This year has brought a number of surprises for the horror world, some of which were bigger than others. Obsessionhas become one of the most talked-about movies of the year, and while the modestly budgeted movie from Curry Barker felt like a major surprise to your average moviegoer, it also earned heaps of praise when it premiered in 2025 at the Toronto International Film Festival. What is arguably a bigger surprise is how an NC-17 director’s cut of a 1971 horror movie has become a sensation.
Ken Russell‘s The Devilshas been considered a cult classic for years, though the release of the more intense cut of the movie has resulted in a massive surge in popularity. While the movie was initially released with a limited one-week run, the overwhelming popularity of the movie in this limited time frame first resulted in its theatrical window being extended temporarily, before Warner Bros. Clockwork confirmed the movie would screen in theaters indefinitely.
Another exciting update has emerged regarding the movie, as revealed on social media. Over on Warner Bros. Clockwork’s Twitter, they posted, “You will blaspheme. 11.10.26.” Making the post more exciting is that the text was partnered with images of the movie’s original VHS release in a variety of regions, so while this tease was cryptic, it would imply that the NC-17 cut of the movie will be available on home video on November 10.
Whether this means the movie is hitting Digital
Whether this means the movie is hitting Digital for rent or if it will be getting a physical media release is yet to be revealed.
https://x.com/clockwork_wb/status/2118033138224079190
The special release is the definitive cut ofThe Devils, and no otherdirector’scut formally exists.This cut was originally reconstructed in 2004 under the supervision ofKen Russell and thefilm’seditorMichael Bradsell, with the collaboration ofMark KermodeandPaul Joyce.The 4K restoration was completedusing the original camera negative at WB Water Tower Color,withaudio restoration completed using original composite 35mm mag filmat WB Sound.
Based onAldous Huxley’s1952 non-fiction novel The Devils of Loudunand its 1961 stage play adaptation, KenRussell’sThe Devilsis set in 17th-century Loudun, France.
Oliver Reedstars as Grandeur in the film, complete
Oliver Reedstars as Grandeur in the film, complete with the sex appeal that has all the ladies swooning, including the hunchbacked Sister Jeanne (Vanessa Redgrave). Jeanne is exceptionally lustful for Grandeur, which pushesoverinto wrathful jealousy when she learns of his relationship with the youngandstunning Madeleine (Gemma Jones).Cue the demonic seduction accusations, and hysteria and chaos ensue.
Ken Russell’s The Devils is in theaters now.
Are you looking forward to checking out the movie at home? Let us know in the comments below!
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