Yes, in this podcast interview, he says that he has "come around" and now prefers 'The Version You Haven't Seen, Unless You Have Seen This Version, Which Makes It The Other Version You've Seen'.

This is the guy who wanted Sorcerer full screen rather than it's OAR when it was released on Laser Disc (he said most people prefer their TV screens filled up), so he has a long history of bone-headed moves.

He didn't make any changes to the French Connection. The blu-ray is an accurate representation of the answer print. All previous releases have been drastically modified due to the limitations of home video.

Unless you've seen the answer print, you can't criticize the French Connection.

Ouch. I hope RAH doesn't visit here. He's been known to pop into other forums from time to time.

Finally an announcement:

The Exorcist: Extended Director's Cut + Theatrical Cut

Street Date:10/5/10

The Phenomenal Box Office Performer Arrives On Blu-Ray(TM)! Just In Time For Halloween

Controversial and successful from the moment it hit theatres, The Exorcist endures as a defining horror
classic that influenced movies afterward and still shocks and haunts decades later. Director William Friedkin
and producer/ screenwriter William Peter Blatty have integrated over 10 minutes of scenes and images
deleted before the film’s 1973 release. Now seen are moments deepening the impact of the performances by
Linda Blair, Ellen Burstyn, Jason Miller, Max von Sydow and Lee J. Cobb: a “nervous disorder” diagnosis,
more of Father Merrin’s arrival before the ritual, an epilogue with Lt. Kinderman and Father Dyer and most
notably, Regan’s shattering staircase descent. The Exorcist astonishes and unsettles like no other movie.

Exorcist, The: Extended Director's Cut + Theatrical
Cut (BD)
Blu-ray | Special Edition | Digibook

Exorcist, The: Extended Director's Cut + Theatrical
Cut (DVD)
DVD | Eco Amaray Case

Now we just have to hope that the original cut wasn't given the Friedkincolor™ treatment.

The BD is a digibook according to that listing.

I'll have that!

Theatrical cut? Count me in!

If this does include the original theatrical cut, my head will spiin. If not, my head will still spin, but it won't be a happy spin.

Nice. In for the Digibook. Hope that documentary from the first dvd release is included.

I don't think I've ever seen the TC, so this'll be good.

both cuts? i'm in

theatrical cut + digibook = day one sale

Nice! Sold.

I guess since we have all seen "The Version You've Never Seen" by now, that must be why it is now being called the "Extended Director's Cut" instead...

I'll have to wait until screen shots are posted to make a purchase decision....really hope the visuals haven't been ruined like "The French Connection" BD......

When The French Connection Blu-ray was released, Friedkin said that he would do the same thing to The Exorcist. However, in the meantime, he reportedly also supervised the To Live and Die in L.A. transfer, which has normal colors. So maybe he's come to his senses? I guess we'll find out soon enough.

All over this one. Glad to hear it's getting a DigiBook.

more details from blu-ray.com

Digibook, theatrical cut, good cover art, Fear of God doc, new extras...WB pretty much fulfilled my wishlist. Given all of that, I'm trusting that the transfer will be stellar as well.

So it looks like we get the original doc from the first DVD anniversary release. Guess it's time to finally unload both DVD's.

Looks pretty stacked. Now all we can do is wait for the screencaps...

Wow, I'm super excited for this one! I like the cover too, hopefully it doesn't change!

Other than it having kind of a greenish or brownish tint sometimes, I don't think another image has ever been used for this movie.