NC-17 'The Devils' Restored Cut Hits Theaters Oct 16

Warner Bros. is set to release a restored 4K version of Ken Russell's 1971 film 'The Devils' in theaters for one week starting October 16, marking the first time the film will be shown in its original, uncut form with an NC-17 rating. The film, based on a true story of a 17th-century priest accused of witchcraft, has been largely unavailable for decades due to its graphic content.

The film stars Oliver Reed as Father Urbain Grandier and Vanessa Redgrave as Sister Jeanne des Anges, and is based on the non-fiction novel 'The Devils of Loudun' by Aldous Huxley and the play 'The Devils' by John Whiting. The film's release is part of Warner Bros.' new specialty label, Clockwork, and will also screen at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The film's director, Ken Russell, who died in 2011, originally released 'The Devils' in 1971, where it received an X rating for its highly violent and sexual content. The new restoration references Russell's private edit from 2004 and serves as the first release from Warner Bros. Clockwork.

Guillermo del Toro has praised the new restoration of 'The Devils', saying 'The restoration of the material is like cleaning the Sistine Chapel with saliva.' The film will be released in the US on October 16 for an exclusive one-week engagement with select 35mm screenings, and will also be released in the UK on October 30.

## Why it matters The release of 'The Devils' in its original, uncut form is significant, as it marks the first time the film will be shown in its intended form. The film's graphic content has made it largely unavailable for decades, and its release is a major event for film enthusiasts. The film's story, based on a true event, explores themes of witchcraft, sexuality, and repression, and its release is expected to generate significant interest and discussion.

The film's NC-17 rating is also notable, as it marks the first time Warner Bros. has released a film with this rating. The company's decision to release the film under its Clockwork imprint highlights the film's significance and the company's commitment to preserving and releasing classic films in their original form.

## What happens next The release of 'The Devils' is expected to generate significant interest and discussion among film enthusiasts, and its limited release in theaters is likely to be a major event. The film's availability on select 35mm screenings will provide a unique opportunity for audiences to experience the film in its original form, and its release on October 16 is highly anticipated.