Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist - Sony Pictures - Oct 13, 2020

[rdodolak]

Sony Pictures is scheduled to re-release the Morgan Creek film Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist on Blu-ray on Oct 13, 2020.

Father Lankester Merrin, Stellan Skarsgard, is conducting an archeological dig in East Africa when he discovers remnants of a pagan church.

[Dubstar]

I get confused with this release this is Harlin's cut of the movie, right? or Schraders ?

[Chaotic]

Originally Posted by Dubstar

I get confused with this release this is Harlin's cut of the movie, right? or Schraders ?

Schraders

[Gacivory]

Originally Posted by Dubstar

I get confused with this release this is Harlin's cut of the movie, right? or Schraders ?

By clicking on the photo in the post. It took me to the listing on this site which says, Director: Paul Schrader.

[jess1581]

Hopefully this will be in the correct aspect ratio. That WB release was bullshit. If anything, I wish they'd take Harlin's film and open it up to 2.00:1 the way the vistavision looked.

[yellowcakeuf6]

Originally Posted by jess1581

Hopefully this will be in the correct aspect ratio. That WB release was bullshit. If anything, I wish they'd take Harlin's film and open it up to 2.00:1 the way the vistavision looked.

Univisium.

[deltatauhobbit]

Honestly, I think I preferred Harlin's version more, especially the third act changes.

[jess1581]

Originally Posted by yellowcakeuf6

Univisium.

THAT'S the one, thank you.

[bergman864]

Originally Posted by yellowcakeuf6

Univisium.

The worst decision of Vittorio Storaro's career. I understand why, but it's still a terrible idea.

[Brian81]

finally a solo release of this!

[Chaotic]

Hopefully they do a solo release for The Beginning (I’m one of the very few who likes it)

[TwinCitiesBluFan]

Originally Posted by Chaotic

Hopefully they do a solo release for The Beginning (I’m one of the very few who likes it)

I honestly don't mind either one of them, but to be fair, I also mix up which is Beginning and which is Dominion. I may have to rewatch them in October.

[Chaotic]

I rewatched The Beginning last October. I’ll do it again this year. Haven’t watched this one yet.

[Surge92]

Originally Posted by Chaotic

I rewatched The Beginning last October. I’ll do it again this year. Haven’t watched this one yet.

Don't expect the same movie. That said, Dominion is a lot better for the most part, at least in my opinion, but it's marred by some terrible, last-minute patchwork CGI. That's more Morgan Creek's fault than Schrader's, though.

[Guydowood]

Originally Posted by Chaotic

Hopefully they do a solo release for The Beginning (I’m one of the very few who likes it)

The Beginning was released solo but is out of print. However if you goto Hamilton Books.com it can be had for $6 brand new.....

[Chaotic]

Originally Posted by Guydowood

The Beginning was released solo but is out of print. However if you goto Hamilton Books.com it can be had for $6 brand new.....

Forgot about that. I thought maybe Sony would release their own like they are doing for this & other MC films.

[DMRI2006]

IMO Schrader's version is utterly boring. I think it's interesting to watch it versus the Harlin film for sure, but the Harlin version does improve upon it in a number of ways. Starsgard's performance is better, more urgent. The recasting of the younger priest worked in its favor too. Plus the Schrader version makes little attempt to connect with the original Exorcist. Harlin did a good job adding easter eggs throughout which are fun.

That's not to say The Beginning doesn't have its own problems, but I do find it more entertaining personally. The big surprise for me with Schrader's film was just how plodding and dull it was.

[Wtdk]

Originally Posted by DMRI2006

IMO Schrader's version is utterly boring. I think it's interesting to watch it versus the Harlin film for sure, but the Harlin version does improve upon it in a number of ways. Starsgard's performance is better, more urgent. The recasting of the younger priest worked in its favor too. Plus the Schrader version makes little attempt to connect with the original Exorcist. Harlin did a good job adding easter eggs throughout which are fun.

That's not to say The Beginning doesn't have its own problems, but I do find it more entertaining personally. The big surprise for me with Schrader's film was just how plodding and dull it was.

Films with completely different goals. One is about WHY Merrin became who he was the other is HOW.

I have to disagree. If there was some way to take both films, take the best elements From both, we would have a really good movie. Schrader’s film is a character study and mood piece while Harlan’s a traditional, albeit generic, horror movie. I do find Schrader’s movie more involving but the ending with dodgy CGI kind of sucks. The connection is driven by Merrin’s character so there is enough of a connection. There are many films where the main character is the only connection so I disagree there as well as THIS film is about Merrin’s connection with the supernatural for the first time and less with a specific demon.

Harlan’s film is more of horror/action each has its merit but I would give the edge to Schrader’s.

The irony is that Mill Creek (who blew it with Excorist III KNOWING what the film was ahead of time and insisting on it being re-edited and reshot and then, suddenly, was surprised when they got exactly what Blatty had shown them in script form) knew EXACTLY what they were getting with the script by Schrader we’re suddenly surprised that they got more of a psychologically character driven thriller rather than “The Exorcist” dumped it, retooled It with Harlan’s version which was a generic horror film.

For some expectations can shape our experience of liking or not like a film. Knowing Schrader, I went in there without any preconceptions and enjoyed it even if the ending was underwhelming.

[BNex99]

Not sure about Dominion, but I've owned Beginning on Vudu for a while, and it looks like it's been updated with what I assume is the Sony version.

The WB logo has been removed (along with the opening 15 seconds or so of music), and the picture is framed at 2.00:1. My guess is that'll be what's on the new Blu-ray, and that the same will be true for Dominion.

[Fangmacher]

Originally Posted by BNex99

Not sure about Dominion, but I've owned Beginning on Vudu for a while, and it looks like it's been updated with what I assume is the Sony version.

The WB logo has been removed (along with the opening 15 seconds or so of music), and the picture is framed at 2.00:1. My guess is that'll be what's on the new Blu-ray, and that the same will be true for Dominion.

2.00:1 huh? Any chance you’d be able to compare screen grabs to see if the frame was opened or if they pulled some Last Emperor shenanigans?