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5 clusters · 19 sources · 17 days · First seen · Last updated
Ken Russell’s ‘The Devils’ film restoration and re-release
Overview
A 4K restoration of Ken Russell’s 1971 film ‘The Devils’ is being prepared for theatrical re-release via the Warner Clockwork imprint. The film, which depicts 17th-century demonic possession trials in Loudun, France, has historically faced heavy censorship and bans. The restoration project aims to release the director’s uncut vision by locating lost footage within Warner Bros. archives to reconstruct sequences, including the controversial “rape of Christ” sequence. Film critic Mark Kermode described the realization of the uncut version as something he “can’t quite believe is happening.”
Following a world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2026, Warner Bros. confirmed the technical scope of the project, which utilizes original camera negatives, separation masters, and A/B reels. The film is being rebuilt shot-by-shot against a 2004 DigiBeta assembly, featuring 4K 16-bit scans and color analysis at Water Tower Color.
As of late October 2026, the restored, uncensored edition is undergoing a limited theatrical run. The release marks the first NC-17 film in Warner Bros. history. Despite the film’s history of censorship, the re-release has seen strong ticket sales, earning $3.3 million across 350 North American locations. Due to this high demand, the theatrical run has been extended indefinitely. Additionally, the film is receiving its first major cinematic release in Ireland in 55 years, following decades of unavailability due to the country’s historical religious climate.
Entities
Ken Russell · Warner Bros. · The Devils · Mark Kermode · Loudun
Timeline
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[CULTURE] 3 sourcesKen Russell film The Devils sees extended theatrical run after box office success
Ken Russell’s restored film The Devils has become a box office surprise, prompting Warner Bros. to extend its theatrical run following strong ticket sales and its first NC-17 release for the studio.
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[CULTURE] 4 sourcesKen Russell’s The Devils returns for limited theatrical re-release
Ken Russell’s controversial 1971 film The Devils is returning for a limited theatrical re-release following strong interest and successful restorations of its uncensored footage.
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[CULTURE] 3 sourcesWarner Bros. restores Ken Russell film The Devils
Warner Bros. is restoring Ken Russell’s The Devils using original camera negatives, with an NC-17 release planned for October 2026 following a Cannes premiere.
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[CULTURE] 6 sourcesKen Russell’s ‘The Devils’ to receive full director’s cut restoration
Warner Bros. is restoring Ken Russell’s 1971 film ‘The Devils’, releasing the director’s original, uncut vision after decades of studio censorship and lost footage.
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[CULTURE] 3 sourcesKen Russell’s ‘The Devils’ receives 4K restoration and theatrical re-release
A restored 4K version of Ken Russell’s controversial 1971 film ‘The Devils’ is receiving a theatrical re-release, featuring previously censored footage regarding 17th-century French religious hysteria.
Sources
cine1.com.ar · cualia.es · deadline.com · eveningreport.nz · findacode.com · gcn.ie · gq.com · hipertextual.com · hollywoodtimes.net · lacovacha.mx · lequotidien.lu · metro.co.uk · nofspodcast.com · rvamag.com · screenanarchy.com · thefilmstage.com · variety.com · washingtonblade.com · worldofreel.com
This summary has been updated 3 times: see revision history