The Devils (1971) (Ken Russell) Discussion Thread

[Vampix]

Just pre-ordered my copy.

[hallo37]

I can understand Warners not releasing this in the USA - because the Christian right is far more powerful there than it is here where there would be a few protests but nothing major. It would have been better to release it on Blu ray at least then it would've almost certainly been region locked to Europe/Australia. I guess a lot of US customers have access to multi region DVD players?

[Michael Brooke]

Originally Posted by hallo37

It would have been better to release it on Blu ray at least then it would've almost certainly been region locked to Europe/Austalia. I guess a lot of US customers have access to multi region DVD players?

My understanding is that an HD master doesn't currently exist.

[hallo37]

And probably will never be!

[Michael Brooke]

I suspect there'll be quite a few copies crossing the Atlantic - it's locked to Region 2, unsurprisingly, but that shouldn't be a major handicap.

Especially given that most people in the US won't have had the chance to see the British cut, which is three minutes longer and much more graphic than the Warner-mangled US cut (which, amongst other things, removed every shot featuring pubic hair). Even if they've seen an imported VHS, it will have been panned-and-scanned or cropped - this is the world home video premiere of the longest commercially-released version in the original 2.35:1 aspect ratio.

[nekromantik]

I do suspect it will go OOP soon.
I am a little wary of paying £12 for a DVD however.

[hallo37]

Well lets hope that this makes a lot of money (ironically for Warners I suppose) and there's a change of heart for the near future (I won't hold my breath though).

[Nemesis]

Originally Posted by nekromantik

I do suspect it will go OOP soon.
I am a little wary of paying £12 for a DVD however.

Why out of print, Nekromantik? Surely if it was a hit on dvd, the BFI would repress it?

[nekromantik]

Originally Posted by Nemesis

Why out of print, Nekromantik? Surely if it was a hit on dvd, the BFI would repress it?

BFI releases do go out OOP.
Seeing as this is the most complete official version of the movie it will be a success.

[Michael Brooke]

Originally Posted by nekromantik

BFI releases do go out OOP.

If it goes OOP, it will be for the usual reasons - the rights come up for renewal at the end of the licensing period, and either Warner doesn't want to renew them or they want more money than the BFI thinks is realistic.

But this won't be for several more years - and you can bet your bottom dollar that the BFI will be pressing as many copies as they can to meet what seems set to be very considerable demand. After all, they'd derive no benefit at all from people cashing in on it going OOP!