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Ken Russell’s ‘The Devils’ film restoration and re-release
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2026-10-24 00:16 UTC → 2026-10-30 15:24 UTC ·
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Ken Russell’s ‘The Devils’ film restoration and re-release
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. This process includes previously unseen and censored material, such as 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. The restoration project, which utilizes original camera negatives, separation masters, and A/B reels containing deleted material. To ensure editorial consistency with Russell’s approved vision, the reels. The film is being rebuilt shot-by-shot against a 2004 DigiBeta assembly. Technical work includes 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—including British censorship and the removal of key scenes for censorship, the United States market—the re-release has seen strong ticket sales and renewed interest in Russell’s work. sales, earning $3.3 million across 350 North American locations. Due to this high demand, additional screening dates have the theatrical run has been added extended indefinitely. Additionally, the film is receiving its first major cinematic release in Ireland in 55 years, following decades of unavailability due to the original schedule. country’s historical religious climate.
Versions
- 2026-10-30 15:24 UTC Ken Russell’s ‘The Devils’ film restoration and re-release
- 2026-10-24 00:16 UTC Ken Russell’s ‘The Devils’ film restoration
- 2026-10-22 12:41 UTC Ken Russell’s ‘The Devils’ film restoration
- 2026-10-15 22:21 UTC Ken Russell’s ‘The Devils’ film restoration
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