Brief Comments on the New Version

Rating: Null/10 (25 September 2000)

I just had a few brief comments on the "New Version", which I saw this past weekend. I won't say too much about the film in general, because the public consensus on "the Film" speaks for itself.
The addition of the medical examination and "spider-walk" scenes were a definite plus. The first actually made the story more coherent, while the second was just damned cool!
The additional dialogue between Father Merrin and Father Karras was okay, but it wasn't necessary.
The new ending is c**p. The original ending was perfect for the original movie, and would be perfect for the new version. Some of the additional subliminal shots of the demonic face were quite effective, but most of these extra touches just seemed gimmicky.
The new sound mix. Wow! One or two speakers does not do this movie justice. The DVD, 5.1 digital mix is great. But the new mix for this theatrical release is perfect!
So that's what I think. Of course, they could've re-released the original version in theaters, and I would still have seen it. This movie must be experienced in a theater at least once!