Before young Regan
MacNeil was possessed by the Demon Pazuzu, a younger (and faithless)
Father Merrin battled the Demon in East Africa.
CRITIQUE
The fourth
Exorcist film has had a long and troubled road. With three
directors having been attached – John Frankenheimer (who stepped down
from the project shortly before his death,) Paul Schrader (who was
fired after delivering a film that the backers hated,) and Renny
Harlin (who reshot the film and gave the backers what they wanted) -
the final product shows the chaos that is Exorcist: The Beginning.
Harlin’s gore
filled Exorcist prequel follows in the long line of sequels
that should never have been made. While this prequel could have
brought insight into the nature of the Demon and why it targets the
victims that it does, the film instead attempts to be a rehash of the
original, just with the blood and guts that seem to be requisite with
horror films today. The film has incomplete CG effects, cardboard
performances, and no scares whatsoever. There are attempts, but all
are laughable.
Would Paul
Schrader’s version have been a better film? We won’t know until
sometime later this year (if Warner is still looking to release his
version.) However, one thing can be said, there is absolutely no way
that his version could be any worse than Harlin’s.
THE VIDEO
The digital transfer looks beautiful. The colors are rich and the
black levels are consistent. It’s a very good presentation.
THE AUDIO
The film is
presented in both DTS 5.1 Surround and Dolby 5.1 Surround. Both mixes
have some really good ambient work.
THE EXTRAS
Commentary by Renny
Harlin:
Harlin’s commentary track isn’t that interesting to listen to. He
brings a little insight into the filmmaking process, but spends more
time looking at the story, than anything else.
Behind the Scenes
featurette:
A standard “I like working with this person” interview bit. Nothing
worth checking out.
