The Devils (1971) (Ken Russell) Discussion Thread

[mr 420]

Originally Posted by Paul@Lovelockandload

Do you know something I don't? A director approved edit (including the Rape of Christ sequence) was overseen by Ken Russell in 204/2005 and was screened at the BFI in London. The only reason why this version wasn't put out on DVD in the UK is because Warner would only licence the original UK theatrical version.

Oh, I didn't realise that it is the uncut version. I thought that it was the theatrical release. I bought it a couple of weeks ago mainly for the vast amount of extras and the fact that was only £4 didn't hurt!

I'm going to have to revisit this demented classic again,now that it's the full version. Many thanks, Paul.

[Justin101]

Originally Posted by mr 420

Oh, I didn't realise that it is the uncut version. I thought that it was the theatrical release. I bought it a couple of week ago mainly for the vast amount of extras and the fact that was only £4 didn't hurt!

I'm going to have to revisit this demented classic again,now that it's the full version. Many thanks, Paul.

It's not, you've misread what you've quoted

It IS a fuller version than the cut theatrical version, but it is still trimmed of some key controversial scenes such as the 'rape of christ' because WB don't want it releasing and they own it. It was shown at the BFI censorship film festival in its full uncut form a few years ago but that's the only time since the execs at Warners thought it brought disrepute to the their company!

[mr 420]

Cheers for that, Justin.

[The Reaper Man@Cult Labs]

Originally Posted by Paul@Lovelockandload

Do you know something I don't? A director approved edit (including the Rape of Christ sequence) was overseen by Ken Russell in 204/2005 and was screened at the BFI in London. The only reason why this version wasn't put out on DVD in the UK is because Warner would only licence the original UK theatrical version.

And on the capacity of a Blu Ray disc,we could have both cuts!

[sjconstable]

Originally Posted by Paul@Lovelockandload

Do you know something I don't? A director approved edit (including the Rape of Christ sequence) was overseen by Ken Russell in 204/2005 and was screened at the BFI in London.

That's an extended cut, the full uncut version is believed to be lost forever.

[mr 420]

Originally Posted by gasteropod

That's an extended cut, the full uncut version is believed to be lost forever.

That's what I always thought.

[Paul@TheOverlook]

Originally Posted by gasteropod

That's an extended cut, the full uncut version is believed to be lost forever.

It would be nice to have the longest version though, eh? It's down to Warner Bros suppressing the longer, Russell-approved cut it that we've not seen it on disc anywhere.

[trouserpress]

I've seen the screening at the BFI and the only things missing from the DVD are the "rape of Christ" aka nuns getting jiggy with a life size crucifix whilst a priest masterbates over them, and the moment when Sister Jeanne gets off on the charred leg bone of Father Grandier. Although they add tremendous power, the film is still incredibly moving without it.

[sjconstable]

Originally Posted by Paul@Lovelockandload

It would be nice to have the longest version though, eh? It's down to Warner Bros suppressing the longer, Russell-approved cut it that we've not seen it on disc anywhere.

Absolutely, I've seen that version and the 'rape of Christ' scene is fantastic, one of the highlights of the film.

[The Reaper Man@Cult Labs]

Indeed it is,and as mentioned above,the Grandier-bone-crotch rub is also a key,jaw-dropping moment!