The Devils (1971) (Ken Russell) Discussion Thread

[Paul@TheOverlook]

Originally Posted by James Morton

another film thats had no proper dvd release is Bava's
BLOOD AND BLACK LACE
proper ratio and excellent pq would make a great dvd/blu ray

Criminal, isn't it?

[P-Mac]

Great news:

Described as one of the 'most-wanted' British films that, until now, has never appeared on DVD, Ken Russell's The Devils (1971) remains one of the director's most controversial works. The film caused outrage when one of the longest-running battles with the BBFC was resolved and it opened in cinemas. However, Russell went on to win a Best Director prize at Venice, and the film's reputation has continued to grow over the decades.

The Devils is based on events that took place in 17th century Loudun, when an alleged mass possession of nuns swept through a convent. The film features a magnificent performance from Oliver Reed as a priest, whose presence triggers an erotic obsession in Sister Jeanne (Vanessa Redgrave, also excellent), sparking off the widespread hysteria. Derek Jarman designed the striking, highly memorable sets and Sir Peter Maxwell Davies composed a supremely well-matched score for Russell’s depiction of the breakdown of civilisation.

Film critic and expert Mark Kermode, who has written and broadcast extensively about The Devils, will be contributing to the special features. He comments:

'Ken Russell is one of Britain's greatest living filmmakers and The Devils remains his most incendiary work – an extraordinary and impassioned depiction of the unholy marriage of church and state which is as relevant today as it was when the film was first released.'

Sam Dunn, Head of BFI Video Publishing says:

'We are absolutely delighted to be able to announce the DVD premiere release of this extraordinary film. The Devils is one of the greatest British productions of all time, and our special edition release will not only feature the longest version of the film ever to have been released on DVD, but will also include a host of new and exciting extra features.'

The DVD will be released on 19 March 2012. An announcement detailing the full list of extras and technical specifications will be made nearer to the release date.

[The Reaper Man@Cult Labs]

THREADS MERGED.

Is this the same announcement?

Longest available version?

[Nosferatu@Cult Labs]

I've only seen the far-from-perfect Spanish DVD and it is a shame there is no HD release of Ken Russell's new cut, but an extra features-laden release of the fully restored theatrical version will do until the money men at the BFI gets into the 21st century and realise there is a huge market for BDs and stop teasing us with screenings of the director's cut in London.

[Nosferatu@Cult Labs]

Originally Posted by Reaper@Cult Labs

Longest available version?

I assume that means the longest version available to the BFI, the one with all previous cuts waived, and not the director's cut.

Hopefully, in the not too distant future, there will be remedied and we'll see the director's cut on Blu-ray with the same, if not more, extra features than on this SE DVD.

[The Reaper Man@Cult Labs]

As I said above,I reckon Warner are playing the waiting game....

[The Reaper Man@Cult Labs]

Originally Posted by Nosferatu@Cult Labs

I've only seen the far-from-perfect Spanish DVD

The full uncut version will be something of a revelation then!

[Nosferatu@Cult Labs]

Originally Posted by Reaper@Cult Labs

As I said above,I reckon Warner are playing the waiting game....

I hope that's the case and the wait will be short, not 40 years!

[The Reaper Man@Cult Labs]

Agreed!

[Nosferatu@Cult Labs]

Originally Posted by Reaper@Cult Labs

The full uncut version will be something of a revelation then!

No kidding! I don't really want to pass judgement on whether The Devils is one of the greatest ever British films until I've seen the director's cut on a stellar (hopefully 1080p) picture.