The Devils (1971) (Ken Russell) Discussion Thread

[The Limey]

Originally Posted by R-T-C Tim

I just hope this isn't one of those annoying cases where three months later the US will get a full Bluray release of the extended version...

According to Michael Brooke from the BFI that looks unlikely:

From what I understand, it's Warner Bros in the US that's really strongly opposed to the film's very existence - so I wouldn't hold your breath.
Even if they did decide to release it, it may well be the mangled US cut - I don't believe any other version has ever been shown over there.

[The Limey]

Originally Posted by the blob

From everything I've read so far, apparently the DVD only decision was out of their hands so Warner must have blocked a BD.

According to Michael Brooke that looks like a BFI decision:

I'll get the bad news out of the way right now: as already spotted, it's DVD only, and it's the 1971 British theatrical cut, not the 2004 restoration. Since BFI DVD Publishing is demonstrably run by Blu-ray evangelists and has a policy of sourcing the longest available version of the films they put out, you probably don't need to live at 221B Baker Street to work out the reasons for this.

[R-T-C Tim]

Originally Posted by The Limey

According to Michael Broughton that looks like a BFI decision:

Actually that quote suggests quite the opposite, that the BFI would want a BR and a full length cut but that WB are sitting on it.

[necroluciferia]

Got a bit excited for a moment but if it's cut then it's kinda pointless really

[stefanmetal]

So if it isn't the full uncut version, what is missing? Plus is the full version in circulation to the public?

[Stephen@Cult Labs]

Originally Posted by necroluciferia

Got a bit excited for a moment but if it's cut then it's kinda pointless really

I don't want you, or anyone else to rake offence to this, but I do find statements like this pretty amusing. Films around the same period that were "cut" before release, were Dirty Harry and A Clockwork Orange and have never been restored. If The Devils being released by the BFI is the version released in UK cinemas (and the longest version released in 1971), then I have no problem with it. (apart from the shitty artwork it will inevitably come with).

[Paul@TheOverlook]

I find that mentality quite a curious too. What's the alternative to not buying the BFI disc? Not having the film at all or owning the shoddy bootleg which is probably incomplete anyway!

Like Stephen says there are so many films that were cut pre-release which we'll never see in their intended versions (I'll add The Shining, The Gauntlet, Cliffhanger, Hard Target and the majority of the Connery Bonds). Some times you really do have to be grateful for what you're given.

[stefanmetal]

Cough Cough, please could someone answer my question. Really wanna know. Oh and Why is BFI artwork considered bad, I think it kicks ass. Look at the cover of Requiem For a Village and say it has bad artwork.

[Vampix]

Originally Posted by trouserpress

Such a shame we're not getting the BFI restoration, and it seems odd that there's no blu ray. In February the BFI are putting out Norman J. Warren's first film, a sexploitation oddity called Her Private Hell, on blu ray (I know because I've written sleeve notes), and yet they can't put out one of the most notorious classics in film history on the HD format?

Well, if they're putting something like that out why can't they also release the BFI restoration of the Amicus film The Vault of Horror on DVD? I'm pleased about The Devils finally making it's way to DVD.

[Paul@TheOverlook]

Originally Posted by stefanmetal

So if it isn't the full uncut version, what is missing? Plus is the full version in circulation to the public?

Some cuts were made to Russell's final version before the film was given its X rating by the BBFC. As far as I know, these cuts include only the "rape of Christ" sequence in which a group of horny nuns get naked and pounce on Oliver Reed and Spoiler! another in which Vanessa Redgrave masturbates with the bone of her deceased lover at the end.

Neither scene was included in any release version from anywhere but both are seen in Mark Kermode's documentary, Hell on Earth. The scenes were reinserted to the so-called 2004 "reconstruction" which has been screened at the BFI, Southbank