Inspired by the actual files of Father Gabriele Amorth, Chief Exorcist of the Vatican (Academy Award®-winner Russell Crowe; 2000, Best Actor, Gladiator), The Pope’s Exorcist follows Amorth as he investigates a young boy’s terrifying possession and ends up uncovering a centuries-old conspiracy the Vatican has desperately tried to keep hidden.
For thoughts on The Pope’s Exorcist, please check out my colleague Cody Allen’s review from its original theatrical release here.
Video Quality
The Pope’s Exorcist comes to Blu-Ray in a 1080p presentation that is as crisp and clear as any modern movie should be. This is a well composed film with many striking shots which allow you to see an incredible amount of detail. There are numerous ornate interiors featuring intricate production design which provide a nice reference to showcase the depth at play in the image. The film largely takes place at night or in the shadows, so do not expect an especially vivid color palette outside of some instances of fire. The skin tones look very detailed and natural all around with some of the makeup effects appearing quite grisly. The highlights are handled effortlessly, along with deep blacks that do not suffer from any crush, compression artifacts or banding. Sony has done a fine job here.
Audio Quality
The film comes with a rock solid DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that effortlessly brings life to this material. Environmental effects play a notable role in the film as the demonic presence conjures up an array of unsettling visions, and this track brings these elements to life with a grand immediacy. The use of the rear channels to create a fully immersive world works quite well. The directionality maintains pinpoint accuracy so that sounds always appear natural when coming from their respective points. Dialogue comes through clearly without being overshadowed by any of the other sounds. The track is most active during the climactic confrontations when Father Amorth attempts to cast out the spirits. Activity in the low end really comes alive at this point as it adds some force to the proceedings. Sony has provided a great sounding release all around.
Special Features
- Introducing Father Amorth: A nearly seven-minute piece in which the cast and creative team discuss the real-life figure at the center of this narrative, his unusual career, the responsibility felt to get his portrayal correct and more.
- What Possessed You?: A five-minute piece in which the cast and creative team discuss trying to find a fresh take on the exorcism genre, the investigative quality of the narrative, the trials of the characters and more.
- Previews
Final Thoughts
The Pope’s Exorcist had the potential to deliver a unique spin on the possession genre. The fact that our focal character is a real-life person who is directly tied to the Pope opens up a plethora of unique angles that could be explored. Occasionally you get a bit of this, especially early on as you see Father Amorth presenting a jovial nature not often found in this subset of horror. Russell Crowe does his best to bring some gravitas to the role, although his believability as an Italian is debatable. Things start to especially fall apart in the final stretch when the movie shifts to full-blown studio convention complete with a CGI overload that leaves you exasperated. The movie has its moments, but it loses its confidence in its own greatest assets as it goes along. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has released a Blu-Ray with a great A/V presentation and a brief selection of special features.
The Pope’s Exorcist will be available to purchase on Blu-Ray, DVD and Digital on June 13, 2023.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.