Spider-walk" which really made me jump. I won't tell you what happens, but it's quite a surprise! There are also some new CGI effects that I feel add to the creepiness, also. The new epilouge between Father Dyer (Rev. William O' Malley) and Detective Kinderman (Lee J. Cobb) was mostly hated by fans and criticts (including Roger Ebert) but I like it a lot. At first I didn't think much of it, but now, having seen the third film, I can see why this scene's important (Dyer and Kinderman are good freinds in Part 3). We've also got an extended scene of Merrin's arrival at the house, him asking Reagan's middle name, a conversation on the stairs in a break in the exorcism, a slightley longer beggining, a new medical examination scene near the beggining, as well as a scene of Father Karras examining a recording of Reagan before she got possesed (very helpful). Those are the good things about this DVD, but the bad things are there, too. The disk seems to lack in any special features. Sure, you got some interesting notes, trailers (for the 2000 version) and a commentary, but it's not nearly as packed as the 25th Anniversary disk, which has TWO commentaries, a very insightfull 76 minute documentary, trailers, cast index, and a few more things. This disk has a different commentary by director Freidkan than the other disk, and this one is far worse. It's a commentary in which the director gives almost no insight into the making of the film (except at the beggining) and goes for basically saying "In this scene Reagan steals a cookie from the cookie jar and Chris chases her to get it back" or "Chris asks Karras if Reagan will die and he sais 'No'". Not a good commentary. I like the trailers and Radio Spots, though. They're quite well done. The movie, as I said, looks great. Occasional grain comes, but not to often and the print is quite breathtaking (this movie was made in 1973?). It's presented in its original widescreen format and it features a 5.1 track, a Mono, and French sub-titles. So, anyway, I'd say you decide which Exorcist DVD you like best. You must at least rent the 25th Anniversary disk and watch the wonderful documentary, but I say this version is better.
Rating:
Summary: The Exorcist review by Shadow
Review: I think that this movie is very powerful but somewhat unrealistic! I'm 12 and I regret watching it. I also think the fact that the movie was based on a true story, it made the story more scary. I thinnk the thing that made me most scared was how the girl looked as she began to rot. I didn't really like all the violence. But over all I think it was welll made, especially if you like scary movies!!
Rating:
Summary: Great and scary movie before bedtime
Review: I am a big fan of The Exorcist and i think it's a great and scary movie before bedtime.
I couldn't stop thinking about The Exorcist and i even had i a dream that i was Regan and that i was possessed that night!
Pretty crazy don't you think?
I was 10 years old when i saw The Exorcist and when the movie was over i ran to my computer and started to look for pictures of The Exorcist the next day.
I have now 500 pictures of The Exorcist and i even have pictures of possessed Regan in my room.
But i have to say what i think about The Exorcist and i am gonna say that people MUST see The Exorcist!!!
I have to say to the people who don't have the guts or courage to watch The Exorcist that they are crazy.
It maybe scary at some parts of the movie but you guys DO know that there is more then drama and action movies out there.
I know this out of experience because my mother recommended this movie to me.
Anyway people must see this movie. The Exorcist Rocks!!!!
Rating:
Summary: If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Review: My suggested title for this film is, "The Version You Don't Need to See." Some umpteen years since its release, "The Exorcist" still has the juice to scare audiences out of its wits. It's the alpha and the omega of all horror movies, and will continue to stand the test of time. The original 1973 version is fine as it is, but director Bill Friedkin, in what I'm sure was a marketing ploy, added 11 minutes of additional footage to the film. These scenes, for the most part, don't make the film any better, and in some cases, they even slightly damage it. The ending, in particular, was unnecessary and should have been left out, while the infamous "spider walk" scene is little more than a cheap thrill you'd expect from a cheesy 80's b-level movie. The only improvement has to be the sound, which is fuller, richer and livlier than the original ever was. Still, if I were to recommend this classic to a first-time viewer, I'd have them choose the original 1973 version. It's my hope that Warners will have in print both the 1973 version and the 2000 version, as I think consumers should be allowed to choose the version they desire.
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