The Exorcist (1973) Warner Bros 4K UHD Steelbook Review - Expectations Were HIGH! Did WB Meet Them?

[@johnnydarko2736]

17:16 Agreed. For a 50th anniversary and its 1st appearance on 4k, this release should have been full with special features. This should have been the definitive edition.

[@bryanmysko9288]

Funny thing is, I downloaded the digital copy, and if I use ?Movies Anywhere to access it, there's a bunch of bonus content, like deleted scenes and making of docs. I tried finding the extras through Vudu, but only both versions of the movies were there.

[@dr.pakadoc717]

People need context of the time. Nothing came close to it in 1973. It was well-acted, serious, dark, mysterious, and the effects were ahead of its time. Also, the book was out with many readers.

[@davidjames2431]

That's a good point "context of time". Culture evolves. What's ordinary now, was once extraordinary.

[@jerryrpettus1926]

On top of that, it came out once the movie opened that Blatty had based his story on a real event of an exorcism that had allegedly taken place in the 1950's, rumored to have been in St. Louis. I was 19 when the movie was showing and in our tiny little town the movie theater didn't get new movies, they took, on average, about six months to show up. For us to see this movie several of us had to jump in a car and drive one way about an hour to St. Louis to see the movie. We had no cell phones, no social media and came from a small hellfire and Jesus community. We sat in the movie theater and for the first time in our lives, we were terrified. We were terrified at real evil. We were terrified at the possibility of demons and possession and when you look at the crafting of the screenplay now, you see what a master class the original screenplay was. (Note how the camera approaches Reagan's door each time, how it changes, how the sounds and views up the anticipation and suspense each time, how the movie starts slow and builds up and up and up until when Reagan's door approach shows up on the screen you find yourself leaning BACK in your seat, almost afraid of what will happen when that door opens. When you reached the end, an end that happens surprisingly fast after the almost two hour buildup, you catch your breath and then walk out into the parking lot, get in your car and ride in silence in the darkness for over an hour to get home, everyone still chewing on the images they had been shown that evening. That's what it was like. Excellent review, Ken. I look forward to sitting in the darkness again and remembering.

[@jeffreykaufmann2867]

​@@jerryrpettus1926I'll never forget the look in Regan's eyes as the Exorcist enters her bedroom for the 1st time.

[@garyrichardson475]

Most modern horror films today aren’t as outrageous as this. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like the LJFU scene in a major studio release since. My guess is that the Believers film won’t have anything like that either.

[@reginaldforthright805]

Honestly, Frankenstein in 1931 was far scarier.

[@maxpower78-15]

I love the scenes in Iraq. The statue. The dogs. The sun. Amazing

[@bigdadd09able]

Right

[@MrBlaineH]

@Ken: Your authenticity ("...I"m not a professional review critic... You're going to find people who are much better...") is your greatest strength. Just real conversation. Chapeau.

[@midlevelmedia]

I appreciate you for saying that man. Means a lot.

[@MrBlaineH]

@@midlevelmedia Hold on to that (without being self deprecating), there is something about authenticity that seems to be a key.

[@A24sucks]

My issue with the 4K is that the dip in quality (when it looks like vhs/dvd) happens all over the climax of the film. It just feels like they could’ve done a better job for this release. I mean, it’s The Exorcist for Christ sakes

[@midlevelmedia]

I kind of feel the same.

[@dajmasta94]

These inconsistencies are baked into the negatives…It was shot on film and it’s clear that the quality of the film stock and how in focus things are varied throughout the production. Nothing can be done to fix that sort of thing. It’s just how the film looks, the proof of that is how this issue has been consistent throughout every home video release. It’s pretty common for movies that came out during this time. The only way to make it look uniform would be to lower the image quality to match whatever the worst looking shots are on the negatives.

[@abbafanatico]

​@@dajmasta94well said.

[@modernpeasants7]

The uptick in detail is excellent in most of the transfer. The HDR I feel is slightly overused in most of the film and very overused in the subway scene and the exorcism scene. I still feel a better transfer is possible. Thanks for the review!

[@jeffreykaufmann2867]

Its recognized by the American Film Institute among the top 50 greatest American films.

[@robertsaul234]

The color red is too hot throughout the entire film. It's really apparent during the exorcism scene where the Bible's glow in the dark. The film itself is a great drama with a demonic possession thrown in. It's scary because it's grounded in reality. The acting is top notch all around.

[@southendonseaarts]

We got a lot of features on our four disc UK set for this plus the classic artwork. If you get the steelbook set or bible set you’ll get that in October from UK.

[@s1ddo]

That same steelbook in the UK has an extra Blu-ray disc in it, it only has a couple of extra special features on it though but they aren't included in the slipcase version. America has been shafted by Warner Bros.

[@markpugh6808]

​@@s1ddomakes a change it's usually you guys that get the good stuff and we in the UK normally get the crappy bog standard releases

[@lmaololroflcopter]

I saw this film on its 25th anniversary cinema re-release (it had been banned from home media in the UK until 1999) and not only was I scared to death, I was blown away by how it was dealing with some deep issues: faith, guilt, fear of children, mental health. I grew up on a steady diet of Freddy Krueger and Jason films and I didn’t know that you could do that with horror. It’s one of the best films of all time and I’ve been obsessed with it ever since.

[@maxpower78-15]

Bam!!! Here we go. Cant wait to hear your take Ken!!!

[@christophecrist2171]

I thought the 4k was underwhelming. My blu-ray from years ago looks better IMO

[@PesterFester1966]

Agreed... His amount of cope in this video was cringe.

[@blackphilipalvarez1305]

@@PesterFester1966don’t listen to this guy, he’s a sheep

[@jbwebb6475]

Love it & love the transfer. So happy I snagged the Steelbook ( pre order )

[@theironshiek]

I saw the 4k re release in the cinema last week. Seen the movie a good few times but never at the cinema and it was unbelievable. Totally different experience. Cant imagine how traumatic it must have been having never seen it before in the 70s

[@dancole6867]

Special features seem to be included with the digital copy. There is a one hour 25 minute documentary with a digital copy.

[@michaelkmusicofficial]

In 2010 the digibook had both versions I have that one its awesome.

[@ScruffyWarlord]

Honestly a so so 4k. A plus for the Dolby Atmos. But the 4K is all over the place. If only those vhs quality scenes didn’t exist and they mastered it correctly.

[@georgeharris9873]

I saw the 11 minute longer DIRECTOR'S CUT in the theatre back in 2000. Gripping ! But if you read the entire novel, it's even scarier. This first film will always be THE ULTIMATE FILM beating out the rest of the series, including the brand new one coming out next month.

[@Purge00]

Thanks man - Im enjoying the channel, i fear WB tampered with the color timing like they did with Batman. I was really hoping Arrow or VS or SS would do a uhd of this but WB seem to hold a tight grip on their titles.

[@davidjackson9148]

I was 14 when this was released in theaters, and it was a phenomenon. My best friend and I went to see it accompanied by his father as it was rated R. The atmosphere in the theater was like nothing I've experienced since. There were people weeping and some left their seats and didn't return. There was a feeling of dread in the room. People were genuinely frightened. Not from jump scares or gore but by the very real feeling that the demon could be real.

[@SuperSnakePlissken]

So Satan was in the theater. Got it.

[@davidjackson9148]

@snakeplissken8506 the demons name in the movie is pazuzu, not satan.

[@gbgary]

saw this when it came out in 73...I was 19. haven't seen it since. lol

[@garyrichardson475]

I got my Best Buy steelbook thanks to the heads up on this channel a couple months ago.

[@marcoesquandolez4737]

I got mine with the ugly slip yesterday and I’m excited to watch it this weekend. Great video Ken!

[@user-hj6hi9ho2k]

Sunrise records in 🇨🇦 has steel books remaining I picked mine up this morning $70 surprised I was

[@michelle_pgh]

I'm annoyed that I have to keep my ancient DVDs just to have the special features that were on them. Still glad I got the steelbook though.

[@LukeLovesRose]

Seeing what happened to Regan, The Exorcist is still the most shocking horror film ever made. Its still more shocking and horrifying than any of the Saw movies

[@user-gw2gd8ff6e]

I seen this in the theater with the re release in 2000 and it was a cool experience to see it on the big screen. This movie still scares me and I’m 42 lol.

[@southendonseaarts]

They filmed in an ice cold environment for the bedroom scenes so we could see their breath.

[@clydesalley]

The Exorcist was robbed of the Best Picture Oscar. Ellen Burstyn deserved the Oscar as Jason Miller who lost to John Houseman playing John Houseman. Go figure. Best Picture should not have been given to The Sting but it was a safe alternative but it's also a one gimmick movie. The Exorcist should have won others but snobby Oscar voters weren't about to give awards to a horror movie, a controversial one at that.

[@brunomachado7279]

Considering the fact tha "2001" lost the Oscar to "Oliver", we can expect anything bizarre from the Academy Awards.

[@thedys70]

I would argue Linda Blair was robbed as well

[@68WCombatMedic702]

I've only seen it once years ago. Super excited to watch this weekend!

[@InimicusSolitus]

Got the steel book. Pre-ordered day one.

[@ernestolopez23]

I got this steelbook and the bluray best buy steelbook from back in the day, they look amazing together.

[@Simon-bd6fk]

Interesting the UK steelbook release is 5 disc release special features are on a separate disc

[@einnorw]

UK slip cover art even with the rating icons look wayyy better than both the US steelbook and US slip cover. rather get that imported.

[@GJarr2]

The UK steelbook comes with 2 blurays and one extra disc containing 2 documentarys, the only problem is that they're stacked.

[@midlevelmedia]

I got the Bible edition pre-ordered

[@GJarr2]

@@midlevelmedia me too, hope it's as nice in person.

[@spicy4kaction]

Beautiful steelbook! 🤙🏼

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Waiting on my Bible Set of this to come so I’m dying to check this out…it is a bummer to hear about the certain scenes that don’t look as good on the 4k transfer but I do think it’s simply “source related.” 50 year old films will rarely look perfect. Still excited to revisit it and glad you were able to enjoy one of your favs again Ken in a new unique way.

[@navinramaswaran]

The UK edition uses the original theatrical artwork and ports over all special features from the previous BluRay. It’s a 4 disc set - the 2 x 4K discs that we get here in North America plus 2 x region free BluRays. Welp worth importing imo.

[@DevilFan669]

I just got my copy delivered today and can’t wait to watch it on 4k and watch the movie for the first time now and definitely looking forward to the reboot that’s coming out in two weeks now and that’s called The Exorcist Believer Kenny bro 😎 I’m so excited for that one too

[@SamLovesMovies25]

I read on some other reviews that in some scenes they filmed with diffusion filters, to intentionally make the picture look more soft, so if that's true, that's probably why those sequences look noticeably much softer.

[@michael9877]

I just watched it on 4K. I give it a 10. It's awesome

[@patricklena9307]

I just picked this up yesterday and I have to say this is the best this movie has ever looked the sound quality on. It was amazing the picture the quality without standing and it looked like a Brand new film

[@Skidoo22]

New 4k version - over saturated colour first 15 mins (orange sheep in Iraq ?), Chris's walk through Georgetown and the Subway alter boy sequence. After that the colour stabilises. Sound is great and if you can get past the colour issues, the 4k restoration has a sliver more sharpness.

[@LoganNewWave]

Thank you for this review. Question: does the theatrical version open with Saul Bass’ original Warner Bros. logo? That is a determining factor if I’ll purchase, or not.

[@midlevelmedia]

I believe it's the new logo on both versions.

[@scottyluvslucy]

Glad you FINALLY got your copy of the Steelbook Ken.....I really like the steelbook alot. I still need to watch the 4K....hoping to see this one over the weekend. Thanks again for your review!! 😃

[@devonbrooks246]

I probably will never watch this film ever again. Not because it is a bad movie, but because it is too good. It still freaks me out today.

[@caliinthevalley24681]

By the time I got to see this, it was on Betamax and I was 8. This was the early 80's. I wanted so badly to see it because it was so hyped. My older adult cousin was babysitting me and I told her I wanted to see it, and she told me it was too scary but I thought I was tough stuff so I said I wanted to watch it. I saw it in her living room by my damn self because no one else wanted to see it and I couldn't sleep for a week. It scared the living bejeezus out of me and NOTHING. NOTHING compares to this movie. I will buy this because this is the best version of what this movie can be and it will still continue to terrify me. I wish I could get that cover art that you got. Another thing that made this movie great was that they managed to terrify us without the use of computer graphics or green screen. Just make-up and acting and old-school special effects.

[@kennethsprasky4358]

It’s too bad WB doesn’t include the television cut if this film. Some scenes from the tv cut are gradually changed from what was seen in theaters, or extended cut.

[@ryanwolfgang9500]

I just watched this movie for the first time the other day and it was great though the scary stuff for me was more psychological and emotional in nature and it is a very creepy movie but it's also sad because you feel for the characters and what is going on with them really good horror movie but also an excellent character piece

[@midlevelmedia]

Couldn't agree more. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MrEdWeirdoShow]

Thanks but I'll stick to the BD version. Sadly this year's 4Ks are freeze and skip junk anyway. (Even if they HAD tried to vastly improve the A/V of it.)

[@backforblood3421]

I just ordered the "Bible" set yesterday from Amazon UK, which I thought would be impossible, given the matter of its unresponsive link seeming, of course, like a matter of the set having sold out and there being a glitch on the site. Glad I tried it one last time! I canceled my order of the edition with the same artwork as the Steelbook after succeeding in placing the other order. I also got my shipping notification for the Chatterer Quartet of Torment set. Yes, I did order both versions of that, and will either give the "Pinhead" version as a (two-year) gift or just keep it and see how much people will pay a little while after it's sold out entirely.

[@petek5088]

I trust your opinions, so I don't need all that technical stuff explaining every little thing. I don't have huge expectations for picture quality for horror movies from the 70's, so if this 4K release looks better than the blu-ray I'm going to buy it. Thanks for the review!

[@nigelstone3729]

They had to add a copy backup of some scenes, as maybe there were some unrepairable damage or missing content from the original Negatives. That's why those scenes don't look as well.

[@griffredux9966]

Great review, Ken! I agree about the transfer 💯 I feel like they did they best they could and am really glad to have this in my collection.

[@ExorcistReviews]

I was hoping for Special Features like deleted footage- especially the dinner party sequence and any additional Iraq scenes.

[@joscolen8524]

yes , i did pre- order & buy 8 steelbooks of the exorcist , its still the best horror movie off all time ,

[@interdimensionalsteve8172]

Did you say $23 in America? Sigh. It's f*cking $40 in Canada.

[@jayzee5351]

Great review 👍 the UK version of this is 5 discs so has the blu rays as well includind special features. One negative is the continued use of glue on j card!

[@garyturley2435]

Just had the wicker man 4k special edition collector's set and the wicker man 4k steelbook also zombi holocaust 4k special edition 😊

[@Mikethecoolguy]

I enjoy physical media reviews

[@OzzyMandias]

I have the UK release of that Steelbook - Box is exactly the same but has '5', yes '5' discs inside - 2x 4k and 3 Blurays, so it comes with the extras from the previous release.

[@wright96d]

Friedkin has a history of messing with his films on home media. The VHS quality scenes in this 4K bear a very similar resemblance to the original Blu-ray of The French Connection. It was likely his doing, not Warner’s.

[@jmchez]

When The movie came out I was 12 and my cousin was 11. We both decided that we wanted to see the film but knew that it was R Rated so , maybe, we would see another film. On the way to the theater a woman approached us and asked if we knew where the theater that was showing the Exorcist was. I told her that we were on our way there and we could walk together. As we alll walked, I told the lady that we wanted to see the movie but would not be let in without and adult. Of course, she said that she didn't want to do that and get into any trouble but I told her that, once we got in, we would sit away from her and she would not be responsible. I must have given her a sad look because, incredibly, she agreed. At the theater, the box office lady gave our fake aunt a stern look and asked her if she really wanted the kids to see that movie. The poor woman was flustered but she said yes. Then the ticket seller told her that the theater would not be responsible for us. We got in, we saw the movie and, no one will be surprised to hear that my cousin and I couldn't sleep well for overr two weeks or so. Ahh, the 70s were great!

[@drock6287]

Hitchcock’s Rebecca actually won Best Picture 👍

[@bened22]

6:15 - I have to admit that I thought something like that when I saw the movie a few years ago. Maybe it's also that I don't believe in the devil. Movies that try to exploit the audiences christian believes often fall flat for me because there is nothing left to exploit. But I'll give the movie a rewatch on 4K sooner or later.

[@specialk4006]

This 4K transfer is not great... buyer beware. I'll stick with Blu-ray digi-book.

[@specialk4006]

Same with Sleepy Hollow... I'm done buying these botched 4K transfers.

[@PesterFester1966]

Yup 👍

[@user-kv3ue5fp4c]

​​@@specialk4006What was wrong with Sleepy Hollow's 4K transfer? I ask because I still have - and watch, every October - the original Paramount anamorphic DVD, and it holds up fantastically, even on a 65" 4K screen. We were thinking of upgrading to the 4K, but if you're saying it was a botched transfer.....

[@danielgarcia21]

The original theatrical version has been available since the movie was released for the first time on HD in 2010.

[@StephenYoung-cr9fk]

I had a problem of freezing and sometimes parts of people disappearing, not sure if that's normal

[@Monkofmagnesia]

When this first appeared in the theateres, my cousin had to leave as she became to upset.... by the medical tests!!!

[@averybarrington-magee2828]

I just picked this up today absolutely pumped I’m so happy I have this on 4K love having 4 copies of the greatest horror movie of all time

[@andrewramirez739]

Love the exorcist! Great video man appreciate your breakdown and love for a horror classic!!

[@DarkSitePictures1]

I don't know if anyone else has issues with 4k theatrical cut but there is a mistake at the end of The exorcism scene where father Karras takes in the devil. When he goes from possessed to unpossessed he is supposed to do it in the same frame as if it was a morph cut. However, when you watch it you notice that it is a hard cut between both versions of him. I watched the extended director's cut to compare and it is the way it's supposed to be in that version. Just curious to see if anyone else has had this issue because unfortunately is a pivotal scene to mess up. Can anyone else corroborate? And before anyone asks I did compare it to the Blu-ray and it is supposed to be in the theatrical cut as well.

[@raum2811]

It has always been a hard cut. Even on my 1980s VHS.

[@dwaynefluke7215]

The hard cut is how it was originally.

[@jacobdenton6065]

I’m not seeing that new exorcist

[@ronnysgames9625]

Awesome steelbook.

[@joshualieder7524]

Why nobody spent better time detailing the inner life and the real life of the Exorcist and training a before middle and after film would have been awesome.

[@dr.pakadoc717]

Ken. This is one of the more immersive 4K audios ever. It takes ordinary scenes and creates the ambiance… excellent. Recommend to start saving for surround speakers. Once you can afford it, it’s amazing.

[@midlevelmedia]

Absolutely need to and I'm definitely planning on it. From what I could hear I loved.

[@bassage13]

You need a REAL Atmos setup to get the effect correctly, meaning speakers on the ceiling. The scenes with the sounds in the attic sound like they are really coming from your attic, it's great.

[@994pt4]

I'll wait for it to go on sale sub $20 No rush on this one.

[@jerryrpettus1926]

hey, Ken, the wife turned me on to an excellent interview on the making of the film from Shudder: Leap of Faith_William Friedkin on The Exorcist. Loved it. You may too.

[@midlevelmedia]

I definitely need to check that out!

[@spyz1448]

JAWS was another "horror" movie(apart from "Silence of the Lambs" and "Get Out"), to be nominated for Best Picture Oscar.

[@flightmodeon]

Good review, this movie is deffo scary I first watched it on a dusty old VHS alone and it messes with your mind especially if you are religious. Anyway with this release I assume the Exorcism scenes are still too blue is that correct? Also did they restore the Saul Bass Warner logo and leave the Father Kerras jump cut unaltered or does it still have the digital morph?

[@UnitedStatesGovt]

Does the theatrical edition have the original Saul Bass warner bros logo from 1973? The first DVD release from 1997 has the theatrical edition with the original Saul Bass warner bros logo from 1973.

[@ozzy.....7383]

Was born in 74 and from silver spring md where the original real case took place. Bad vibes in that town. Case is from 50s when my dad was born. I think he picked up a demon based on his personality now

[@kevinkoch6900]

The line of people in 73 went around the city block. It was bigger than big. Seeing it in Theaters was the only way to view it for the longest time.

[@midlevelmedia]

That's nuts!

[@gleamingtv3946]

Love the movie. Been waiting for the 4k and it’s Finally here. I ordered the hard box edition.

[@slickshewz]

you're the only reviewer i've seen that thinks the end scene looks good. almost everyone is in agreement that it looks awful.

[@midlevelmedia]

It looked mostly good except for the moments that dip in quality like I said. Most people's issue is with the HDR and the new color grade, which I didn't have a big problem with. This is a good, but not great transfer to me.

[@MrMusic193]

As far as the extended version, the only thing I don’t like about it is the little subliminal messages of I believe it’s Pazuzu that keeps popping up on the screen. But I really like the spider walk scene even though there are so much hate for it.

[@brett7935]

Is the steelbook disc different from the regular 4k disc, or are the differences just the case and artwork?

[@graemewright7386]

Yes The Exorcist is the ultimate horror movie of all time legendary for sure!

[@russwalker3603]

Ah man, the UK Steelbook I got had 5 discs in for £25 what a great treat for us this side of the pond.Both versions on 4k and blu ray and the special features disc. Didn't you import a UK edition as well Ken?

[@midlevelmedia]

I did man. I'm insane. Lol

[@HipsterBlood]

Didn’t the 2010 box set come with both the director’s and theatrical cuts too?

[@user-kv3ue5fp4c]

The US digibook package, you mean? Yes - both cuts of the film on separate discs. It's the one I own, as I personally feel it's the definitive version of the film in high def. Compared to the stripped down bare bones US 4K release, it's FAR more deluxe looking.

[@Tomomoto9000]

I pre ordered from Amazon UK for the better slipcover but it doesn't seem to started shipping yet.

[@MrMusic193]

I couldn’t agree with you more about the new exorcist movie coming out. That Director destroyed Halloween and he’s going to destroy the exorcist.

[@midlevelmedia]

Agreed. I'm probably not going to see it. At least not for awhile.

[@jeffwestart]

Damnit! I just sold my bluray with the special features thinking the 4K would have those on it. Crap

[@jamied1579]

It's the same with most films 30, 40, 50 years old - there's always some scenes/shots that look really rough or blurry. I realised that sometimes it's that they were filmed out of focus - their faces look blurry, but then you look at their collar or clothing and it's sharp, clear and finely detailed. there are other reasons for it, but we have to accept that's how these movies go - they still look the best they've ever looked, but people need to manage their expectations with older films..

[@midlevelmedia]

Yeah for sure. However I've seen movies from the 50s and 60s look flawless. Guess it always depends on the filmmaker though. 🤷‍♂️

[@jamied1579]

@@midlevelmediaAbsolutely.

[@MaxRockatansky853]

What up, Ken!

[@mezcala1000]

There’s a special edition one on Amazon with the original artwork on a steelbook with a hardcover slip had to snag that one 👌🏽 cost me 90 bucks tho 🤷🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️

[@Ninafan68]

Way too saturated. It looks awful. Some shots in the exorcist scene look like 144p. The worst 4k blu ray I have ever seen.

[@garyrichardson475]

Seriously? “The worst”?

[@Kthomasritchie]

It's the best The Exorcist has ever looked.

[@robertsaul234]

Yes, i feel like have to recalibrate my TV to watch it. I compared the Exorcism scene with my 40th anniversary blu ray. With the bluray you can see cracks and the age of Father Merrin's Bible. The bible in the 4k glows like a red lightbulb.

[@blackphilipalvarez1305]

Cool story bro 😎

[@PesterFester1966]

This 4K transfer is pathetic... I'll stick to my Blu-Ray.

[@Icelandlover]

How about the Atmos track? That would be the only reason for me to update.

[@midlevelmedia]

I talked about that later in the video.

[@Icelandlover]

You did! at 14:02. My bad. Thanks.@@midlevelmedia

[@CarloisBuriedAlive]

I have the 40th anniversary blu-ray with both versions of the movie, a short memoir book from Friedkin, multiple special feature documentaries and commentaries, and superior cover art…this being so bare bones is definitely giving me pause.

[@clewsys_movie_corner]

Should of imported the UK release , that steel is a five disc set and the slipcover (original art) has four discs .

[@midlevelmedia]

I got the Bible edition pre-ordered