The Rite (On Blu-ray 5/17/11)
Inspired by true events, this supernatural thriller follows a seminary student (Colin O'Donoghue) sent to study exorcism at the Vatican in spite of his own doubts about the controversial practice and even his own faith. Only when sent to apprentice with legendary Father Lucas (Anthony Hopkins), who has performed thousand of exorcisms, does his armor of skepticism begin to fall. Drawn into a troubling case that seems to transcend even Father Lucas's skill, the young seminarian glimpses a phenomenon science can't explain or control - and an evil so violent and terrifying that it forces him to question everything he believes.
Inspired by author Matt Baglio's non-fiction book of the same name, director Mikael Håfström's supernatural thriller traces the experiences of a young seminary student who discovers the true power of faith after being drafted into the Vatican's Exorcism School and confronted by the forces of darkness.
"Director Hafstrom and cinematographer Ben Davis lend the locations an handsome burnished look....The supporting cast is unusually strong..."-- Michael Phillips, Los Angeles Times
3 stars out of 4 -- "It is atmospheric, its cinematography is eerie and evocative, and the actors enrich it..."-- Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
3 stars out of 5 -- "Colin O'Donoghue makes for a solid lead....And Hopkins has been handed a part that lets him chow down with usual aplomb..."-- James White, Empire
3 stars out of 5 -- "Evoking a foreboding world of glowering skies, freaky visions and chilling flashbacks..."-- Neil Smith, Total Film
Warner Home Video has announced The Rite for Blu-ray release on May 17, in a BD/DVD/Digital Copy combo pack. This atmospheric horror movie, directed by Mikael Håfström, centers around a seminary student who is sent to apprentice with a famous exorcist, played by Anthony Hopkins.
Special features include:
- Alternate ending (BD-exclusive)
- The rite: Soldier of God – meet Father Gary Thomas, the Vatican-ordained exorcist whose life story inspired the film (BD-exclusive)
- Additional scenes
