Ken Russell’s The Devils will be screened in theaters for a one-week run starting October 16, in a newly restored director’s cut.
This is the first release of the movie to be restored to its original 4K quality. The film is described as an uncut, unfiltered theatrical version that Russell envisioned. This new 4K restoration was prepared from the original camera negative following a private edit by Russell in 2004.
According to restorers, the film can be called “an enduring cinematic classic” that foretells the future by exploring themes of obsession and corruption. In the film, Vanessa Redgrave plays Sister Jeanne, Oliver Reed plays Father Grandier, and Gemma Jones plays Madeleine.
Russell is the author of the screenplay, director, and producer of the movie in collaboration with Robert H. Solo. Peter Maxwell Davies created the music and served as the conductor. Set design – Derek Jarman, costume design – Shirley Russell, editing – Michael Bradsell, cinematography – David Watkin.
Sound for the restoration was remastered at 96kHz using the original English Composite 35mm Mag Film, along with other original elements, by Warner Bros. Post Production Creative Services, Water Tower Color, and Warner Bros. Sound.
Lucida Productions of London supervised the director ‘s-cut reconstruction process, with Paul Joyce as supervising producer, Bradsell as film editor, and Brian King as online editor. Appreciation is extended to Mark Kermode in restoration credits.
This restoration is part of the official selections of the Cannes Film Festival’s Cannes Classics and Il Cinema Ritrovato.
