The Devils

In seventeenth-century France, a promiscuous and 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 and brilliant direction by Ken Russell, magnificent performances by Oliver Reed and Vanessa Redgrave, exquisite Derek Jarman sets and sublimely dissonant score by Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, The Devils stands as a profound and sincere commentary on religious hysteria, political persecution and the corrupt marriage of church and 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 and 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, 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 mins): documentary featuring candid Ken Russell interviews and unique footage of Sir Peter Maxwell Davie recoding 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 and US trailers

• Fully illustrated booklet featuring new essays by Mark Kermode, Craig Lapper (BBFC), Sam Ashby and Michael Brooke