The Devils 1971 Internet Archive Jun 2026

: Students of film history can study Russell’s avant-garde set designs (created by a young Derek Jarman) and his unique "maximalist" style, which is often omitted from standard streaming platforms.

Finding Ken Russell's The Devils (1971) on the Internet Archive the devils 1971 internet archive

When "The Devils" premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 1971, it sparked immediate controversy. Critics were divided, with some praising the film's bold vision and others condemning its perceived blasphemy and graphic content. The film's distributors, EMI, were concerned about the potential backlash and decided to re-edit the film to make it more palatable to a wider audience. : Students of film history can study Russell’s

Today, any curious viewer with an internet connection can watch Sister Jeanne writhe in convulsive ecstasy, hear Father Grandier’s bones crack on the rack, and witness the nuns defile a crucifix—all in 111 unbroken, uncensored minutes. Ken Russell is gone. The film’s negative is rotting. But the digital version—messy, illegal, and miraculous—lives on. The film's distributors, EMI, were concerned about the

are fan edits. These often use high-quality footage for the main film but switch to lower-quality VHS or workprint sources for the previously lost scenes. Official Alternatives

In addition to the film itself, the Internet Archive also provides a wealth of supplementary materials, including behind-the-scenes photographs, reviews, and interviews with the cast and crew. These resources offer a unique insight into the making of , providing a fascinating glimpse into the creative process and the cultural context in which the film was made.