Exorcist III 4K UHD Review: The Power of 4K Compels You

I never saw Exorcist III in theaters, so each home video release has been an upgrade. I did grow up near Washington, D.C. so seeing that area in 4K UHD is stunning, both the Georgetown campus and wider city. 

The Scream Factory transfer retains the texture of the grain of 1990 film. The steps remain smokey and the darkness at night really evokes the dread of Exorcist horror. 

Cell 11, where Patient X/The Gemini Killer/Father Karas resides, really evokes the layers of darkness. Two beams of light pore through the windows above. 

The exorcism finale may have been studio mandated, but Patient X is formidably creep in the dark, with flames and snakes. There are plenty of Fangoria worthy effects shown in 4K glory too. The blue lightening here looks better than the recent Highlander 4K. 

Stained class in the church creates nice light in the daylight, but most of the film is in fluorescent hospital or police station halls. It still holds up between the standout horror scenes. 

Scream Factory also restored the Legion cut with VHS quality footage. That’s still on Blu-ray but there’s probably not much point upgrading it to 4K if the extra scenes can’t be upgraded .

The sound mix for the theatrical cut is new too. It delivers ominous wind. Dialogue is a little soft so you’ll end up cranking it up. There are relatively few sound effects for most of the film. Even the exorcism keeps the rear sounds subtle to evoke old, not bombastic noise.