The Devils (not yet)

[Zumpano]

This movie is available for download on iTunes

[Cold Bishop]

And the fact that its still the 108 version is a pretty good indicator that Warner never plans to release the restoration.

[MichaelB]

Or even the original British cinema cut, which was a good three minutes longer.

I've never seen the US version and never plan to - Russell has made it clear on many occasions that he pretty much disowns it.

[Numero Trois]

According to Jeffrey Wells, one major reason for Warner Brother's problem with the film might lie at the top:

An industry friend believes that "one problem with The Devils is [Warner Bros. president & CEO] Alan Horn's overall conservatism, especially towards religion, as even The Hangover gave him problems, which is on record. So distributing a film on DVD that could incur the wrath of the religious right is not high on his agenda. He's a thought-police kind of guy who has major issues with raunch."

[MichaelB]

Makes perfect sense - at the 2004 premiere of the restoration, Warner UK seemed to be chomping at the bit to release it: a spokesman was in the audience. So I always assumed that they were leant on by their US parent.

[Jean-Luc Garbo]

So we wait for Alan Horn to die so it can get released properly? I hope that iTunes is a baby step, though. (Although I expect it'll stay in the same purgatory as Greed.)

[Props55]

Why is it that when it the issue is polluting the environment (BP most recently) these CEOs don't bat an eyelash and think only of the stockholders, yet when it comes to the (in their opinion) pollution of "impressionable" minds they get all holier-than-thou? And hey, reality check time: Does this guy really monitor the social/cultural/reglious content of all the product in the Warner feature/television/music/publishing pipeline including 40 year old assets like THE DEVILS. And I find it hard to believe that even the religious right would still have a "hit list" with material this ancient available either online or in old-fashioned "newsletter" hardcopy form for presentation to heads of media conglomerates. Having stated thusly I'm prepared to be proven wrong.

[colinr0380]

We desperately need this to get released, if only because the BBC at least seem to be in the process of writing it out of history. The recent Mark Lawson career retrospective interview with Redgrave suspiciously never mentioned the Russell film at all and both that programme and the Academy Fellowship tributes at the BAFTAs this year seem to keep suggesting that Julia was her finest cinematic moment, presumably only because of the Oscar she won for that worthy, yet dreadfully dull, film. (It's like interviewing Harrison Ford and focusing entirely on his 'daring choices' of Regarding Henry, Random Hearts and Firewall)

[tavernier]

Lincoln Center's July calendar lists The Devils as 111 minutes, so maybe they got the British version.

[Zumpano]

You snooze, you lose. Apparantly Warners has pulled it from iTunes.

[Dylan]

Did anybody download it? Was it in 2.35:1?

[Jean-Luc Garbo]

You snooze, you lose. Apparantly Warners has pulled it from iTunes.

](*,) I hate those fuckers. Wanker Home Video indeed.

Edit: Someone else noticed that it's gone, too.

[cdnchris]

Bastards! I was thinking about downloading it lastnight (actually buying it) but just didn't get to it. Figured I'd get it tonight or this weekend.

[Props55]

Well shit! Maybe this Alan Horn is Jerry Falwell! I said I was prepared to be proven wrong.

[MoonlitKnight]

At this point, I'd say if it's going to be released at all, Warner Archive is its best bet. #-o

[perkizitore]

Robert Cashill says he got it!

[HarryLong]

He also says it's gone.

[rohmerin]

In Spain is going to be released on July 27th, but not in WB conditions, it's a subsidiary company who releases their catalogue but in not anamorphic prints and / or in VHS quality

I disliked this film, by the way

[Dylan]

Is the print WB briefly offered for download available to obtain anywhere?

[MichaelB]

More to the point, is it the butchered US version?

[perkizitore]

More info and screencaps here

[agnamaracs]

At this point, I'd say if it's going to be released at all, Warner Archive is its best bet. #-o

Sorta like they did with MAMMY. It's a (fairly) famous movie with a (fairly) new restoration, but it's also infamous to the point that if they put a pressed disc in stores, they'd get some flak.

[Antoine Doinel]

Just to give you an idea of how difficult Warner Bros. is making it to see this film.

At the Fantasia Film Festival currently happening in Montreal, the organizers presented a lifetime achievement award to Ken Russell along with a screening of "The Devils." Prior to the screening, one of the organizers recounted how the screening almost didn't happen. The original plan by the organizers was to import a 35mm print from France, but Warner Bros. said they wouldn't allow it and that any print screened had to be from Canada. Unfortunately, the only print in Canada is incredibly damaged and nearly faded to red. The organizers then asked Warner Bros. if they could have a print from the U.S. shipped. WB again said no, and that the print shown had to be the "Canadian theatrical version" (which is the same as the US, but WB insisted they were different). Finally, after begging and have others call on their behalf, WB finally agreed to send a video master to screen --- but not of the restored version, it was the theatrical cut.

So yeah, don't hold your breath for this appear uncut on DVD anytime soon.

[Perkins Cobb]

Well, now I'm really curious as to what element will turn up at Lincoln Center next week.

[tubelord]

Why has there always been such hype surrounding this film? Because of the shock value? It's absolute garbage, trash, filth. It's a rich man's Caligula. I applaud Warner Bros for keeping this hidden away.