1. An earlier medical examination

We all remember the angiography scene— it's one of the movie's most disturbing moments, as Regan undergoes a medical procedure in stark, clinical clarity.

But, there's another medical scene added to the film for the 2000 re-release. This one happens earlier and explains why Chris later says, "It's like the doctor said, it's nerves." In "The Version You've Never Seen", this medical exam is restored, and we see Regan go demon-mode on the doctor!

2. The famous "spider walk" scene

For those of us who have seen it, it's hard to imagine a version of the movie without it. Regan distorts her body in such a way that she's able to bend over backward and crawl down the steps. But it all happens too quickly to be human. 

Previously, the footage only existed unedited and without sound. Luckily, it was found again, and William Friedkin was able to construct the sequence by blending several different takes. 

3. Stairwell scene

During the crucial, climactic exorcism scene, Father Merrin and Father Karras take a break from the eruptive action and take solace in each other on the staircase. It's a pivotal moment that allows us insight into each priest's mindset during the hellish ordeal.

Father Merrin: "It's about making us despair! He wants us to see ourselves in a different way! Animalistic, ugly! So that we don't even consider that God may love us!"

4. The ending

In the Director's Cut, there's an extended sequence before the end credits. Father Dyer examines the steps where his friend Father Karras dies, but then he's approached by Lieutenant Kinderman. The two exchange pleasantries before Dyer turns down an invitation to see Wuthering Heights, claiming he already knows the movie. Instead, the duo settles on grabbing dinner together. It's a warm, human moment that puts a perfect button on the movie, especially with its Casablanca-referencing last line:

"Louie - I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."

5. Added effects: A new face in the window

Among the new optical effects added to later editions was a haunting superimposition. Father Karras' mother is briefly visible in Regan's bedroom window. 

The effect literalizes Karras' regrets, as the Devil reminds him of how he was unable to care for his mother at her time of need. It's one of the many ways the demon strips its victims of their dignity.

6. Captain Howdy

These "subliminal" images were added into dark parts of the frame, specifically appearing on the walls of Regan's bedroom. The demon's painted white face, often referred to as "Captain Howdy," is actually taken from makeup test footage. Eileen Deitz's face was a canvas for effects artist Dick Smith as the crew decided on a final look for Regan's detriorating, possessed state. Images of Deitz in the makeup flash up for milliseconds at a time, with maybe a frame or so spliced into the footage.

7. Pazuzu

Just like the "Captain Howdy" images, there are blink-and-you'll-miss-it photos of the demon Pazuzu added throughout the film. The effects are unsettling. Before your brain can fully register what you're seeing, the flash is gone, and the stone Iraqi statue disappears.  It's enough to disturb even the most desensitized horror fan.