The re-release of Ken Russell‘s controversial epic “The Devils” was initially only supposed to be in theaters for one week. However, Warner Bros. Clockwork, which oversaw the restoration, announced that it will extend its run due to “popular demand.”
The film opened last weekend in 350 locations across North America. It grossed over $1.7 million for a per-screen average of $4,925. That’s a respectable result for a re-release.
Clockwork will continue to monitor ticket sales and will keep it in theaters for as long as it keeps performing, according to an individual with knowledge of its release plans. It will be in 315 locations in its second weekend.
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The NC-17 film marks the first time that an uncensored director’s cut is available to audiences everywhere. Clockwork premiered the remastered, unabridged version at Cannes and then rolled the film out at key film festivals such as Il Cinema Ritrovato, Toronto International Film Festival, New York Film Festival, Beyond Fest, BFI London Film Festival, Sitges Film Festival, and Festival Lumière.
“The Devils” stars Vanessa Redgrave and Oliver Reed. Its scabrous look at religion, power, and corruption was considered too hot to handle in 1971 (nuns simulating sexual acts with a massive cross had its detractors). Those pesky censors necessitated certain alterations upon release.
But over the decades, the film’s renown has grown and “The Devils” has been championed by movie lovers, such as Guillermo del Toro. The cut was originally reconstructed in 2004 under the supervision of Russell and the film’s editor Michael Bradsell with the collaboration of Mark Kermode and Paul Joyce. The 4K restoration was completed using the original camera negative at WB Water Tower Color, with audio restoration completed using original composite 35mm mag film at WB Sound.
An international theatrical release will follow. BFI will release the film in the U.K/ and Ireland beginning October 30. Theatrical runs will also extend to Poland (October 23), France (October 28), Australia/New Zealand (October 29), Germany/Austria (October 29), Greece (November 12), the Netherlands (November 12), and other territories.