DR. SAPIRSTEIN: THE EXORCIST : 35mm 4K THEATRICAL RESTORATION #SOON

THE EXORCIST
DR. SAPIRSTEIN'S 35MM 4K THEATRICAL RESTORATION

This restoration is still a work in progress.

The Exorcist is not just a horror film - it’s the horror film. Directed by William Friedkin and based on William Peter Blatty’s best-selling novel, this cinematic masterpiece follows the terrifying possession of 12-year-old Regan MacNeil (Linda Blair) and the desperate battle to save her soul. As her mother (Ellen Burstyn) watches in helpless terror, two priests face off against a malevolent force beyond comprehension.

With groundbreaking special effects, a chilling atmosphere, and an Oscar-winning soundtrack, The Exorcist shattered taboos and redefined horror, delivering some of the most iconic and terrifying moments in film history. Banned, censored, altered, and whispered about for decades, The Exorcist remains one of the most disturbing and influential horror films ever made, a film that doesn’t just scare you, but possesses you.

Dare to watch a brand-new restoration that will take you back to the film's terrifying roots !

The most iconic horror film in cinema history is finally restored to its original, unaltered 1973 version, unseen since its theatrical release. This new 2025 restoration is sourced from two 2K transfers of a original 35mm print from 1974, ensuring the most authentic presentation possible.

For the first time on home video, fans can experience The Exorcist exactly as it was in 1973 : no added scenes, no altered colors, no CGI, no modified sound design. This is the original theatrical edit, featuring its intended colors, tints, and contrasts, presented in an open matte 1.57:1 format, revealing for the first time more of the frame than any previous home release, even more than the rare 1997 DVD.

The film’s original Academy Award-winning mono sound mix has been meticulously preserved in its uncompressed form for the first time, offering unmatched audio fidelity that stays true to its haunting 1973 atmosphere and unique sound design.

This release is a response to the disappointing Warner Blu-ray and 4K editions, which suffered from reframing, incorrect color grading, and unnecessary video and audio alterations. With this restoration, The Exorcist is finally available in its truest, purest form, just as William Friedkin intended 52 years ago.

· Brand new 2025 4K restoration featuring the original color scheme and in its 1.57:1 aspect shooting aspect "open matte" ratio, offering much more image on the top, bottom and sides of the picture. An 1.85 ratio version will also be made available.

· Authentic 1973 version of the film, untouched and unaltered. Don’t expect anything resembling the post-1973 releases : no color grading changes, no modified soundtrack, no "blue exorcism," no spider walk, no CGI inserts, and no questionable morphing effects. This is the raw, unfiltered Exorcist as it was meant to be seen.

· Restored intro & outro, with the original credits properly re-synced and cleaned.

· Sourced from 2 different 35mm prints transfers [Rob's fantastic work & a French 1974 print].