Throw your morals out the window folks, and forget everything your parents taught you about being a good person. Done? Good, now you're ready to sit back, relax, and "enjoy" Jess Franco's Exorcism. Long unavailable in any semblance of an original uncut form, Synapse picked up Eurocine's brand new transfer from Image Entertainment, who was just too chicken to release it. Eh, I kinda don't blame 'em; there's some pretty strong stuff here, so if you're easily offended, you're definitely at the wrong place.

Exorcism tells the story of a sadistic religious fanatic Paul Vogel (Jess Franco himslef) expelled from the church for his radical beliefs. At the same time, there's a group of nuts, if you will, who go around staging these faux black masses. I guess they think it's sophisticated. They sit around sipping drinks, getting turned on while watching women whip each other (usually naked). Sometimes, they even "pretend" to sacrifice each other with a bloody finale. To each his own I suppose. Well, it turns out that Paul decides to take it upon himself to expel Satan from these poor corrupted souls, so he systematically hunts them down, tortures them, and then kills them. Of course Franco favorite Lina Romay makes her appearance as the one poor tortured soul that Paul wants to save, without jamming a knife through her.

Exorcism, a very personal film for Franco (evidenced by his taking the starring role) has quite a sordid history. This version has never been available in the US. A heavily edited version, Demoniac, was released in the US, with different footage, and a different storyline to boot. This new transfer provided by Eurocine is better than anyone could have expected. This isn't to say that it's a reference quality disc, because it isn't. There are multiple color shifts, scratches, grain, film dirt, you name it. However, when it looks good, it looks good and it's simply striking to say the least. All things considered, one could never have expected this film to surface, complete in it's original form in the US. Sound is more of the same, dialogue is quite clear, and all things considered, the mono soundtrack is quite pleasing. Considering the rarity of this title, we couldn't ask for any more.

Extras are equally impressive. A nice trailer for Demoniac, and a small but neato still gallery. There is also an alternate "clothed" opening sequence. For those not in the know, a lot of films were shot with alternate sequences with/without clothes for foreign markets, and it's a neat little extra to have.

Last but not least, we get the first ever Franco commentary. Now, he doesn't do a whole lot of talking, and he is really hard to understand through that thick accent, but this is a welcomed extra and damn cool at that.

Overall, I must give a big thank you to Synapse for being brave enough to release this title. Ahhh, if Best Buy only knew what they were selling, Bravo! Franco-philes need to have this in their collection. Anyone elseÉwell, if you're feeling a bit dirty, I won't tell, just don't show it to anyone else until you've had a chance to check it out yourself. Enjoy!

Note: The DVD cover is double sided, so you can choose the artwork you like best. Also, look for an awesome hidden feature, a 20 minute convention appearence with Franco and Lina Romay, outstanding! Also, I must give a special kudos to Tim Lucas (film historian) for supplying the informative and entertaining Liner Notes.