THE EXORCIST: One Night Only screening feedback from fans

Posted by Captain Howdy on Oct 4, 2010 in Blu-ray, Exorcist News | 18 comments

For one very special evening on September 30th, 2010, The Exorcist was officially shown on cinema screens across the U.S. Warner Brothers released the horror masterpiece to selected theaters with the promise viewers would see the Extended Director’s Cut (formally known, and previously released in 2000, as The Version You’ve Never Seen) followed by a behind-the -scenes featurette. This turned out to be snippets for the forthcoming Blu-ray documentary Raising Hell: Filming The Exorcist.

Here are some testimonials from captainhowdy.com readers who attended the one-night-only special screening:

The Audience

As happened in 2000 when I saw The Version You’ve Never Seen, the audience was completely silent throughout most of the film. The crucifixion scene did get some gasps from the audience, but the one scene that made people scream (and in 2000 as well) was when the phone rang while Father Karras was listening to the Devil groans on the tape recorder. –Chip Landry

There were a few moments where people laughed (Burke being helped out of the party and Kinderman asking Chris for an autograph come to mind). I also heard a few “Oh my God”s during the crucifix scene. –Amber B

The Film Itself

The movie’s overall look was amazing. I forgot that I was watching a 40 year old movie instead of a newly filmed period piece about the early 70s. This is gonna be killer on my 61 inch tv because it looked amazing on the big screen. –Ghetto Exorcist

The film looked more pristine than I have ever seen it look. The possession scenes really popped off the screen, and in general the print was just very clean. It should be noted that the superimposed Pazuzu over Regan’s bedroom door in the VYNS was noticeably ABSENT from this print, which I couldn’t be happier about. The one over the stove was still there, though. –Amber B

The print looked great and the sound mix was even better, very effective. –Chip Landry

The sound was phenomenal! I felt I like I was being assaulted by the soundtrack. It kept me uneasy throughout the entire film, which was a definite plus!–Greg

Color and sound are indescribably perfect. Roizman’s changes in tonal values along with corrected brightness and contrast levels made the entire cast look more realistic in terms of Dick Smith’s makeup on Regan, Chris, Father Karras, and Father Merrin. In fact, there are scenes with Chris where she has red and puffy eyes … something I’ve never noticed in any of the other versions. Regan’s eyes are more piercing than ever and Fr. Merrin’s pallor is truer to a corpse as he lies dead on the floor after Pazuzu kills him. The sound is incredible in theaters, particularly the noises in the attic that seem to move from one side of the theater to another. The jet plane noise used to transition from Northern Iraq to Washington, DC is magnificent.–Father Bowdern

Behind-The-Scenes Documentary

The bonus footage was split into two parts: about 10 minutes worth before the movie started and then the rest after the feature. The “pre-show” portion focused on Blatty’s inspiration in writing the novel and Friedkin’s decision to accept the job of directing the movie. Test screenings were shown over the dialogue, as well as outtakes from the deleted tour of Washington sequence. –Amber B

When Linda Blair is talking about the film, she mentions that she received a standing ovation from the audience at the New York premiere. When Blair teared up about that recollection it was genuine and heart touching. There are new scenes on the makeup transformation completed by Dick Smith on Regan and Father Merrin. That was a true pleasure to see after all these years. –Father Bowdern

A rundown of what was shown in the post-film documentary:

To make the records, toys, etc. fly into Regan’s window at the beginning of the crucifix masturbation scene, special effects men employed an air cannon and a simple v-shaped wood shoot.

Blair definitely performed the entire crucifix scene, albeit Dietz did the actual ‘crotch stabbing quick take’ at another time.

We get to see three assistants working behind the bed to make it shake, rise, and thump. It is very low tech as expected and exactly as described by Blair in the FOG documentary in 2000. One of the original shoots included Blair and Burstyn climbing off the shaking bed.

The arteriogram behind-the-scenes blows the entire illusion and may not be what you expected; again very low tech, but effective.

Blair claims that she actually wore the vomit apparatus too and when she wore it she had to do so correctly or “it would backfire into my mouth.” Roizman concurs with her statement. You will see both Dietz and Blair vomiting from the apparatus although it is difficult to tell the two apart because of the filming angle that Roizman’s BTS crew had to do along with the identical makeup on both. Additionally, you will see the canister, pumps, and several of the crew working on the setup and deployment of the vomit. There was a small comment by Roizmen about how ineffective and messy the scene became on film. Inasmuch, Friedkin had no interest in using the vomit apparatus performance by Blair or Dietz, thus the painted in vomit and the quick shot of Dietz with the vomit apparatus.

There is a very small feature of the 360-degree head-turning dummy making its 180-degree head turn at the ending of the crucifix masturbation scene.

Not a single film cell of the spider-walk was shown. Bummer. (I can confirm behind-the-scenes footage of the spiderwalk appears on the Blu-ray documentary Raising Hell).

There is slightly more contact lens information including information you may have already known. Blair talks about having to use numbing eye drops and the most comfortable lenses are the white contacts that she actually inserts herself (where was the ophthalmologist?).

Thanks to Father Bowdern in the Discussion Forums for this rundown)

Final Thoughts

I had a real blast seeing the movie on the big screen for the first time, as I missed it ten years ago when it was re-released. The movie truly has never looked or sounded better, and I can’t wait for the blu-ray to come out! –Amber B

It was definitley a great experience to see it on the big screen! I thought I got goosebumps at home… Some parts in there were just intense. I really hope I get to see it on the big screen again at least once more in my life. –DamienKarras

This movie stands out still as one of my favorites of all time..and never loses it’s ‘awesomeness’. I type this next to my 24×36 Exorcist 2000 release poster with my Regan Spider walk figure on my desk. I was just really really happy I got to see it on the big screen, looking forward to the blu-ray extras. –PossessedReGan

The Exorcist blu-ray and Extended Director’s Cut DVD are released October 5, 2010!

Creature of the Night

I love the Exorcist. I have seen it a million times and read the book numerous times and it is my favorite movie of all time. I went to see it last Thursday and looked forward to it for a long time. It was a horrible experience. I HATE seeing movies in theaters, when I used to love to. PEOPLE RUIN GOING TO THE MOVIES. I hate the constant popcorn chomping, candy wrapper rattling, and people talking through the whole movie….insecure inconsiderate people that ruin the movie for everyone. People who need to be comedians instead of just shutting up and watching the movie. I NEED total silence to enjoy a movie. Theaters used to be quiet when I was younger, but people changed and only care about themselves now. They act like they are at home, instead of with other people who don’t want to listen to that noise. I left so sad I couldn’t enjoy the experience. Thanks to everyone in the theater in Schererville for RUINING my one night that I could enjoy my favorite movie on the big screen. Hope you are happy.
DamienKarras

It was definitley a night to remember. Glad to see everyone enjoyed it :>
Nicksfan43

your right people only think of themselves thats why i dont go to the movies at night its better in the day
http://reelthinker.com Captain_Howdy

I do the same thing. If I can catch a morning or midday session, I’ll always pick those times over an evening show.
Ragz

I have been a long time fan of The Exorcist since I was absolutely terrified by it as a youngster. I’ve seen the movie dozens of times after I was able to conquer my fear of it and it certainly hasn’t lost it’s power over audiences, even in an age where knife wielding maniacs, and blood and gore are cliche in the horror/thriller/suspense genre.

I went with a small group of friends; some of which haven’t seen it in many years and one whose never watched it. It was a totally memorable experience! The audience wasn’t particularly large but for the most part it was respectful. The crowd consisted almost completely of twenty somethings which came as a surprise because I was certain some older folks would’ve taken the oppurtunity to see it once again on the big screen.

As someone stated above, the one part that made many jump, including myself, was the scene where the phone rings while Father Karras is analyzing the recording of Regan’s demonic voice. The scene that stands out most in my head however,is the crucifix masturbation scene. The tension in the theatre right before Chris MacNeil hears screams and loud thrashes coming from upstairs was magnificent. It’s as if people were anticipating something big and instead of laugh it off like so many immature/rude theatre goers tend to do, they were obviously shocked and alarmed.

Even though I realize how disturbing this particular scene is, there really is so much going on in it and I think there were quite a few people who haven’t seen the film previously because as soon as her head does the quarter or half turn, people either gasped, closed their eyes or put their hands over their mouth which in an odd way, was a gratifying thing to see.

The soundtrack was amazing and everything from the sounds in the attic to the rustling of the leaves outside were spot on. The silent scenes were never so quiet and the loud segments left my ears ringing. The picture quality was phenomenal, I didn’t realize that the scenes in Iraq would be so bright because I’m used to seeing it as being a bit more grainy or gritty, the sky in particular looked like the clearest blue sky which was nice to see.

The behind the scenes segments were captivating and it goes to show how adding a few more segments to the film could’ve turned it into something entriely different (Regan and Chris sightseeing and driving to name one sequence.) The quick clips of the crucifix masturbation were shocking but awesome to see after so many years and as some one mentioned, the scene where Chris pulls Regan to the floor after her bed is shaking. All of these factors made my movie going experience absolutely FANTASTIC and I’m so pleased I got to see this classic on the big screen…even to this day, it holds up to any horror film from any era and the sole reason why it is considered, THE SCARIEST MOVIE OF ALL TIME!
Burkesolo

I attended the one night only screening with my older brother here in Albany, NY. He saw the film back in ’73, and I remember him telling me how people were actually getting up and walking out during it! The present screening looked great, though the sound seemed rather soft (at least to me). Some in the fair-sized audience actually LAUGHED during certain moments (the profanities, fashions, medical procedures, etc.), which only shows how jaded we’ve become as moviegoers, but the crucifix scene STILL gets gasps of shock to this day! This is my FAVORITE “horror” film of all time. Between my brother and me, we’ve must’ve seen it more times than, well, the Devil himself! “The Exorcist”…the landmark horror classic that, despite the changing times, still manages to give people many a sleepless night!
Cheetahwings

grr I wish I could have seen it, not a single theatre in my whole state showed this, grrr
Creature of the Night

Does anyone have an opinion why, when Chris goes upstairs to check on Regan and leaves the room, they removed the Pazuzu statue image from the door? I was surprised it wasn’t there in this one? I actually liked that little touch in The Version You’ve Never Seen. So I just want to know: 1. Why do you think they took that out and 2. Is that the only difference from the 2000 and 2010 versions (besides audio or video quality adjustments)? Thanks.
Creature of the Night

I just want to say too, that one of a million things that makes the Exorcist so great are the special effects. The thing is they are not computer generated and that makes everything look better. I think CGI has RUINED special effects. CGI is the lazy way to make movies. I think of John Carpenter’s THE THING too, and how great that movie looks because everything in that movie is actually right in front of the actors. And the special effects and make-up were genius. I hope I get these names right, but Rob Bottin, Rick Baker, and Dick Smith are geniuses. But in the Exorcist everything looks so real. There’s no substitute for making Linda really levitate, and real vomit, and things really flying around and the bed really shaking. CGI looks too fake, tacky, and cheesy. Nothing beats having real make-up and actual special effects over CGI. I HATE CGI!
Creature of the Night

Last night I watched my dvd of The Exorcist TVYNS (I don’t have Blu-Ray). I loved it as I always love watching my favorite movie. I wanted to watch it again in the QUIET and comfort of my home since the theater experience last week was such a nightmare, thanks to the inconsiderate people in the theater. And I had some questions pop out that I have wondered for awhile, and a couple new ones and thought I’d put them here. If anyone sees this and knows any answers to any of them, please answer and I will appreciate it. Here goes: 1. There is a production photo that is pretty popular of Regan, that isn’t in the movie anywhere. It is her looking up (un-possessed) with like her hands under her chin, maybe on a post, and her eyes looking up. What’s this from? I don’t see it in the movie. 2. Why does the man with Merrin at the very beginning say “Evil against Evil”? Where does he get this from. I know he’s writing in that book, right before the clock stops. 3. I always wonder this – What makes the candle flame shoot up in the attic before Karl walks in – and what does he first say to Chris before he says “No rats”. 4. What does Regan say in Latin when possessed? I know it’s something about a pen with Plume and Bon jour means good. What does she say when she says something “Absolvo”. Thanks.
Creature of the Night

I have a few more questions: 1. Is the commentary on the newly released DVD new and the same as on the Blu-Ray, or is it the same as on TVYNS from 2000? 2. Was ALL of the one featurette on the Blu-Ray shown in the theaters last week? 3. To people who have seen the Blu-Ray, how are the specials on the Georgetown locations and differences from 1973 version and 2000 version? Are they long? Thanks again.
Gav

Hiya
Will answer what I know…
1) This is from an un-used sequence that was shot but cut early in editing. Taken from the book, the scene shows Reagn looking up at the ceiling cos she keeps hearing funny noises in the room. There’s a later pic of her going downstairs to find Chris in her study complaining she can’t sleep b’cos of the funny noises. I was really hoping they would have added this footage into the 2000 version. It would help to explain even better why Chris decided to take her to the doctor’s in the first place. Even now I don’t think the movie shows enough reason for that first appointment. With this footage and the “missing dress” scene from the book included, it would work much better.

2) I believe it is Merrin that say’s “evil against evil”

3) Karl says “See, it is clean, no rats!”

4) http://captainhowdy.com/media/translation/

Hope this helps
Gav
http://reelthinker.com Captain_Howdy

1. The commentary on The Extended Director’s Cut DVD is exactly the same as TVYNS DVD. The Blu-ray contains all-new commentary tracks.

2. No, only ‘glimpses’ of the behind-the-scenes documentary ‘Raising Hell’ were shown at the special one-night-only screening.

3. … might be best to join our Discussion Forum and post your questions there:
http://captainhowdy.com/forum
http://reelthinker.com Captain_Howdy

I’m just going to correct two of Gav’s answers here:

2) At the time the man says “Evil against Evil”, Merrin is looking at a small carving of the head of Pazuzu, the demon who possesses Regan and has faced Merrin before.

3) Karl actually says, moments after the flame bellows, “There is nothing.”
“Oh, Karl. Jesus Christ Karl, don’t do that.”
“I am very sorry, but, you see, no rats.”
Creature of the Night

Thanks a lot for your answers. Appreciate you taking the time
Creature of the Night

Thanks for your answers. Appreciate it. It’s a bummer that they didn’t do something to make the regular dvd special. It like punishes people who don’t have blu-ray. The least they could have done was put the new commentary on the dvd. I still don’t know why he says Evil against Evil? I would think it’s good against evil.
guyguest

Creature: the Evil against Evil question. I will attempt to tell you what that means. If I am correct, in ancient Babylonian mythology and demonology, Pazuzu was an evil spirit, but one that would also scare away other evil spirits. So some people would keep sculptures or statues of Pazuzu outside their homes in the hopes the demon would scare off other demons. I am paraphrasing. But I believe this is what the line “Evil Against Evil” is referring to. There is no “God” or “Jesus” (as we know these ideas) in the equation since these statues are thousands of years B.C.

And I agree with Gav about the Regan hearing noises photos. These photos have always intrigued me because I read the novel and figured they were from the scenes where Regan hears noises. There is also a part in the novel where Chris is telling the doctors how she caught Regan staring up at the ceiling and turning her head “like she does when she listens to records” and nodding and saying “yes” or “no” as though she were talking to someone (i.e. Captain Howdy). I have always wished to see that staged on screen but alas probably never will.
Samihaakhtar

not come to be !!!