The Devils uncensored NC-17 trailer re-release

History is being re-examined, one searing frame at a time. Ken Russell’s infamous masterpiece, The Devils, is finally poised for a cinematic rebirth, shedding layers of historical and editorial controversy to arrive in stunning 4K clarity.

Clockwork, Warner Bros.’ specialty label, recently ignited the anticipation by releasing a hypnotic new trailer showcasing the forthcoming restoration. This unveiling promises an uncensored look at the film’s notorious NC-17 history, reminding audiences of the intense, raw vision that defined this controversial piece.

The journey for this director’s cut is marked by high-profile events; the film was recently showcased at major festivals like Cannes and Toronto, setting the stage for its official release. Fans can prepare for the full experience with specific dates: the North American theatrical release is set for October 16, followed by a UK premiere on October 30.

The Devils plunges viewers into the dark political and religious conflicts of 17th-century France. The narrative follows Father Grandier (Oliver Reed), whose unorthodox views on sex and religion ignite a passionate following among nuns, including the sexually obsessed Sister Jeanne (Vanessa Redgrave). As power-hungry Cardinal Richelieu (Christopher Logue) seeks control over France, he launches a campaign to destroy the priest’s reputation, portraying Grandier as a satanist in his quest for dominance.

The film’s original run was fraught with controversy. Due to its graphic content involving violent and sexual themes, it received an X rating in both the United Kingdom and the United States and faced bans in several nations. Furthermore, the version audiences have known has been heavily edited, leaving many devotees eager for the opportunity to witness the director’s complete vision.

The new 4K restoration aims to deliver this uncensored history with breathtaking fidelity. It is assembled from the original camera negative, and the sound has been meticulously remastered from the original English Composite 35mm Mag Film, transferred at a crisp 96kHz. This comprehensive picture and sound restoration was handled by Warner Bros. Post Production Creative Services, Water Tower Color, and Warner Bros. Sound.

This is more than just technical refinement; it is a cultural excavation. As British film critic Mark Kermode noted in reaction to the possibility of this release, the decision by Clockwork and Warner Bros. to pursue the director’s cut was a momentous one. He expressed astonishment at the prospect, marveling that they were moving forward with what felt like a cinematic equivalent to The Exorcist, yet distinctly different—a bold move for a film as volatile as The Devils.

With the goal of making this intensely powerful and historically significant work more widely available, efforts are now focused on ensuring that this uncensored vision reaches every viewer who seeks to understand its legacy.