In It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, Linus Van Pelt gives a piece of advice that still holds true: “There are three things I’ve learned never to discuss: politics, religion, and The Great Pumpkin.” That same advice could also apply to moviemaking, as the wrong movie in any camp can send people into pure madness. Coincidentally enough Ken Russell’s The Devils is a movie that, with its own brand of fervor, inspires that same reaction – even 55 years later.
Just when one would think those wounds have healed, a new reissue of the Oliver Reed starring religious terror is about to make history. For the first time ever, its infamous Director’s Cut will finally see the light of day; allowing audiences to finally take in the full scope of the director’s initial intent. Marking the second stunning 4K restoration the late directing legend has on the books in 2026 (after this year’s IMAX reissue of The Who’s Tommy), this theatrical event will literally make history.
Ken Russell’s The Devils Ascends Into Theaters, This Fall
You’ve got to love a modern trailer that turns a classic into a living, breathing threat. Warner Bros. Clockwork has just that on their hands, thanks to The Devils’ 4K restoration trailer – promoting a one-week theatrical engagement, starting October 16fh. An exercise in minimalism, the dread it invokes may overtake some viewers. So brace yourselves, and enjoy this brief taste of sin:
The reputation of infamy that The Devils sees itself enjoying isn’t a case of overreaction. An adaptation of both John Whiting’s titular text, as well as The Devils of Loudun by Aldous Huxley, we see priest Urbain Grandier (Oliver Reed) fall into a flurry of witchcraft accusations. Sister Jeanne des Anges (Vanessa Redgrave) helps stoke the fires of those allegations, whipping the holy order seen in this psychological horror into some pretty depraved behavior.
Of course, some of the most risque stuff has become legend, as the only versions commercially available are variations on the 1971 theatrical cut. That’s why this reissue is aptly titled Ken Russell’s The Devils; as we’re going to see his complete vision for the first time.
The Devils’ History Of Controversy Makes This Moment Truly Special
You may notice that The Devils is currently available to stream with a Shudder subscription, but that’s only the 108 minute Theatrical Cut. Meanwhile, the full 117 minute Director’s Cut that has the Altered States helmer’s name attached to it has existed since 2002. English film critic Mark Kermode actually found the footage – cut to appease various film censor boards – and screened Ken Russell’s The Devils theatrically that same year.
Alas, the fully restored picture has been in a bit of a limbo, which you can learn more about through Kermode’s own 2014 vlog on the matter:
I must admit, a movie with a sequence known as “the Rape of Christ” is far from an easy sell. That fact is what makes the existence of Ken Russell’s The Devils even more spectacular. Painstakingly restored from original film elements, this new resurgence of the devil we know has already enjoyed a sold-out showing at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
Prompting Deadline to label it as “the coolest film” present, and seeing as the world is still standing in some semblance of order, perhaps it’s finally safe for audiences to see Ken Russell’s The Devils. We’ll get the chance to do just that, as Warner Bros. Clockwork will release the film into theaters, for one-week only, starting October 16th. In the meantime, for all of the latest and greatest entertainment developments, keep a browser tab tuned to THS Movie News.
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