WB Set to Release Its First NC-17 Film in Over Two Decades This October

Over 50 years since its debut, The Devils is making a comeback in theaters across the country for a limited one-week run this October. This newly restored 4K version features the director’s cut, which was previously shown in the UK for a short time over two decades ago. As it’s the original, uncut version, The Devils carries an NC-17 rating in the United States, marking the first time in over 20 years that a film with such a rating has been released.

Originally released in 1971, The Devils is widely regarded as Ken Russell’s masterpiece. The film presents a dramatized and graphic portrayal of the downfall of 17th-century Roman Catholic priest Urbain Grandier, who faces witchcraft accusations. The narrative also weaves in the story of Sister Jeanne des Anges, a sexually repressed nun whose actions significantly contribute to the priest’s demise.

After years of being difficult to find, the director’s cut of The Devils will finally hit U.S. theaters on October 16 for one week only. A trailer is available, but be warned—it’s packed with flashing visuals.

This version is described as the “uncut and unfiltered theatrical experience that Russell always envisioned,” and it will be the “first time the film is presented restored and in 4K.” Currently, there’s no word on a physical disc release, but it seems likely that one will follow. The main questions are which company will take it on and when it will be available.

It’s been a while since an NC-17 film has graced the big screen, as this rating is typically reserved for movies with extreme violence or explicit sexual content, akin to the ESRB’s rarely issued AO rating. The last NC-17 film released by Warner Bros. was John Waters’ A Dirty Shame in 2004, which flopped at the box office and effectively ended his filmmaking career. It will be interesting to see which theaters choose to screen this film, as NC-17 ratings have historically deterred some chains and retailers, a challenge that A Dirty Shame faced over 20 years ago.