"Only the version included on the US-DVD and the UK-VHS version of "The Exorcist" (1973) are 74 Minutes long. The version on the UK-DVD only runs for 52 minutes."
Can someone describe the parts that are missing in the UK version?
DOES THE NOISE IN MY HEAD BOTHER YOU?
The documentary was written and hosted by Mark Kermode. In the 52-minute version the scenes of him walking the streets of Washinton, talking about the film are cut.
Much of material dealing with the initial public reaction is also cut.
Worst of all, the interview with Mercedes McCambridge has also been cut. That was the highlight of the 74-minute version. Madness.
Warner really ought to release a new 2-disc of the original version of the film with a new transfer; the original mono soundtrack; the 5.1 remix; the commentaries from the 25th Anniversary DVD; the full 74-minute documentary; the deleted scenes. Basically, everything from the region 1 25th DVD, but with a new transfer. It's a crying shame that the region 1 25th DVD is out of print. I only have the UK disc and the used copies on Amazon of the region 1 25th don't do international shipping - well for under $60.
Come on Warner - put it back out! The "Version You've Never Seen" is awful!
"We forfeit three-fourths of ourselves in order to be like other people." - Arthur Schopenhauer
The 1999 UK VHS is pretty easy to get hold of. There are about 15 - 20 copies on eBay as I type, none of which will set you back more than £5 including postage. Infact you'll probably get it for a couple of quid less.
It is years since I bought my copy but from what I remember:
Silver lettering on cover = fullscreen transfer
Gold letting on cover = widescreen transfer
But I'd check before purchasing.
And, yes the 74 minute version is much better than the 52 minute version. I was pretty pissed off when I bought the boxset (for a pittence on eBay admitedly) and found it only contained a short version of the doc as an upgrade of Fear of God was my main reason for buying it (still, at least I finaly got Exorcist II: The Heretic in both widescreen and on a watchable edition)
"I think you're a load of old crap too, Mr Mulligan."
I never seen this one, but I think Friedkin lost it when he made the Exorcist those thirty years ago.
shareI just watched the 74 minute version last night for the first time and was totally incensed that Mercedes McCambridge's interview was STILL CUT from the documentary!! I was shellshocked! That was the entire reason I bought the thing!!
shareI love the 74 minute version but really want to see the Mercedes McCambridge interview and Kermode's interview!
I hope they restore the full version for the blu-ray coming out in 2010. I'm sure Mark will make himself involved somehow, haha, at least i hope he will.
I've just bought the Complete Anthology box set. I only really wanted the original film & Legion but it was very cheap so I thought I might as well. I was looking forward to seeing Mark Kermode's documentary again, as he's an excellent presenter. As a lot of you have said, it's insane that they've cut it to bloody ribbons!
I'm sure they will include the full version & lots of other bits when they do release the blue ray-no doubt to boost the coffers a bit. Howver, I won't be buying it.
It's bad enough replacing records with cds then ipods & videos with dvds. Any dvds I have are staying put-they must think we're made of money. i hate having to buy something that I alreayd have!