The Exorcist - The Complete Anthology : The Exorcist / Exorcist 2 The Heretic / Exorcist 3 / Dominion The Prequel / Exorcist The Beginning (5 Disc Box Set) [1973] [DVD] [Dual Disc Format]*

Obviously with a collection of this nature, the quality of each individual film varies wildly. Presentation-wise, the box and DVD menus are all fantastic. The first film is an undeniable classic, the second an unintentional comedy, the third a good slasher (of sorts) film, and the two prequels interesting as an experiment in how much an individual director can bring to a movie; Dominion is simply stunning, and the Beginning is entertaining enough. In all, a worthy purchase for any horror fan.

I think the most helpful thing I can say in this review is that this 5 Disc Box Set contains the original release of The Exorcist and NOT the Extended Director's Cut (aka The Version You've Never Seen). The 6 Disc Box Set (from amazon.com) has both if you want them but I prefer the untampered with version of the movie.

At such a low price this boxed set is well worth buying for the movies Exorcist I and III alone. Both were adapted from excellent novels written by William Peter Blatty, both are great in their own way and, importantly, both make sense as a pair of stories/movies. The other three films are flawed (actually 'flawed' is an understatement for Exorcist II The Heretic) and are only tenuously linked to the 'official' storyline of I & III but can be viewed as a bonus.

A neat and well-packaged must-have for any horror collection.

If you enjoyed "The Exorcist", or you just thought you might enjoy it, or even if you are merely curious, I strongly recommend this set of five films, especially at this giveaway price.

The first two films - "Dominion The Prequel" and "Exorcist The Beginning" - which actually date from 2005 and 2004 respectively, both stem from the same basic idea, use most of the same sets, and feature many of the same actors (in the same roles). Yet despite the basic similarities the two storylines are significantly different so that seeing one doesn't spoil your enjoyment of the other. And yes, they are definitely BOTH worth watching. Indeed, I still can't make up my mind which I enjoyed most.

"The Exorcist" - the original film, complete with director's commentary, etc. - now gets shifted to number three, in logical order of viewing, though it was originally released in 1973.
What is remarkable is that this is possibly the least gripping of the first four films - unless you've never seen it before. That is because, IMO, it relies incredibly heavily on outrageous special effects for most of its impact. In 1973 this was cutting edge stuff and truly mind boggling, but special effects have developed so much in the last 30 years that most viewers will have seen far more convincing/stomach churning sights than are included here.

"Exorcist II The Heretic" (1977) rests almost entirely on the shoulders of Richard Burton, playing the role of Father Merrin's successor in the fight against the demon Pazuzu. This is a complete break from most of the film roles Burton played, but apart from the rather overplayed expression of a man on the edge of a total breakdown, IMO Burton does a pretty good job. And it certainly doesn't hurt that other parts include Louise "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" Fletcher as a psychiatrist (just begging to be convinced that evil is more than just nasty thoughts; Max Von Sydow (now playing Father Merrin as a young man!); and of course Linda Blair both reprising her original role as "Regan the possessed" AND as the allegedly exorcised Regan a year or two after the original events.
Indeed, it could be that this is actually the best of the four films for anyone wanting something more than a simple gore fest.

And then there's "The Exorcist III" - if you really must.
An interview with director William Friedkin and author William Peter Blatty amongst the numerous extras on the two-side "The Exorcist" disk make it clear that Blatty's ideas on what should have gone into the film differed quite significantly from Friedkins, and when you see what a bodge job "The Exorcist III" is - being both written and directed by Blatty, based on his follow-up book "Legion" - you'll realise how fortunate it was that Friedkin had ultimate control of the earlier film.

Anyone who has seen Blatty's film "Twinkle, Twinkle, Killer Kane" (also based on one of his books) will have some idea of how rambling and unsatisfactory his handling of this medium is. And "The Exorcist III" is definitely on a par with "Killer Kane".
Having said that, the one highlight of the film is Brad Dourif.
Usually relegated to weasely scumbag roles such as "Grimer Wormtongue" in "Lord of the Rings II". This time round, in the title role, he is allowed to show something like the full range of his acting skills. And a jolly good job he makes of it.

So, four goodies and one also ran.
In my opinion it's still an excellent package overall and at a knock down price. You could say it's an offer you can't refuse ;-)