IT may not be a patch on the original 1973 classic horror that was banned from our screens for so many years but prequel Exorcist - The Beginning is strangely addictive.

Whether it's because any fan of the original would want to see this film fall flat or whether non-fans would rather see the back of the whole series. Whatever the reason it's still difficult to turn your eyes away.

Priest turned archaeologist Lankester Merrin (Stellan Skarsgard) is accosted and let loose in deepest Africa to try to find an ancient relic before the British get their hands on it.

A Christian Byzantine Church has already been uncovered in pristine condition at the site but villagers helping the dig are too spooked to enter.

Merrin, with his background, is the only man for the job but he uncovers a lot more than he bargains for.

The only way to rate this movie must be by the old scare factor and it does have a few nail-biting sequences, although I suspect most won't be hiding round the back of the sofa.

Another thumbs up for the movie was the stunning Izabella Scorupco who plays a very good site nurse.

But the DVD is seriously let down on the extras front, which are thin to say the least.

MS