Finally it looks like the studios are getting their thoughts right on the Paul Schrader version of the Exorcist prequel, Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist with the release of it in the cinema at the Edinburgh Film Festival (I have tickets for the second public showing on 26th August…the 24th was sold out!) and now the news from DVD Times that the complete set of movies is being released on DVD in October.
Warner Home Video have announced the UK Region 2 DVD release of The Exorcist – The Complete DVD Resurrection for 17th October 2005 priced at £32.99. All five films in the Exorcist legacy will be presented together in the collection for the first time ever. Housed in a “stunning box” with suitably chilling design, this set includes for the first time the controversial, never seen in cinemas original prequel Dominion from director Paul Schrader.
Unfortunately The Exorcist is not the “version you’ve never seen before”, but this is probably the most complete set to date. Extras are light, with the first movie boasting…
Feature Length Commentary by Peter Blatty
Feature Length Commentary by William Friedkin
‘Fear of God’ Documentary
Sketches and Storyboards, Interviews, Original Ending
Introduction by William Friedkin
6 TV Spots & 4 Theatrical Trailers
…and the second having merely an alternative opening sequence and a trailer. Luckily the second of the third movies(?!), the Harlin version, has a commentary from the Director which is quite revealing, and a behind the scenes featurette with the actors talking about their roles. It’s actually quite a good DVD, and not such a terrible film, it just doesn’t hold up to the originals. We shall see how the Scrader version does.
Now, considering the dates I told you for the showings of the Schrader version at the EIFF, consider this quote from WB:
Presented here for the first time ever in the UK following a successful premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
Hopeful I would say, it hasn’t been seen yet!
