RIP Ken Russell and details for the BFI release of Russell’s The Devils on DVD

R.I.P. Ken Russell 1927 – 2011

Before I begin this news story, it is with great sadness to report that that legendary director Ken Russell passed away yesterday. The man suffered a series of strokes – he was 84 years old.

The man has given us many amazing and memorable films including WOMEN IN LOVE, TOMMY, ALTERED STATES and THE LAIR OF THE WHITE WORM just to name a few. Perhaps his most controversial film is 1971’s THE DEVILS, which is gearing up for its big UK DVD release. Details had been sketchy but we now have the low down on the release.

Unfortunately the film is not going to be released in its full-uncut state, the BFI managed to secure the original British X cut. The fully restored cut shown in British cinemas from time to time is out there in an SD Digibeta. In order for that to be fully realized for a DVD release it would require a full HD restoration, something that Warner’s is not going to put any money towards. It is somewhat lucky that they have given the BFI the license for this version.

This of course means no Blu-ray release either, but have no fear this is going to be a 2-disc set, so there is something worthwhile. As a firm believer that we should be allowed to see films in their full-uncut state, this is a bit of a blow. What is the real reason they won’t license the full-uncut version? Do Warner’s deem it too dangerous? For those unaware, the big cut scene is called ‘Rape Of Christ’ so you can understand by that title alone the controversy it caused and still causes, but we have every right to see it.

The extra features:

• * Newly filmed introduction with director Ken Russell
• * Audio commentary with Ken Russell, Mark Kermode, Mike Bradsell and Paul Joyce
• * Hell on Earth (Paul Joyce, 2002, 48 mins): documentary exploring the film’s production and the controversy surrounding its original release
• * Director of the Devils (1971, 21 min): documentary featuring candid Ken Russell interviews and unique footage of Sir Peter Maxwell Davies recording his celebrated film score
• * Original on-set footage with commentary by editor Mike Bradsell
• * Amelia and the Angel (Ken Russell, 1958, 30 mins): Ken Russell’s short film, a delightful mix of religious allegory and magical fantasy
• * Original UK & US trailers
• * Fully illustrated booklet featuring new essays and notes from Mark Kermode, Craig Lapper (BBFC), Sam Ashby and others.

The Hell On Earth documentary has also been edited and the missing footage will not be included. Warners did not license the footage, what a surprise, will they ever? The BFI will release the DVD in the UK on March 19th of next year. Can we expect this to make it to other territories, let us hope so.

Cardinal Richelieu and his power-hungry entourage seek to take control of seventeenth-century France, but need to destroy Father Grandier – the priest who runs the fortified town that prevents them from exerting total control. So they seek to destroy him by setting him up as a warlock in control of a devil-possessed nunnery, the mother superior of which is sexually obsessed by him. A mad witch-hunter is brought in to gather evidence against the priest, ready for the big trial.