Uncensored 'The Devils' Gets Rare Cinema Release

Ken Russell's "The Devils" has received a 4K uncensored restoration and will be released in cinemas on October 16.

This cinematic event marks the first time Russell's complete, uncut version of the controversial film will be screened for the public.

The film, starring Vanessa Redgrave and Oliver Reed, is inspired by true events concerning a 17th-century Catholic priest, Urbain Grandier, who was accused of witchcraft and burned at the stake.

Upon its release in 1971, the film was met with significant criticism, including condemnation from the Vatican, which sought to cancel its screenings at the Venice Film Festival.

Despite director Ken Russell winning Best Director at Venice, "The Devils" was subsequently banned in Italy and other territories, and released with an X rating in the UK and U.S. after substantial edits.

A restored uncut version by Russell screened at the National Film Theatre in London in 2004, but it never had a public release.

This newly restored complete version premiered last month at Cannes, introduced by Russell's widow and film critic Mark Kermode.

Mark Kermode revealed that the restoration process began in January of this year after a meeting in Berlin with Warner Bros.'s boutique label, Clockwork.

"The Devils" will next be screened on a 35mm print at Il Cinema Ritrovato in Bologna.