THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE (Widescreen Unrated Version/Special Edition)

DVD Review by David Blackwell

DETAILS: 122 minutes, audio commentary, deleted scene, three featurettes

STUDIO: Screen Gems/ SPHE/ Lakeshore Entertainment

RELEASE DATE: 12-20-2005

THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE is a solid thriller. It isn't quite a horror film, but many scenes might appeal to those looking for an all-out horror film. The film is one part thriller/one part courtroom drama. It is inspired by true events. Erin Brunner (an agnostic attorney played by Laura Linney) is hired to defend a Roman Catholic priest (Tom Wilkinson) when he is accused of negilgent homicide of Emily Rose (Jennifer Carpenter) shortly after a failed exorcism. Was she possessed or did she have neurological problems like epilepsy? The prosecutor is a Methodist and his job is to show the priest was responsible for Emily's death. Meanwhile, the priest wants to tell Emily's story while warning Erin she may be exposing herself to dark forces that don't want it known. THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE is an engaging film with solid acting, a creepy atmosphere, and spirituality.

VIDEO: 2.40:1 (Anamorphic Widescreen)

The transfer is top notch. Image detail is very sharp and things have been corrected from the theatrical version for the unrated cut. Grain is visible during the scene with lots of fog.

AUDIO: English 5.1 Dolby Digital

Subtitles: English

Dialogue is clear. The music is very creepy.

SPECIAL FEATURES: The audio commentary with director Scott Dickerson (who also co-wrote the film) describes how the project came out, the stuff they had to compromise on, and more. One of the better director commentaries I have ever heard. The deleted scene isn't needed (and it also has optional commentary).

Three featurettes are on this DVD: GENESIS OF THE STORY, CASTING THE FILM (Laura Linney suggested Jennifer Carpenter, Jennifer speaks with a lisp in her interviews), and VISUAL DESIGN (the look and effects of the film including the puppet used in it). Interesting enough to watch once although some details are covered in the audio commentary.

FINAL ANALYSIS: Skip the PG-13 cut on DVD and watch the Unrated Version of THE EXCORCISM OF EMILY ROSE on DVD.

this DVD Review is (c)12-12-2005 David Blackwell and cannot be reprinted without permission (except for excerpts and a link to the review). Look for additional content at http://www.livejournal.com/users/enterlinemedia and send all comments to lord_pragmagtic@hotmail.com