NC-17 Director’s Cut of The Devils Stays in Theaters Forever
A film that refuses to stay buried. Ken Russell’s highly controversial 1971 masterpiece, The Devils, has found an extended home in theaters, signaling that audiences are ready to fully confront its chaotic intensity.
After an exclusive one-week run, the NC-17 Director’s Cut received an extension last week, demonstrating a clear appetite for the film’s audacious vision. Warner Bros. Clockwork has confirmed that this special presentation will remain in theaters indefinitely, inviting everyone to experience the full scope of the cinematic spectacle.
The limited release has already proven its staying power, generating $3.3 million in ticket sales. For a film steeped in history and controversy, this box office performance is a remarkable testament to its enduring appeal, especially given that it is 55 years old and carries an NC-17 rating.
This special release isn’t just a collection of scenes; it is the definitive cut of The Devils, and it stands alone as the only formal director’s cut to date. The meticulous reconstruction of this version involved intense collaboration, overseen by Ken Russell and editor Michael Bradsell, with input from Mark Kermode and Paul Joyce.
The technical artistry behind this revival is truly stunning. The 4K restoration utilized the original camera negative from WB Water Tower Color, while the audio was painstakingly restored using the original composite 35mm magnetic film from WB Sound. This effort ensures that the film is seen exactly as it was meant to be experienced.
Set in the tumultuous 17th-century Loudun, France, the narrative draws from Aldous Huxley’s 1952 non-fiction novel, The Devils of Loudun, and its 1961 stage play adaptation. The story centers on the dramatic and volatile relationship between Oliver Reed as Grandeur and Vanessa Redgrave as the lustful Sister Jeanne, whose jealousy escalates into wrath when she learns of Grandeur’s affair with the stunning Madeleine, played by Gemma Jones.
The resulting narrative is a whirlwind of demonic seduction accusations, hysteria, and sheer chaos—a perfect distillation of cinematic intensity. As one reviewer noted, the restored 4K is the defining version of the film, resplendently preserving its outrageous button-pushing glory and controversial scenes.
Warner Bros. Clockwork’s decision to release this definitive cut marks the first time Russell’s defining masterpiece will be officially made accessible to the public, ensuring that this spectacular, searing exploration of power and desire continues to captivate generations.
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