2010 has proven to be an exciting year for fans of The Exorcist, and as the anniversary of the greatest horror film of all time closes out its 37th year, we collectively continue to learn and appreciate the masterpiece it has become.
On December 26, 1973, The Exorcist was first released to audiences in the U.S., creating instant buzz, shocking audiences, wowing critics, making (at the time) unheard of box office numbers and going on to become a landmark horror film by which future horror films would be compared.
Undoubtedly the recognized highlight of 2010 was the arrival of The Exorcist on Blu-ray disc from Warner Brothers Home Video. Both the original theatrical cut and a slightly adjusted Extended Director’s Cut (previously released as The Version You’ve Never Seen) graced our senses along with a plethora of never-before-seen footage from behind the scenes thanks to cinematographer Owen Roizman, who offered the footage for release after it had been kept in storage for over three decades. The Blu-ray has become the definite copy of the film for fans, and a respectable Blu-ray release for general audiences.
NECA also made the most of 2010’s Halloween holiday, releasing their much-anticipated limited edition (seriously, get it while you can) Possessed Regan Deluxe figurine. It’s only the third officially licensed piece of Exorcist figurine memorabilia released by the company, following the Regan bobble-head and Spiderwalk setting. Although the voice action was dropped, the thing still spins its head and plays Tubular Bells creepishly well.
Some lucky fans even got to see The Exorcist on the big screen again as Warner Brothers released it across cinemas in the U.S. for one night only to mark the arrival of the Blu-ray.
And here, at captainhowdy.com, I finally managed to squeeze out this exciting new design, which came with a much-improved Discussion Forum for members.
Thank you to all involved in this fantastic Exorcist community, fans and appreciators worldwide. This site wouldn’t exist without your continued support. 2011 will mark the 40-year Anniversary of The Exorcist novel first being published, something I aim to celebrate throughout the year as we honour William Peter Blatty and his classic text.
I hope you will join me.
Best,
Jason ‘Captain Howdy’
What was your personal Exorcist highlight of 2010?
What do you anticipate in 2011?