In seventeenth-century France a promiscuous & divisive local priest Urbain Grandier (Oliver Reed) uses his powers to protect the city of Loudon from destruction at the hands of the establishment. Soon he stands accused of the demonic possession of Sister Jeanne (Vanessa Redgrave) whose erotic obsession with him fuels the hysterical fervour that sweeps through the convent. With its bold & brilliant direction by Ken Russell magnificent performances by Oliver Reed & Vanessa Redgrave exquisite Derek Jarman sets & sublimely dissonant score by Sir Peter Maxwell Davies The Devils stands as a profound & sincere commentary on religious hysteria political persecution & the corrupt marriage of church & state. Finally available on DVD for the first time The Devils is presented in the original UK ‘X’ certificate version with a host of new & exciting extras. Extra
Features: (Please note that all special features are subject to change) Newly filmed introduction with director Ken Russell Audio commentary with Ken Russell Mark Kermode Mike Bradsell & Paul Joyce Hell on Earth (Paul Joyce 2002 48 mins): documentary exploring the film’s production & the controversy surrounding its original release Director of the Devils (1971 21 mins): documentary featuring candid Ken Russell interviews & unique footage of Sir Peter Maxwell Davie recoding his celebrated film score Original on-set footage with commentary by editor Mike Bradsell Amelia & the Angel (Ken Russell 1958 30 mins): Ken Russell’s short film a delightful mix of religious allegory & magical fantasy Original UK & US trailers Fully illustrated booklet featuring new essays by Mark Kermode Craig Lapper (BBFC) Sam Ashby & Michael Brooke