Restored ‘The Devils’ Returns, Reviving Passion for Controversial Classic

WHO:

Salon - Ken Russell directed *The Devils*.

Deadline - Mark Kermode worked to assemble a definitive version of Ken Russell’s *The Devils*.

Deadline - Daphne Dentz is identified in the article headline as discussing the restoration with Mark Kermode.

WHAT:

Salon - Warner Bros. rereleased *The Devils*, described as an NC-17 film.

Salon - The rerelease renewed interest and passion in the controversial classic.

Deadline - The restored version includes moments missing from the film’s “badly butchered” original version.

Deadline - Kermode described the restoration challenge as balancing “the grain, the dirt, the vibe and the look.”

WHEN:

Salon - The film was described as closing the first week of its rerelease run.

Deadline - Kermode’s efforts to assemble a definitive version began over 20 years before the article.

WHY:

Deadline - Kermode pursued a definitive version because the 1971 film had been badly cut.

Deadline - The restored version sought to balance the film’s grain, dirt, atmosphere and visual appearance.

HOW:

Deadline - Kermode’s sleuthing helped locate the missing moments.

Deadline - Kermode said the restoration effort began with asking for what was needed: “If you don’t ask, you don’t get.”

(UPDATED October 22, 2026 16:22 UTC)

Ken Russell’s controversial film *The Devils* is drawing renewed interest after Warner Bros. rereleased the NC-17 classic. The restored film brings back moments missing from what critic Mark Kermode has called a badly butchered original. Kermode began working toward a definitive version more than 20 years ago, motivated by the extensive cuts made to the 1971 film. His search for the missing material involved years of sleuthing, and he said the effort started by asking for what was needed: “If you don’t ask, you don’t get.” Kermode described the restoration as a delicate balance, preserving the film’s grain, dirt, atmosphere and visual look. He discussed the process with Daphne Dentz. The rerelease has renewed passion for the contentious classic, which was closing the first week of its rerelease run.