Rating: 
Summary: A Classic That Transcends Time.
Review: The Exorcist has scared the living-bajeepers out of my entire family for as long as I have known. After first seeing it when I was much younger, I remember that I didn't get a good night's rest for atleast two weeks. When I told my father that I was going to see the re-release of it in the theater on Halloween night, my dad warned me and said, "Don't forget. People have fainted, thrown up and gone crazy when seeing it on big screen." And it's true. When The Exorcist was released in the early 70's, the audience had been scared out of their wits. So what is it about The Exorcist that not just gives us the chills, but literally tears into our bodies and minds and threatens the well-being of our souls? The Exorcist can be classified as "horror" because of the sentiments we receive when we realize that all medical and scientific reasons have been explored and have failed to explain 12-year old Regan's behavior. When all rational, logical explanations have failed, the mother Chris (who is an atheist) desperately turns to a Catholic priest for help. As the plot builds up to this, the audience is forced to question, "Does diabolical possession really exist?" Just the idea of demons from Hell preying upon vulnerable and inviting souls is terrifying. Not only is it terrifying, but some people might take it as an insult to their lifestyles or intelligence for it asks them to turn to a source they may have denied long ago for personal reasons: The Church. Living in the scientific/information age, many of us have ruled out phenomena that are explained by mystical powers. We outrightly and confidently declare that such things asking us to go beyond our founded knowledge, for example, the blind faith in God, miracles, the existence of spirits and demons, cannot be since our scientific progress has supported time and time again that there are other and MORE FOUNDED possibilities. Due to our scientific revolution, our skepticism has risen tremendously regarding the once-declared-"mystical" explanations.....because they've been mistaken, and they've probably been wrong all this time. Friedkin once affirmed that the reason why he made the film wasn't to scare people, unless it was to scare them back into their faith. His main intention was for people to question and return to their faith, to find room for the mystical explanations in this age where science and information reign. This re-release is actually more fitting for today than the old version because the extra minutes added include a longer focus on the psychiatric and medical tests that were performed on Regan, in the end failing to determine what was wrong with her. The doctors are literally dumbfounded, and it is when they are speechless that they realize they're limited. It is a humbling experience for both the characters and the audience. Some other visually-shocking scenes are added too - obscenities are enhanced, and the infamous "spider-walk" (they hired a contortionist) is added to satisfy the moviegoers whose motivation is to enjoy the sheer horror. (The obscenities are meant to shock viewers -- but I was disappointed to hear the younger people behind me fill up with laughter.) However, for those of us who are curious about the mysterious power behind the priests and their rite of exorcism, in this film is enclosed a deeper and more serious story about good vs. evil. Viewing this may result in a strengthening of faith. As a theological researcher, I have done extensive research on diabolical possession, and although most exorcists would say that the realism of what happens during an exorcism could never be captured on film, I'd have to say that "The Exorcist" does, in the least, capture a glimpse of it. It is good to know that it is not jacked-up to fulfill the standards of Hollywood horror, and that the stages of possession all the way to the expelling of the demon were accurate in description. (i.e., the inviting of the demon through the Ouija board, signs of infestation such as rapping on the walls and floors, poltergeist-like characteristics such as inanimate objects moving by thmselves, shaking of the bed, levitation of the possessed, the possessed speaking in an inhuman voice, exaggerated contortions of the body, throwing up pints of spit, responding belligerently to the prayers said, cuts suddenly appearing on the body seemingly from the inside out and sometimes spelling out words, the possessed having the ability to speak and understand foreign languages not priorly known, etc., etc.). Overall, a very well done revision of the original film, (writer William Peter Blatty said that he had been waiting for this version to be released for over 25 years) and a fantastic and beautiful story about faith, while exploring serious and important concepts of this age.
Rating: 
Summary: READ THIS REVIEW......A MUST FOR ALL!
Review: OH MY GOD! Watch this movie with a big blanket! I have abandoned my Christian beliefs after viewing this movie! I never saw the previous version of this horror-laden movie, and this is so frightening. Now I am so freaked! I often find myself staring in the mirror wondering when I will be possessed by an unscrupulous demon from below. I often stare long enough that I start to see my face slowly transform from my beautiful face to that of the demonic ghoul, John Ritter....although once I saw myself transform in to Gary Busey. Furthermore, I find myself acting out the viscous deeds that these men have carried out in films such as "Problem Child 2", starring Mr.John Ritter and "Rookie of the Year", starring Mr.Gary busey. Please use caution in viewing this DVD when it releases after Christmas (how convenient), but just see it once and judge for yourself.
Rating: 
Summary: bleh
Review: I don't think that I ever saw the Exorcist fully until I saw this version in the theaters and now I wonder what's the point? I don't know what scenes were re-added, but I'm betting that the one with the mother being committed to the mental ward was there as it completely CONTRADICTS the next scene where the priest's mother is supposed to have died in her apartment and no one questions when they released her from the hospital. Besides that this is a movie that's supposed to be menacing but falls flat. A 12-year old girl swears and pukes. Now I'm not a fifth grade teacher but I don't see what's so scary about that. By the time the wacky Jesuits come a-calling the movies been going on for almost 2 hours and you just want it to end. That's not to say that this movie is worthless. It did inspire a really cool Angel episode. But it's dated. You can almost get out your pen and start writing an essay about working parents worried that their kids are going to turn out to be bums/hippies on a scene-by-scene basis. By the way, I know I am committing horror movie blasphemy here but I really liked the sequel with George C. Scott and Brad Douriff as the demon-possessed priest. That was Exorcist III. It was just great to see Scott and Douriff face off against each other although I don't remember a thing about the plot except it had something to do with the demon-possessed priest and a serial killer and George C. Scott was way scarier than any demon from hell.
Rating: 
Summary: What are people raving about? This movie was bad.
Review: Classic? Horror? I don't think so. I consider myself to be a film buff but I could hardly pay attention to this movie. The effects were comical, I would have laughed if I wouldn't had been so bored to tears. The plot was ridiculous and the characters were anemic. The most disappointing aspect was its failure to meet the hype. Every time the music began playing and practically nothing would happen, I'd get angry at the director for wasting the music, which could have been this movie's only saving grace. I was sorely disappointed. Don't believe the hype.
Rating:
Summary: Classic
Review: Although I have seen the movie several years ago, last week when I saw the movie at midnight, it was still so eerie and made me tremble so much. The atomosphere of this movie is incomparable. Now after so many years of it's first release, we have had a lot of horror movies. And compared with many horrorer movies, The Excorcist may seems not so horror as it was. Even some scenes are not reasonable, for example, the turning head (even the girl was entrapped by something evil, a turning head must broke her neck-bone, isn't it?) . But I still wonder how excellent this movie was, and it was never out of date. I like the messages it conveyed and implied, the conflicts between good and evil, the conflicts in our mind. I appreciate it's classic scenes, the spider-walk, the turning head, the jumping bed and flying objects. It seems that all horror movies hereafter are all mimic.
Rating:
Summary: It is possible to improve on the original
Review: I saw the added footage version of the Exorcist in the theatres for the sole reason that I had always wanted to see it on the big screen. I was skeptical at first thinking that when they cut out scenes from a movie it is usually for a good reason. I must say though that the re-released version of the Exorcist is truely frightening and dare I say even better then the original. The added scenes re-established the Exorcist's placement on the top of all horror movie lists. After all this film is a classic horror movie with creeping suspense, wonderful makeup effects (done by the ever so wonderful Dick Smith) and deeper sense of meaning then just a horror movie. The Exorcist is one of those movies that defines the horror film genre. I think what makes it so good is that while it uses make up and special effects in the movie it does not rely on them for popularity. The story of the Exorcist is simply frightening and when you are done watching it ou are scared because it leaves you with this terrible menacing feeling that it is real. The bonus footage simply ads to the movies depth and richness. I certainly plan to pick this up on DVD when it comes out because of the added footage. I recommend that all horror fans check this out because it is really fantastic.
Rating:
Summary: Exorcist (The version you never seen)
Review: This is the best horror movie every made! And it is the scarest movie every made! I have the exorcist and it is all this and more. When i went to the movies to see the Exorcist(The version you never seen) it was the best, and it is the version you never! If you liked the exorcist then you will like the new version because it has 11 min. of extra footage including the spider walk.If you like horror movies then this movie is for you, if not then what are you doing looking at this review.I an a big time horror fan, and no horror movie scares me. But this one will scar you or make you think at night in your bed. The reason why it is the scarest, and best horror movie ever mad is because "it could realy happen!!" Did you know that the exorcist is bast on a true story. The true story is about a little boy that is 14 years, and it took place in 1949. The exorcist is the fiction storey of the true story.If you want to know more about the true story then by "In the grip of evil." Here is the house of horrors review "The film begins in Iraq where we are introduced to Father merrin(Max Von Sydow). While on an archeological dig, he feels the call of battle. It seems the dark lord wants a rematch (see "Exorcist 2 :The Heretic" for more information on their past encounters). But where will this battle take place??? Little Regan(Linda Blair) seem to have a new friend, Captain Howdy(aka"Stana's minions")and he doesn't play nice.Strang things are at a mist at the McNeil household.After battery of very painful test, and being labeled a lunatic, they realize that Regan isn't herself. When all else fails turn to the church, right??? Thats when a priest(Jason Miller), who at the time is questioning his own faith, is called to do battle with the Demions of Hell. He is joined lator by Father Merrin(Max Von Sydow), a seasoned pro when it comes to sparring with Buzuzu. Holy water and green puke fly from every imaginable angle as this battle of good and evil rages. In the end who is the real winner? A great movie that makes us all question our faithful of faithless lives. Great effects (legendary spider walk, green puke, spinning head, ect.) ala Dick Smith and a very eerie atmosphere. The score is outstanding.The best ever. Overall, one of the most complete and entrancing horror films of all time. Buy this movie you woun't regrat it!!!
Rating:
Summary: Stands the test of time
Review: Many films that get the big studio reissue treatment come and go with ad campaigns that promise pristine prints, new scenes or new sound treatments. Some of these films are worthy of such reissues (i.e.,Star Wars, Taxi Driver), some others are nothing but hype (i.e. Blood Simple, Faster Pussycat). This past year, THE EXORCIST got the reissue only a true film classic deserves. Missing footage that added texture to the religious ritual of exorcism were welcomed by fans of the film and of the Roman Catholic church. But for my money, the eerie sound-effects enhanced by state-of-the-art sound-effects editing did it for me! The treatment paid off in a big way for Warner Bros. too. This 27 year old film outgrossed new movies that were up against it in it's rerelease. One cant help wonder how Ellen Burstyn, magificant in this years REQUEIM FOR A DREAM got passed up for an Oscar in 1973. With all the horror films that have come and gone, THE EXORCIST has stood the test of time and can still scare the pants off of the most jaded film goer.
Rating:
Summary: A real Hoot!!!
Review: Saw this film for the first time here in New York city on the big screen.Lots of fun - bggest comedy of the year! Favorite line "Mom, what's wrong with me? Answer - Don't worry, just take your pills and you'll be fine!!Linda Blair as always gives a great performance - they should have given her the Academy award instead of nomination only!!
Rating:
Summary: The new version is terrific
Review: For those of you that like The Exorcist and wondered if you should have seen the movie in the theaters *just* becuase it has some new scenes I can tell you it's definataly worth it. The added scenes improve the continuity for the most part and provide a few new shocks (as if this movie needed more). The soundtrack is radically reworked as well, employing newly scored music that adds to the mood of the movie. There are new sound effects that have more "oomph" for the modern six channel digital sound. Have the 25'th Anniversary tape? Saw the Spider walk scene in the Documentary? Well, in the new release, it's a different version and 10 times more creepy (it took a minute for the audience I was with to calm down). It was great to see this in a theater and see people jaded by cookie cutter slasher flicks respond to this movie so well. This movie is not fast paced and that allows it to build up a foundation of dread and fear about the developing possession of the girl. Until it finally unleashes in the more horrifying scenes you've all heard about. The overall color scheme of the movie is grayish and colorless, further drawing you into that fear and dread. The background music (the new and the limited amount utilized in the original version)has very little melody with a lot of sustained low chords. It doesn't call attention to itself but does unnerve you. The possessed girl is probabaly one of the scariest faces in movie history. It's incredible that all that was really done to Linda Blair's face was to add a few asymetrical cuts, cover over her eyebrows and darken her sockets (giving her eyes a skull like look). But of course, it was the makeup master Dick Smith that was doing it so it's not too much of a surprise. The crowning feature of the scariest face was the unhuman look of the eyes, done with contact lenses. The upcoming DVD of the "version you never saw" deserves a place in my colection and yours. Besides a faithful transfer of the new version to DVD and the trailer, I can suggest that Warner Bros. include the tour of Washington sequence. This is another sequence that was not used in the final cut. It still exists but with no soundtrack. Putting it on the extras section of the DVD with an explanation of the missing soundtrack and subtitles would make this DVD an even better purchase for fans of the movie (like myself).
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