Original Audio vs. Remixed Audio

[Popcorn_Bliss]

Originally Posted by BNex99

Again, I haven't heard the disc myself, so I'm not sure, but apparently, the original mono is actually not on there. The mono track that is there is a fold-down of the 7.1 remix.



Those three releases are all the exact same discs (obviously, the 2011 single-disc is just the extended cut). The extended version has a 6.1 track, while the original has a 5.1. I'm no authority, but here's what has been surmised on the dedicated Exorcist threads:

The 6.1 on the "Extended Director's Cut" is essentially the ground-up remix done for the 2000 theatrical re-release. A lot of extra sound effects throughout, and I think even a couple of different music cues.

The 5.1 on the BD Theatrical Version seems to be based on the original mono. It's practically mono anyway, just with some sound effects and music cues slightly expanded into the surrounds.

The 1979 remix was used on several VHS and laserdisc releases throughout the 80s and 90s, and also on the initial DVD in 1997. There are a few extra sound effects (though different from the 2000 remix), and some spatial effects on some of the demon's lines (such as "AND I'M THE DEVIL!").

Hope that helps!

Thanks! That does help. I wasn't aware that the 2000 release used yet another 6.1 mix but that explains a lot of it. Oh, the pitfalls of being an Exorcist mix collector...