Just in time for the film’s 50th anniversary, the 1973 horror classic “The Exorcist” will be coming to 4K for the first time. We can all finally watch Linda Blair spew split pea soup with crystal-clear picture quality!
Directed by William Friedkin, “The Exorcist” tells the story of Regan (Blair), a possessed young girl. Her mother (Ellen Burstyn), desperate for help calls upon a priest, Father Karras (Jason Miller), to investigate. But Karras, who is having a spiritual crisis, has to confront the unimaginable evil of Regan’s possession. Father Lankester Merrin (Max von Sydow), an archeologist-priest, is called in to help. This begins a horrific battle for the Regan’s soul.
“The Exorcist” also stars Lee J. Cobb, Kitty Winn, and Jack MacGowan. Released in December of 1973, the film was a massive success, earning roughly $428 million worldwide across its various releases. (Including a re-release in 2000 where Friedkin re-cut his own film with 11 minutes of additional footage.)
The new 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release will include both the 1973 theatrical version, and the 2000 Extended Director’s Cut! So both editions will be presented in their highest possible quality for the first time. The only real downside for many collectors here is there seem to be no new bonus features from previous releases.
This release seems long overdue, especially considering “The Exorcist III” has already received a 4K re-release. Waiting for the film’s 50th anniversary does make some sense. This 4K release also coincides with David Gordon Green‘s new sequel “The Exorcist: Believer” hitting theaters on October 13th. As well as Warner Bros. Studios doing a year-long 100th-anniversary celebration.
This 4K Ultra HD release of “The Exorcist” will hit shelves September 19th. The disc will retail for $33.99 and is currently available to pre-order for $29.99 from Amazon. But for those who aren’t into physical media, it will also be available digitally via retailers like Amazon Prime Video and Google Play.
