[ugotugotugotwhatiwant]

This is for those of you who’ve seen the original theatrical version. And I mean in a theater, in 1973, not the alleged original versions released on VHS and DVD. Every video and TV version that I’ve seen of the original ending has Fr. Dyer turning away from the steps, Tubular Bells beginning to play, and then the credits with some inappropriately loud and jarring string music by Penderecki or Henze or whoever it is. Evenually this music fades out and Tubular Bells returns. I’ve always felt the string music didn’t the suit the contemplative mood of the final shot. Around 1980 I saw a slightly scratchy but very watchable copy of the original (not the 70mm version released in 1979) at the weekly midnight showing at the 8th Street playhouse in NYC. I could swear that, as Fr. Dyer turned away from the steps and Tubular Bells began, the credits began and Tubular Bells continued without a hitch all the way up to the last credit. In other words, the only music was Tubular Bells, no strings. A friend of mine confirmed this a few years later as we watched the first VHS release. He hadn’t seen it since 1973. As the string music jumped in at he end, he exclaimed loudly “What the f*** is that?” Can anyone verify that Tubular Bells alone was the original end credits music in the original prints?

[fatherbowdern]

I don’t think you’re off track in your thinking, although I would wonder why WB would change the ending music. The piece that you hear at the end is Fantasia for Strings by Hans Werner Henze. Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells overlaps HWH’s musical piece, if I recall correctly.

In any case, there was a release of The Exorcist on VHS during this same period you mention. It included mixtures of various voices throughout the film; i.e., during the Iraq scene when Merrin faces Pazuzu for the first, the voice of Regan screaming during the hypnosis scene plays subtly in the background. This happens quite a few times. So, if you think you heard TB first, go for it! 🙂

FB

[Skyler]

Whether you’re using an iPhone or an Android, most cell phones offer out-of-the-box music ringtones and other alert sounds. If you’re tired of them, there are a few free ringtone apps and ringtone makers out there that can help you customize your device with toque celular that reflects your personality.

[Author]

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