Ken Russell’s The Devils restored and getting a 'Russell Cut' release
Ken Russell's The Devils will return in an uncut 4K restoration called the 'Russell Cut,' premiering at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival and opening in theaters on October 16, 2026. The release restores scenes excised or censored from the film's original 1971 release and presents a newly scanned 4K transfer of Russell's full cut. A new trailer accompanies the restoration and the theatrical rollout, giving audiences broad access to the director's intended, uncensored version. Because The Devils was heavily censored and banned in some markets, this 'Russell Cut' is a major film-preservation milestone that invites fresh critical reassessment of Russell's controversial vision.
Ken Russell’s Valentino (1977) is on TCM tonight. I’ve never seen it. Since it’s a Ken Russell film I’ll either think it’s a work of timeless genius or an unwatchable self-indulgent mess
David Benedict2Unexpectedly, at least as I remember it (dimly) from long ago it is neither. Nothing like as good as his great work and mercifully not reminiscent of the likes of Lisztomania. But yes, he was the exemplar of “Nothing Succeeds like excess.”
I’d say closer to the latter than the former but you really should decide for yourself.
