EXORCISME (1974) was ORIGINALLY a hardcore XXX film. From it TWO distinct movies were edited together utilizing the footage: EXORCISM, itself, and SADIST OF NOTRE DAME (1979). The latter film is less sexploitative and is more of a serious serial killer drama. It is much longer with additional scenes featuring Jesus Franco (looking noticeably heavier than in the EXORCISME scenes). The Franco and Romay in the XXX version are definitely their 1974 and not 1979 incarnations.
EXORCISM, however, is a poor soft core sister of the original cut of EXORCISME. It has all the odd story loopholes and illogic of the XXX version but without the added attraction of the explicit anatomical exertions/insertions (including Franco, himself, in a rape scene of Lina Romay's "Anne" character). SADIST made the best artistic use of the footage. EXORCISME made the most exciting use of the footage. At least we have decent picture clarity in this one.
EXORCISM, however, is a poor soft core sister of the original cut of EXORCISME. It has all the odd story loopholes and illogic of the XXX version but without the added attraction of the explicit anatomical exertions/insertions (including Franco, himself, in a rape scene of Lina Romay's "Anne" character). SADIST made the best artistic use of the footage. EXORCISME made the most exciting use of the footage. At least we have decent picture clarity in this one.