THE EXORCIST III (1990)

4 stars

Arrow Video. 4K UHD Limited Edition. 7th October

In this second sequel to the classic original, writer William Peter Blatty takes the helm basing his script on his book ‘Legion’. This is more a detective story than straight horror likes it’s predecessor.

It is 15 years since the events of THE EXORCIST. Lt. Kinderman (Lee J. Cobb from the first film had passed away so the role went to George C. Scott) is investigating a series of murders. He spends the day with his friend Father Dyer (Ed Flanders) and they discuss the latest killing – a young man who had his head cut off and replaced by the head of Christ from a statue! The boy was crucified.

Next a priest is taking confession and ends up dead and decapitated. However the clues don’t seem to point to the same murderer. Then his friend Dyer falls ill and is hospitalised and is also murdered at the hands of what Kinderman is convinced is the same person committing the crimes. He begins to see that it has similarities to The Gemini Killer (which Blatty partly based on the real life Zodiac Killer) – a serial killer who was executed fifteen years before!

Could whoever is carrying out these heinous murders be possessed in some way?

Blatty builds a good sense of dread throughout and the film is peppered with striking imagery. In some ways it’s fine qualities are hamstrung by the expectations that it comes with, by being titled as it is (hence the insistence of the producers to shoehorn in an exorcism, meaning Blatty had to reshoot the ending). If you would like to see the director’s original vision it was reconstructed a few years back from the best available sources and features on the second disc in this set (only in HD not 4K). Scott is impressive as the irascible cop supported by a strong cast which includes Brad Dourif and Jason Miller.

Steve Kirkham

DISC ONE – THEATRICAL CUT (4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY)

4K restoration of the theatrical cut

Audio commentary by critics Alexandra Heller Nicholas and Josh Nelson

Audio interview with writer/director William Peter Blatty – which plays over the movie

Death, Be Not Proud: The Making of The Exorcist III, an in-depth 2016 feature length documentary. Comprehensive! (1hr 44 mins)

Falling Down a Long Flight of Steps, an interview with special effects artist Randy Moore (8 mins)

Vintage Interviews, archival interviews with cast and crew members including William Peter Blatty, producer James Robinson, actors George C. Scott, Jason Miller, Grand L. Bush and Ed Flanders (38 mins)

Plus Vintage Featurette, making-of documentary with on-set footage and interviews; Deleted scenes, alternate takes and bloopers; Image galleries; Trailers, TV spots and radio spots

DISC TWO – ‘LEGION’ DIRECTOR’S CUT (BLU-RAY)

Legion audio commentary with film critics Mark Kermode and Kim Newman

Deleted Prologue, an alternate opening to Legion with optional audio commentary from Mark Kermode and Kim Newman