CED VideoDisc and Player Discussion

TomRoach · Joined: 30 Oct 2008 Posts: 4 Location: NJ

Hi, everyone. This is my first post.
I read that the original sound of the 1973 film 'The Exorcist' was in mono, then re-mixed in 1979. I am interested in watching the original format, but I believe it exists only on rare 35mm prints, the master cuts, and maybe analog beta somewhere out there. I did a search and found there was a 1982 release of the film on CED. I never heard of the CED format until tonight and realize how cool it could potentially be. I say potentially because of the difficulty in finding a nice-condition disc that is so old.

My question for you all is if anyone has a copy of The Exorcist on CED. I found one on eBay, and made three offers, but they were immediately declined, so all I can do is Buy It Now for $13.50 (w/ shipping) which I think is too high for a disc that the seller won't personally grade the condition of.
I am interested in seeing an older release of the film which is why I hope someone on here has a copy.

Many thanks,
Tom in NJ

ae.tc · Joined: 22 Jun 2008 Posts: 72 Location: Los Angeles

Jesse Skeen · Joined: 28 May 2004 Posts: 532 Location: Sacramento, CA

This isn't too hard to find on CED. The original mono version was also on VHS and laserdisc. I heard the first DVD release was labeled Dolby 5.1 but was actually mono too, but I haven't seen it to confirm that.
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Videodisc and stereo sound- there's no better value around!

TomRoach · Joined: 30 Oct 2008 Posts: 4 Location: NJ

Thanks for the replies. I agree that the seller's photo reveals a messy place, which is never a good place for media that are supposed to be kept away from dirt and dust as much as possible. What annoys me is the seller's great amount of vinyl audio and video, but they will not grade each disc individually, but will put the same grade for every single auction. It's a very risky auction, so I won't buy it. The CED packaging also looks very worn on the top edge, leading me to think the disc itself is worn and not worth it.

I'm still hoping someone on this board has a copy of 'The Exorcist.' I'd be willing to send some money over to them to transfer it to DVD or a similar digital A/V format, to cover the costs of the transfer, DVD, and postage.

Many thanks again,
Tom Roach in NJ

Rixrex · Joined: 28 May 2004 Posts: 1222

That seller's a jerk, he or she can't even put on some shoes to take a photo. Probably wandering around the house in a bathrobe all day. Some sellers like this find a bunch of CEDs in a yard sale and think they found gold. Don't buy from a seller who won't guarantee the product. Better to find a copy from somebody here, or go with the mono LD version to make copy from. Or even buy the 1st DVD release that has mono soundtrack too.

TomRoach · Joined: 30 Oct 2008 Posts: 4 Location: NJ

Thanks for your reply. I'll do a search for the rare Japanese laserdisc and the 1997 DVD (it was first pressed to DVD in 1997).

-Tom

Rixrex · Joined: 28 May 2004 Posts: 1222

If you only want to copy the film with a mono track to DVD, the VHS is the most available mono version. But of course getting the original mono DVD is best, I guess. In fact wile looking on ebay I saw several of the 1997 DVD and even a sealed 1998 widescreen VHS, don't know if that one was mono.