UK: The Devils DVD from the BFI in March 2012

[MarcMorris]

On March 19, 2012 the BFI will issue Ken Russell's The Devils on DVD in a Special Edition.

THE DEVILS (Special Edition)

A film by Ken Russell

In seventeenth-century France, a promiscuous and divisive local priest, Urbain Grandier (Oliver Reed), uses his powers to protect the city of Loudon from destruction at the hands of the establishment. Soon, he stands accused of the demonic possession of Sister Jeanne (Vanessa Redgrave), whose erotic obsession with him fuels the hysterical fervour that sweeps through the convent.

With its bold and brilliant direction by Ken Russll, magnificent performances by Oliver Reed and Vanessa Redgrave, exquisite Derek Jarman sets and sublimely dissonant score by Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, The Devils stands as a profound and sincere commentary on religious hysteria, political persecution and the corrupt marriage of church and state.

Finally available on DVD for the first time, The Devils is presented in the original UK X certificate version with a host of new and exciting extra features.

Special Features*

1. DVD premiere presentation of the original UK X certificate version
2. Newly filmed introduction with director Ken Russell
3. Audio commentary with Ken Russell, Mark Kermode, Mike Bradsell and Paul Joyce
4. Hell on Earth (Paul Joyce, 2002, 48 mins): documentary exploring the film's production and the controversy surrounding its original release
5. Director of the Devils (1971, 21 min): documentary featuring candid Ken Russell interviews and unique footage of Sir Peter Maxwell Davies recording his celebrated film score
6. Original on-set footage with commentary by editor Mike Bradsell
7. Amelia and the Angels (Ken Russell, 1958, 30 mins): Ken Russell's short film, a delightful mix of religious allegory and magical fantasy
8. Original UK trailer
9. Original US trailer
10. Fully illustrated booklet featuring new essays and notes from Mark Kermode, Craig Lapper (BBFC), Sam Ashby, and others

* Special features are subject to change

DVD: amazon.co.uk | play.com

[drterror666]

But what about an uncut Director's version?

[jacksmith1983]

On paper this sounds like an excellent release IMO. While it is a shame that the version of the actual film presented will be the compromised X certificated UK thaetrical cut, in my opinion the waelth of retrospective material is a fair compromise. I'll certainly be buying this.

[mark meakin]

On paper this sounds like an excellent release IMO. While it is a shame that the version of the actual film presented will be the compromised X certificated UK thaetrical cut, in my opinion the waelth of retrospective material is a fair compromise. I'll certainly be buying this.

The 'Rape Of Christ' footage was shown again in the recent 'Dear Censor' documentary on BBC4 so I'm glad I recorded it.This will be one of the best releases of 2012 so I've pre-ordered mine.Well done to the BFI.

[Harold Monroe]

great news!

one of the best films ever made imo. will be having one of these for sure. those extras look mighty fine

[jockfun28]

Curiously it does say the film runs for 107 mins, but whatever version it will still be an essential purchase, i for one cant wait for March it will be a belated birthday present to myself, very excited

[thehamish]

wheeee! next year shaping up v nicely
4FOGV finally in UK
and now this....always loved spotting Brian Murphy in it as well....

[MarcMorris]

Kermode Uncut: Better The Devils You Know?

[drterror666]

Kermode Uncut: Better The Devils You Know?

I watched what Mark Kermode had to say and I still think I'm going to wait until the inevitable bells and whistles version, which will come out at some point in the future. I think it's great that the X rated cut is soon to be available, but, as I've said, I think I'll wait.

[jockfun28]

This explains a lot, thank you mr kemode for taking the time out to explain, this makes me want to see this again all the more as i am sure i have only seen the R rated version

[vanburen]

Not before time i might add,will def be getting this.Once had a letter off Ken Russell whilst he was making Crimes of passion,fantastic bloke !

[jockfun28]

See this is attracting negative reviews on amazon, some people are a little bit stupid, why not wait for it to come out before commenting on it, clearly they dont know what they are talking about

[Someone Weird]

A must have release. Shame they aren't using the cut footage (which is on the documentary anyway I think), but such a great film anyway.

[mark meakin]

A must have release. Shame they aren't using the cut footage (which is on the documentary anyway I think), but such a great film anyway.

Unfortunately the footage won't be in the version of the documentary on the dvd from the sound of things.Be a nice tribute to Russell & a bonus for us if Warner would reconsider now he's gone.

[Blink]

Unfortunately the footage won't be in the version of the documentary on the dvd from the sound of things.

How do you know it won't be in the version of the documentary ?

[Oscar Deutsch]

It's mentioned on this thread on Mobius here:

http://z8.invisionfree.com/MHVF/inde...howtopic=13128

Note that Warners have refused to licence the notorious "Rape of Christ" sequence for home video, so this DVD release unfortunately ignores the 2004 Director's Cut restoration -- and this goes for the "Hell on Earth" docu as well, which has been re-edited to remove that entire sequence (apparently replacing it with some additional material on Derek Jarman's contribution to the film).

[Someone Weird]

Oh no, that's quite disappointing! I'm sure the missing footage was in that documentary, seems weird they would take it out completely. Its not that offensive (and shown on tv).

[thehamish]

Oh no, that's quite disappointing! I'm sure the missing footage was in that documentary, seems weird they would take it out completely. Its not that offensive (and shown on tv).

indeed. what always gets me about funda-mentalist xtians is that the slightest little thing seems to have them up in arms. surely faith should be a little stronger no?

[drterror666]

I still think Warners have dropped the ball with this release.