The Devils (1971) (Ken Russell) Discussion Thread

[Demoncrat]

Will be screening TD tonight for mate. 3rd time since i got it!! Even in this "tamer" version, it's still a wild ride!

[The Reaper Man@Cult Labs]

Originally Posted by plasterface

cheers but i'll think i'll save my pennies for if it gets a uk special edition

Oh,I agree.
ANY UK release of Russell's work in the same calibre of the BFI's treatment of THE DEVILS would be most welcome!

[plasterface]

its the first nicely packaged region 2 dvd for a long while that has'nt been an arrow release, and at a nice price as well.

[Handyman Joe]

Forgot how heavy this movie is. I tried watching it on Saturday night and it just didn't fit with my mood (under the influence). Rewatched on Sunday, straight, with the commentary and its quality came to the fore. It's unusual for a Ken Russell film - they usually guarantee a good, bad taste, time but this ones different and must be approached with caution, even after all these years. One point about the commentary - it seemed to peter out after an hour or so, almost as if Mr Russell got a bit bored, I found myself shouting at Kermode to keep it going but he wasn't quite up to it. How brilliant is that last shot by the way - one of the best in all horror.

[The Reaper Man@Cult Labs]

Ken was getting on a bit when it was recorded mate.
Probably time for his afternoon nap!

[robertzombie]

The version of Hell On Earth included on the BFI release is not the same as the originally televised version

[Michael Brooke]

Originally Posted by robertzombie

The version of Hell On Earth included on the BFI release is not the same as the originally televised version

You're forgiven for not having read the entire thread, but this has been mentioned.

Basically, it's an alternative cut that director Paul Joyce prepared after it became clear that permission to include the "rape of Christ" footage would have to be sought every time there was a public screening - and, to date, Warner Bros have only said yes once, for the original broadcast in 2002. And their contract with the BFI made it very clear that the complete "rape of Christ" sequence could not be included anywhere on the DVDs.

So the version on the DVD removes that and the material leading up to its unveiling - but in compensation Joyce added previously unbroadcast material and extended some of the interviews.

[Michael Brooke]

Originally Posted by Wes

Nunsploitation films are a dime a dozen, but the 1961 Polish film Mother Joan of the Angels is a very good companion piece to The Devils. Its not nearly as wild as Ken Russell's film, but its well worth seeing for the wonderful inventive camerawork and the strange and spooky atmosphere...

In a cheerfully shameless piece of The Devils-related opportunism, Second Run is reissuing Mother Joan of the Angels on May 28th, but replacing their original VHS-quality transfer (all that was available in 2005) with the recent restoration.

More details here.

I contributed to this as well (though I haven't yet seen the final edit of my illustrated video piece), so please feel free to fire any questions in my direction.

[Paul@TheOverlook]

It all becomes clear now, Michael. It's not films that motivate you, it's horny nuns.

[The Reaper Man@Cult Labs]

You had a gander at this yet mate?