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Tag: The Devils

  • Ken Russell’s The Devils teaser trailer released by Clockwork

    There are films that endure, and then there are films that demand to be seen in their complete, uncompromising form. Warner Bros.’ new boutique label, Clockwork, is currently delivering the latter with its highly anticipated release of Ken Russell’s controversial masterpiece, The Devils.

    This isn’t just another cinematic offering; it’s a deep dive into 17th-century France, chronicling a society grappling with religious fervor, sexual obsession, and brutal political power. The film follows the troubled trajectory of Father Grandier (played by Oliver Reed), a priest whose radical views ignite a dangerous following among nuns, including the sexually obsessed Sister Jeanne (Vanessa Redgrave). When the ambitions of Cardinal Richelieu (Christopher Logue) collide with Grandier’s unorthodox beliefs, a public outcry ensues to erase the priest’s reputation.

    The Devils has long existed as a polarizing title. Due to its graphic depiction of violence and sexual content, it faced severe restrictions upon its original debut, earning an X rating in both the United Kingdom and the United States and facing bans in numerous countries. Fans have patiently waited for the opportunity to witness the uncut, raw version, which was previously heavily edited.

    Now, Clockwork is making that wait worth it. The label has released a tantalizing teaser trailer, hinting at the powerful psychological horror within this historical epic. Mark Kermode, a renowned British film critic, expressed his astonishment at the project’s realization. He remarked that when he spoke with Clockwork executives in January, they were determined to bring the Director’s Cut to life, noting, “Christian and Spencer walk in, and I go, ‘Right. It’s Warner Bros., so it’s either The Exorcist or The Devils, but I know for a fact that it’s not The Exorcist. So, what do you want to do with The Devils?’ They said, ‘We really want to do the Director’s Cut, and we think it’s happening.’ I was completely speechless.”

    To fully immerse audiences in this potent vision, Clockwork has unveiled a stunning 4K restoration. This definitive version is painstakingly assembled from the original camera negative, ensuring historical accuracy while amplifying the film’s visceral impact. The sound has also been remastered from the original English Composite 35mm Mag Film, transferred at 96kHz, along with other original film elements.

    The resulting experience runs a robust 1 hour and 54 minutes, offering an expanded view of the story that appeals to those who crave the full narrative scope. This technical precision has been handled by Warner Bros. Post Production Creative Services, Water Tower Color, and Warner Bros. Sound, transforming the previously hard-to-find film into a premium cinematic event.

    Get ready for The Devils on October 16th, when this uncensored director’s cut will finally screen in theaters. The wait is over, and the full, uncompromising story of power, faith, and damnation is about to be unleashed.

    Credit: JoBlo

  • Teaser: Ken Russell’s “The Devils” Re-Release

    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

  • Quick Teaser for ‘Ken Russell’s The Devils’ 4K Definitive Restoration

    The shadow of history is finally being illuminated. After decades hidden from view, Ken Russell’s controversial 1970s masterpiece, The Devils, is set to return to the screen in a spectacular, definitive restoration.

    This monumental cinematic revival is spearheaded by the new specialty label, WB Clockwork, which has just unveiled a quick teaser trailer promising an immersive experience of this controversial work. It marks the very first official release under the Clockwork banner, signaling a major event for cinephiles eager to revisit this one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

    The film itself delves into the tense political and religious machinations of 17th-century France, exploring how Father Grandier’s efforts to protect the city of Loudun from the corrupt Cardinal Richelieu are undermined by a chilling accusation of witchcraft leveled by a sexually repressed nun. The visual spectacle is grounded in profound tension, featuring an unforgettable cast including Vanessa Redgrave as Sister Jeanne, Oliver Reed as Father Grandier, and Gemma Jones as Madeleine.

    The technical brilliance of this re-release is equally staggering. The Picture & Sound restoration was meticulously executed by Warner Bros. Post Production Creative Services, Water Tower Color, and Warner Bros. Sound, utilizing the original negatives to recapture the raw intensity of Russell’s vision. This special 4K restoration recently made its debut at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, celebrating 55 years since the film’s original theatrical debut.

    This is more than just a retrospective; it is a monumental re-release that promises to tantalize audiences once again. With its definitive vision based on the private edit Russell constructed in 2004, The Devils is poised to return and deliver a powerfully restored experience for theaters later this year.

    Credit: FirstShowing.net