The Exorcist: The Complete Anthology (1973-2005)

[Dylan34]

Originally Posted by PrestonXI

Wha…what?!

Yep! I know what i saw because i watched it twice back to back, east, west

[4EverJohnnyBoy]

I'm surprised this collection is not being released with digital HD redemption codes for the films, WB seems to be doing so for all of their other titles. Maybe as release date gets closer we'll have an update with additional packaging info and special features etc. Pazuzu FOREVER!!!

[The Fallen Deity]

[Show spoiler]

Originally Posted by ditcin

As promised here are some scans from my collection.

Linda Blair seen here filming the sleep walk sequence shot from below - even though a ledge was made off and down the building it she is a distance from it.



Here's a shot of the Warner Building at Rockerfella Plaza where the set for Regan's Penthouse was shot. Note: yeah, Linda was very high up when she shot the sequence previously described!



As I posted previous there is an edit of the film that has never been seen.
The next two photos are from a sequence after the last synchronizer session in the hotel Father Lamount leaves controlled by the demon to lead Regan back to the house in Washington. In pursuit of Father Lamount Regan is accosted ...





During that last synchronizer session in the hotel Regan and Lamount are able to connect with the spirit of Father Merrin where he has been held captive by the demon in a recreation of the Coptic Rock Church were Merrin first vanished Pazuzu. A mighty wind builds with dust and sand becoming a maelstrom. The scene ends here in all versions - however, unedited it continues as sand covers Merrin like a statue. As he raises his hand to wipe away the dust it is Father Lamont who now stands in the Coptic Church fighting against the wind as the presence of the demon is disclosed through it's voice wailing in the wind - "Father Philip Lamount - the devil takes care of his own. You have the pride and hubris of a HERETIC!" By communicating with Father Merrin allowing him to tell how to destroy the demon on earth Regan and Lamont free Merrin's soul, but it Lamount finds himself imprisoned instead; taking Merrin's place and allowing the demon to control Lamount.


Furious the demon begins to tear down the Coptic Rock Church, the ceiling opens and falls. After which it leaves the spiritual realm and heads off to a final confrontation in Washington and with Regan.


Once Lamount confronts Regan's double and denounces it, he rips out its heart. In the original ending it ages and swarm (demonic minions of Pazuzu) tear it apart, eating into it's flesh for failing.


Years ago I had aided WB with the reconstruction of the original theatrical version. I had pleaded to seek out the footage and create a complete version and have it re-mixed into stereo. Unfortunately this was never done. I believe the film has been unfairly received mostly due to the film being extremely different from its predecessor in content and style. Add to that Boorman's unique and extremely subtle approach in conveying a multi-layered narrative with extreme symbolic reference, which to the average audience is lost, made for a highly misunderstood film.
I have given lectures to film study classes on this film which have been well received and have opened understanding and appreciation where it never was before. The film can be viewed several times and will open deeper upon each viewing. The most difficult aspect is accepting an extremely different approach in relation came before.

Thanks for the pics they're excellent.

That scene with Lamont saving Merrin sounds interesting and explains why the movie is subtitled The Heretic.

My views on the movie have changed recently after rewatching it.

When I first saw it after seeing the 1st movie I hated it and whilst I do still think that there's a lot wrong with the movie that could've been done better, it's not as bad as I remember it being.

I think that if it were a standalone movie that wasn't connected to The Exorcist than I think it would've been much better received.

That's just my two cents.

The Exorcist III aka Legion is still the better sequel though imo.

[Dylan34]

Like i said a page or 2 back. Cinemax back in 2006 showed a copy of the exorcist that had a
Ton of stuff added back in. The Washington sight seeing trip, regan standing in the door way of the study telling chris she keeps hearing noises, regan telling dr. Klein for him to keep his fingers, well you know, and sharon leaving Burke dennings alone with regan while she went to get the medicine. My sister watched it with me and neither one of us could believe what we were seeing, meaning all of the extra scenes. Watched it twice back to back actually on cinemax east and west so i know what i saw. It was the directors cut but extended. Anyone else ever seen this cut of the film. I cant be, or we cant be meaning my sister be the only 2 on
Earth that saw this.

[The Fallen Deity]

Originally Posted by Dylan34

Like i said a page or 2 back. Cinemax back in 2006 showed a copy of the exorcist that had a
Ton of stuff added back in. The Washington sight seeing trip, regan standing in the door way of the study telling chris she keeps hearing noises, regan telling dr. Klein for him to keep his fingers, well you know, and sharon leaving Burke dennings alone with regan while she went to get the medicine. My sister watched it with me and neither one of us could believe what we were seeing, meaning all of the extra scenes. Watched it twice back to back actually on cinemax east and west so i know what i saw. It was the directors cut but extended. Anyone else ever seen this cut of the film. I cant be, or we cant be meaning my sister be the only 2 on
Earth that saw this.

Don't take this the wrong way but I don't know what you've been watching because no such cut exists.

If it did we would've all heard about it years ago.

Denning's death scene wasn't filmed or even scripted for that matter.

Heck you didn't even physically read (see) how he died in the novel either.

The other footage was shot I believe but has never been officially released to the public other than through lobby cards.

Plus the audio for those scene apparently doesn't exist any more.

The sightseeing scene being a good example.

On the BD release there's an interview with Friedkin where he says that he would've added the scene back into the extended cut but couldn't because of the missing audio.

[TripleHBK]

Originally Posted by Dylan34

Like i said a page or 2 back. Cinemax back in 2006 showed a copy of the exorcist that had a
Ton of stuff added back in. The Washington sight seeing trip, regan standing in the door way of the study telling chris she keeps hearing noises, regan telling dr. Klein for him to keep his fingers, well you know, and sharon leaving Burke dennings alone with regan while she went to get the medicine. My sister watched it with me and neither one of us could believe what we were seeing, meaning all of the extra scenes. Watched it twice back to back actually on cinemax east and west so i know what i saw. It was the directors cut but extended. Anyone else ever seen this cut of the film. I cant be, or we cant be meaning my sister be the only 2 on
Earth that saw this.

Have you ever watched "The Fear of God: The Exorcist 25th anniversary" Documentary? I'm fairly certain that at least some of what you mentioned may be included in that documentary. It was included on the original DVD release of the film way bay in 1997, and then again on the first Blu ray release in 2010. Perhaps you watched that and have your memories blurred with the film itself.

[Dylan34]

Originally Posted by TripleHBK

Have you ever watched "The Fear of God: The Exorcist 25th anniversary" Documentary? I'm fairly certain that at least some of what you mentioned may be included in that documentary. It was included on the original DVD release of the film way bay in 1997, and then again on the first Blu ray release in 2010. Perhaps you watched that and have your memories blurred with the film itself.

Of course ive seen it. I have the 25th anniversary VHS and both blu ray editions. Maybe im mistaken but, man, i dont know. My sister says she remembers it too. Thats the only other person i know except for people ive talked to on captain howdy.com that have seen something similar. I wish i would have recorded it to put my mind at ease.

[Beauvoir]

Time to sell my DVD boxed set!

[TripleHBK]

Originally Posted by Dylan34

Of course ive seen it. I have the 25th anniversary VHS and both blu ray editions. Maybe im mistaken but, man, i dont know. My sister says she remembers it too. Thats the only other person i know except for people ive talked to on captain howdy.com that have seen something similar. I wish i would have recorded it to put my mind at ease.

As best I can tell, you are either confusing multiple cuts of the film in your head,or someone did a helluva editing job at cinemax. Here are most of your scenes and where they came from.

Alternate Versions

The U.S VHS special edition (25th Anniversary) contains "The Fear of God" documentary of the making of the film, 3 theatrical trailers, and an all new intro by William Friedkin. The UK VHS equivalent (released simply as the Special Edition) omits the Friedkin introduction (which can be found on early rental versions) and the trailers, but features a longer (74 minute) version of the documentary.
The network TV version was edited by William Friedkin, who also shot a replacement insert of the Virgin Mary statue. It showed her face painted like a harlot. (The theatrical film showed the statue more obscenely desecrated.) Friedkin himself spoke the Demon's new, censored lines; he was unwilling to work with Mercedes McCambridge again. The lines "Your mother sucks cocks in hell, Karras" and "Shove it up your ass, you fagot" were re-dubbed by Friedkin as "Your mother still rots in hell" and "Shut your face, you fagot." This network TV version is rarely if ever used for TV and cable showings today.
In the television versions, the image of the obscenely defiled statue of the Virgin Mary stays intact. It stays on longer for the TV-14 version, but not much.
The Special Edition released on DVD for the 25th Anniversary includes the original ending, not used in the theatrical release: after Father Dyer is seen on top of the steps behind the MacNeil's residence, he walks away and his approached by Lt. Kinderman. They talk briefly about Regan and the events that just took place there; Kinderman then invites Dyer to the movies to see Wuthering Heights and quotes Casablanca, telling Dyer "I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship".
The Special Edition DVD also includes a 75-minutes documentary titled "The Fear of God" on the making of the Exorcist. The documentary includes screen tests and additional deleted scenes, including:
Chris MacNeil and Regan going sight-seeing in Washington;


after Chris hears about Burke's death, Regan crawls down the stairs upside down on her arms and legs like a spider and then chases Chris and Sharon around the room;


Karras and Merrin sit on the stairs during a pause of the exorcism and exchange some words about what's happening to the girl.


The scene where the Demonic entity leaves Father Karres was originally done by filming Jason Miller in possession makeup, then stopping the camera and shooting him again with the makeup removed. This creates a noticible jump in Father Karress's position as he is unpossessed. The 25'th anniversary video releases of "The Exorcist" smooth over the jumpy transition with a subtle computer morph effect. This updated effect may have also been in the the prints used for the 75th Anniversary Warner Brothers film festivals
A new edition, labeled "The version you've never seen", was released on September 22, 2000 and includes the following additions and changes.
A slightly different opening, which shows the MacNeil's home in Georgetown, then cuts to the opening titles.


The scene where Chris MacNeil screams on the phone includes a new music cue and omits the line "I've been on this ****ing line for 20 minutes!" and simply cuts to the next scene.


A new scene with Regan at the hospital receiving treatment to diagnose her "unusual" behavior. The doctor tells Chris MacNeil that Regan told him to "keep his hands away from her Goddamn ****." This scene sets up her bizarre behavior earlier and clarifies the scene where Chris tells Regan "it's just like the doctor said, it's just nerves. You just take your pills and you'll be fine"


The party scene removes the shot of Regan lauging with the guests, obviously because of her "unusual" behavior in the previous scene.


In the scene where Chris returns home and the lights go out, new digital effects including satanic faces and images of the statue, new sound effects, and music have been added to the scene.


The "spider-walk" scene has been restored and digitally altered from the original scene. Here, crude wires from the scene have been digitally removed, she comes down the stairs much faster, and her mouth is full of blood. It then cuts to black, and the next scene opens.


Before she grabs the psychiatrist's crotch, a new digital effect of her face morphing into the devil(which is seen in subliminal cuts throughout)including a new growl has been added.


A new music cue has been added to the scene with Lt. Kinderman and Father Karras.


After Father Karras leaves for the night, a new scene of him examining a tape of Regan trying to talk to her dad has been added and a new music cues ties the new scene and the scene of Father Karras at the mass together.


New scenes with Sharon trying to tune out the devil groans and a short moment with Chris MacNeil and Father Merrin(which hints his vulnerability and weakness) have been added.


A new music cue has been added to the scene with Father Karras and Father Merrin going up the stairs to perform the exorcism, and a short scene has been added before they enter the room. Father Damien asks Chris MacNeil what Regan's middle name is. She tells him it's Theresa, and he says "what a lovely name."


The scene with Father Karras and Father Merrin talking on the stairs (which was included on the 25th Anniversary DVD) has been restored.


When Father Karras looks up at the window when he's possessed, a new digital effect with Karras' mother's face has been added, and the scene includes the "subtle morph effect" that was included on the 25th anniversary edition DVD.


When Chris MacNeil gives Father Dyer Father Karras' medal, he gives it back to her and says "I think you should keep it", instead of simply keeping it as in the original version. A new short scene of Regan smiling and waving at Father Dyer as they drive away and Father Dyer waving back has been added.


The original ending with Father Dyer and Lt. Kinderman has been restored. The 'tubular bells' music cue plays over them walking away, and it ends before Lt. Kinderman can say quote "Casablanca", "I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship".


Some network television versions substitute a shot of the obscenely defiled statue of the virgin Mary with a close-up of the statue's face, broken and painted on.
In the Network version, Regan is not masturbating, but having another fit.

[Dylan34]

Like i said, what i saw and i called my sister tonight to talk about it because its driving me nuts now, is the version we've all seen now with scenes added in. She confirmed everything i asked her, my sister that is, about that cut as she watched it with me. She said she must be nuts too then. She even brought up another scene i had forgotten about they added was the subliminal flashing of her possession, like the flash trailer. I was like damn, your right, i had forgot about that one. Like i said i have no proof as i didnt record it but i sure as hell wish i had. Maybe pazzuzu possessed the fim print we saw. Lol!!

[TripleHBK]

Originally Posted by Dylan34

Like i said, what i saw and i called my sister tonight to talk about it because its driving me nuts now, is the version we've all seen now with scenes added in. She confirmed everything i asked her, my sister that is, about that cut as she watched it with me. She said she must be nuts too then. She even brought up another scene i had forgotten about they added was the subliminal flashing of her possession, like the flash trailer. I was like damn, your right, i had forgot about that one. Like i said i have no proof as i didnt record it but i sure as hell wish i had. Maybe pazzuzu possessed the fim print we saw. Lol!!

Its too bad you didn't get that version recorded. I actually don't doubt that you may have seen it as back in the early 90's The Disney channel did something similar with the Goonies. In that cut, they removed the curse words and potentially other material, but re-inserted the Octopus scene. It drove me nuts for years trying to convince others of the version I saw, but eventually I found mention of it elsewhere online where it was explained that it was only aired that once and was unique to the Disney channel itself. It wouldn't surprise me if what you saw was some weird hybrid created for a single broadcast on Cinemax.

[Member-167298]

Originally Posted by TripleHBK

Its too bad you didn't get that version recorded. I actually don't doubt that you may have seen it as back in the early 90's The Disney channel did something similar with the Goonies. In that cut, they removed the curse words and potentially other material, but re-inserted the Octopus scene. It drove me nuts for years trying to convince others of the version I saw, but eventually I found mention of it elsewhere online where it was explained that it was only aired that once and was unique to the Disney channel itself. It wouldn't surprise me if what you saw was some weird hybrid created for a single broadcast on Cinemax.

I remember this! I think my sister saw it on the Disney Channel and I didn't believe her. Or I saw it and she didn't believe me? I can't remember now...

[Lyle_JP]

Originally Posted by TripleHBK

The Disney channel did something similar with the Goonies. In that cut, they removed the curse words and potentially other material, but re-inserted the Octopus scene. It drove me nuts for years trying to convince others of the version I saw, but eventually I found mention of it elsewhere online where it was explained that it was only aired that once and was unique to the Disney channel itself. It wouldn't surprise me if what you saw was some weird hybrid created for a single broadcast on Cinemax.

Sounds like it was just the extended network broadcast edition. And if memory serves, that had all the deleted scenes from early in the film (Troy at the convenience store, burning the map, etc.) but did not actually contain the octopus scene.

[anephric]

For those interested in the nightmarish production of Ex II, there's a book written by Barbara Pallenberg ('creative associate' Rospo's wife). It's not that cheap to get hold of nowadays. There's not much criticism of Rospo and Boorman, as I remember, more that the producers ruined the film, but various cast members have gone on about how Boorman wouldn't do anything without consulting with Pallenberg, and that it caused endless delays.

[UNCMT9]

I've been off this site for a bit and come back to this. Thank you, bluray.com!

[format916]

i think im buying this

[TripleHBK]

Originally Posted by Lyle_JP

Sounds like it was just the extended network broadcast edition. And if memory serves, that had all the deleted scenes from early in the film (Troy at the convenience store, burning the map, etc.) but did not actually contain the octopus scene.

Possibly, but like I said, this version DID include the octopus scene as both I and my cousins freaked out about it. It's one of those things I've talked about for years and years so I know that scene was for sure included.

From IMDB:

In a version broadcast on US cable channel HBO, several scenes were cut. These were back for the Disney Channel version, however. They include:
Right after the Goonies leave the house on their bikes, they drop by a drug store where Mikey locates a map, and that's how he finds out where to go to find the rock formation.


Chunk also licks Ice Cream quarts in a freezer, and Troy shows up and sets fire to One Eyed Willie's map.


An octopus that attacks Stef. Data shoves a walkman into its mouth, and it lets go and swims away, dancing.


After the Goonies get near the restaurant, but before Stef and Andy join up, there was a scene in which Data uses some of his cool gadgets. They, of course, backfire.

[hatter76]

It's a shame Dominion isn't getting an individual release.

and it's being referred to as an Alternate cut of Exorcist the Beginning.

that could be very misleading to those who don't know about the outrageous situation of the Prequels.

despite the fact that they are the same basic storyline, have the same lead actor, some of the lesser characters played by the same actors, the same(but altered) sets and costumes.

Is a completely Different film, the only actual footage that both films share, is on location footage in morocco, and that's just some shots basically, the rest completely rewritten and refilmed.


the 2 movies are different to the point that it would actually be hard to re-edit both of them into a new film, the style is so different.

it may be an alternate Version in the sense of being the same project, but is a distinctly different film.

the intention was to completely replace the movie Paul Schrader had filmed, and if EXORCIST:THE BEGINNING had been a major success, they probably wouldn't have released the first filmed version of the story.

[The Fallen Deity]

Originally Posted by hatter76

It's a shame Dominion isn't getting an individual release.

and it's being referred to as an Alternate cut of Exorcist the Beginning.

that could be very misleading to those who don't know about the outrageous situation of the Prequels.

despite the fact that they are the same basic storyline, have the same lead actor, some of the lesser characters played by the same actors, the same(but altered) sets and costumes.

Is a completely Different film, the only actual footage that both films share, is on location footage in morocco, and that's just some shots basically, the rest completely rewritten and refilmed.


the 2 movies are different to the point that it would actually be hard to re-edit both of them into a new film, the style is so different.

it may be an alternate Version in the sense of being the same project, but is a distinctly different film.

the intention was to completely replace the movie Paul Schrader had filmed, and if EXORCIST:THE BEGINNING had been a major success, they probably wouldn't have released the first filmed version of the story.

+1

It's a stretch calling Dominion an alternate cut to Exorcist: The Beginning.

It's more or less the same story but like you said it's told in two completely different ways.

One's a slower paced psychological horror film in a similar style to the 1st & 3rd films whilst the other is a full on jump scare splatter fest.

Both are extremely flawed films.

I personally think that the story and acting in Dominion are better but I greatly prefer the cinematography and the scare factor in Exorcist: The Beginning.

That underground church in Exorcist: The Beginning is creepy as hell and I definitely wouldn't want to go there on my own.

[hatter76]

I prefer DOMINION, but EXORCIST:THE BEGINNING has better visual atmosphere.

both films have some all too obvious CGI, but they both got the short end of the stick in certain ways.

the Plug was pulled on Dominion when it was still a roughcut, so all the digital work that was being done came to a halt, and when the movie was resurrected, they only gave the director a couple bucks(in Hollywood terms) to finish it, and that wasn't enough for shit, they didn't have the money to properly transfer and colortime the movie, the result looks rough with specs on occasions(does make it seem older though) and very low contrast.

The CGI was not completed, when they show the Bull, the first shot of it has a digital Bull that looks Digital, but it looks almost first rate for the time the movie was made, the second shot of it is not even the same digital model, very rough texturing, do virtual lighting to help it fit into the scene, it's obviously work in progress, but as fate would have it it had to be used. people bash the cgi in the movie, but a lot of those people don't understand that even though it was finished enough too give a release, it's still an unfinished film.


with Exorcist The Beginning, that movie was a rushed, especially the post production, they were already going to a year behind schedule because of the decision to film a new one, so a lot of the CGI suffered, some blue screen shots as well, the Demon running down the tunnel could have been composited much better if they'd been given a few more months.

but THE BEGINNING did have more money put into it, so that helped, and it got a completely original score, it got standard treatment. DOMION had to be done as a patchwork.



It's true though that DOMINION would not have been easy to sell as a Horror movie, but completely redoing wasn't necessary either.

certainly some reshoots should have been done(and that was the original plan) but should have revolved the Horror aspects, and the Exorcism should have been beefed up.