Prepare yourselves for a journey into one of cinema’s most explosive and controversial works: Ken Russell’s “The Devils.” Warner Bros. Clockwork has just unveiled a teaser trailer, setting the stage for the uncensored 4K re-release of this infamous 1971 feature.
This monumental restoration stands out as one of the most significant film announcements in recent years, marking it as the first release from WBD’s prestigious new specialty label, Warner Bros. Clockwork. It signals a major effort to bring this challenging piece of history into the modern age with stunning clarity.
At its heart, “The Devils” is a searing adaptation of Aldous Huxley’s novel, “The Devils of Loudon.” The narrative centers on Oliver Reed as Urbain Grandier, a French priest who becomes the focal point of a brutal and terrifying political witch hunt in 17th-century Europe.
What makes the film so relentlessly powerful is its graphic and uncompromising portrayal of power, religion, and sexuality. It plunges the viewer into a vortex where the hysteria of an inquisitor, played by Michael Gothard as Father Barre, utilizes torture and violence to ignite a rabid, carnal frenzy across the city.
The film is renowned for its explicit treatment of violent and sexual content intertwined with religious fervor. It originally faced heavy censorship, earning an X rating and being banned or heavily edited in numerous countries during its initial run. This history only adds to its legendary status as one of the most controversial films ever made.
Now, this new presentation promises something even more visceral. The 4K restoration is meticulously assembled from the original camera negative, utilizing the most complete edit that Ken Russell privately constructed and restored back in 2004. It was a version screened privately at the National Film Theatre in London but never seen by the public.
By presenting this footage in high definition, Clockwork is offering what is marketed as the “uncut and unfiltered theatrical experience that Russell always envisioned.” This release aims to deliver the raw, complete vision of the filmmaker on a new visual scale.
Fans can expect an immersive experience delving into the darker corners of history and human nature, all captured in breathtaking detail. The feature will hit theaters globally for a one-week re-release starting October 16th.
Credit: Dark Horizons
