This was one film EVERY horror fan in the Los Angeles area was talking about at Beyond Fest this year. Ken Russell’s infamous and disturbing film THE DEVILS finally hit the big screen in glorious NC-17-rated form, and it wowed plenty of the people who saw it. Sure, some folks didn’t get it, but this news isn’t for those people.
The exclusive one-week theatrical run of the Director’s Cut of THE DEVILS, which launched October 16, received an extension last week due to popular demand. Now, Warner Bros. Clockwork has announced that the controversial classic isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. The NC-17 Director’s Cut will remain in theaters indefinitely.
Warner Bros. Clockwork encouraged fans to speak up if the film isn’t playing nearby, posting, “if it’s not playing near you, call your local theater and demand it.” Horror fans can check local listings and find tickets at the official THE DEVILS website.
The theatrical release has reportedly generated $3.3 million in ticket sales so far. For a 55-year-old film receiving an NC-17 theatrical release, that’s one hell of a box office story.
This special release presents the definitive Director’s Cut of THE DEVILS, with no other director’s cut formally existing. The version was reconstructed in 2004 under the supervision of Russell and editor Michael Bradsell, with collaboration from Mark Kermode and Paul Joyce. The 4K restoration was completed using the original camera negative at WB Water Tower Color, while the audio was restored from original composite 35mm magnetic film at WB Sound.
WATCH THE NEW 4K TRAILER FOR “THE DEVILS” BELOW
OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS: Based on Aldous Huxley’s 1952 nonfiction book The Devils of Loudun and its 1961 stage adaptation, Russell’s film takes audiences to 17th-century Loudun, France, where religious hysteria, political power and sexual repression collide in a disturbing tale of alleged demonic possession.
Oliver Reed stars as Grandier, a charismatic priest whose relationships and influence make him the target of powerful enemies. Vanessa Redgrave plays Sister Jeanne, a sexually obsessed nun whose jealousy intensifies when she learns of Grandier’s relationship with Madeleine, played by Gemma Jones. Accusations of demonic seduction soon spiral into hysteria and chaos.
A film that has challenged audiences and stirred controversy for decades is now finding a new theatrical audience, with its unflinching imagery and provocative subject matter back where they belong: on the big screen.
If you’ve been waiting for a chance to experience THE DEVILS theatrically, this may be your moment. Check the official website for screenings near you.
