In the annals of cinema history, few films have endured a purgatory as prolonged and unjust as Ken Russell’s 1971 masterpiece, The Devils. Based on Aldous Huxley’s non-fiction book The Devils of Loudun, the film is a blistering, hallucinatory assault on religious hypocrisy, political corruption, and mass hysteria. For over five decades, it has been treated like a contagion—censored, banned, buried, and chopped into pieces by its own distributor, Warner Bros.
Yet, in the 21st century, a digital phoenix has risen from the ashes of this celluloid bonfire. The unlikely savior? The Internet Archive (archive.org). This article explores the turbulent history of The Devils, why it remains terrifyingly relevant, and how the Internet Archive has become the primary digital sanctuary for Russell’s "unfilmable" vision.
Seeing the uncut The Devils is a transformative experience. The "Rape of Christ" is not merely shock for shock’s sake. In context, it is a depiction of mass psychosis—the nuns, driven mad by enforced chastity and religious terror, sublimate their desire into a violent, delusional theater of blasphemy. The scene is terrifying, absurd, and deeply tragic. The censored cuts ripped the psychological core out of the film. The Internet Archive restores it.
Ken Russell spent the rest of his life fighting Warner Bros. for the film’s restoration. By the time of his death in 2011, he had failed. The negative reels rotted in a vault. The official stance of Warner Bros. remained that the film was too controversial to ever see a complete, uncut release.
The Devils isn’t just shock cinema. It’s a howl against power and purity—still so dangerous that studios prefer it forgotten. The Internet Archive, with all its legal gray areas, ensures Russell’s fire keeps burning.
Find it. Watch it. Defend it.
Have you found a working uncut copy on the Archive? Share the hash or link in the comments.
Ken Russell’s The Devils (1971) remains one of the most controversial and censored films in cinema history. Because Warner Bros. has famously "buried" the film, officially refusing to release the full uncut version on Blu-ray or high-definition streaming, the Internet Archive
has become a primary resource for fans seeking the most complete version possible. Searching the Internet Archive
While many links are frequently removed due to copyright claims, you can often find the film by searching for terms like: "The Devils 1971 uncut" "The Devils Ken Russell" "The Devils 1971 fully restored" What to look for:
The standard censored US version is roughly 108 minutes. The most complete fan reconstructions—often incorporating footage from Mark Kermode’s documentary Hell on Earth —typically run around 111 to 113 minutes Restored Scenes:
Look for versions that explicitly mention the "Rape of Christ" or "The Bone" (masturbation) scenes, which were notoriously cut from the original theatrical releases. Quality Disclaimer: Many of the "uncut" versions on the Internet Archive
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
If you prefer a physical or high-quality copy, these are the most reputable official releases:
Ken Russell's 1971 masterpiece, The Devils , is famously one of the most controversial and heavily censored films in cinema history. Because it has never received a complete, official high-definition release in many regions (including the US), the Internet Archive has become a vital sanctuary for film historians and fans looking to experience the movie in its most intact form.
Here is the "story" of how this digital archive helps preserve a piece of forbidden art: The Hunt for the "Hell on Earth"
For decades, The Devils existed primarily as a legend. Based on Aldous Huxley’s The Devils of Loudun, the film depicts a 17th-century priest (Oliver Reed) facing a corrupt government and a convent of "possessed" nuns led by a repressed Sister Jeanne (Vanessa Redgrave).
Warner Bros. famously "locked the film in a vault" after its initial release, cutting key sequences like the infamous "Rape of Christ" scene. For years, the only way to see the full version was through grainy bootleg VHS tapes passed between collectors. The Role of the Internet Archive
The Internet Archive serves as a digital library that hosts various versions of the film that are otherwise inaccessible. This is "helpful" for several reasons:
Preserving the Director's Vision: Users often upload the "BFI (British Film Institute) Restoration" or fan-assembled "Mark Kermode cuts," which reinsert scenes originally deleted by censors.
Educational Access: 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.
Cultural Context: Beyond the film itself, the Archive often hosts contemporary reviews, news clippings from the 1971 protests, and documentaries about the film’s production, providing a full picture of its impact. How to Find and Use It
If you are looking for this film on the Internet Archive, keep these tips in mind:
Search Broadly: Use keywords like "The Devils 1971 Ken Russell" or "The Devils Uncut."
Check the Runtime: The standard censored version is roughly 108 minutes. The more complete versions usually run closer to 111 or 113 minutes.
Respect the Medium: These uploads are often "community-contributed." While they provide a way to see the film, they are often used as a stop-gap for fans who are still campaigning for a proper, official 4K physical release. the devils 1971 internet archive
"The Devil's 1971" refers to the 1971 film "The Devils" directed by Ken Russell, which is an adaptation of Aldous Huxley's novel "The Devils of Loudun". The film stars Oliver Reed and Vanessa Redgrave.
The Internet Archive is a digital library that provides access to a wide range of content, including films, music, and books. In 2017, a restored version of "The Devils" (1971) was uploaded to the Internet Archive, allowing users to stream the film online for free.
Here are some interesting facts about "The Devils" (1971) and its presence on the Internet Archive:
Streaming "The Devils" (1971) on the Internet Archive provides an opportunity for film enthusiasts to experience this cult classic, which is considered one of the most influential and groundbreaking films of all time.
Ken Russell’s The Devils (1971) is widely regarded as one of the most controversial and heavily censored films in cinema history The Other Folk
. Because Warner Bros. has famously refused to release the full uncut version on modern physical media or streaming services, the Internet Archive
has historically been a critical resource for fans seeking preserved "bootleg" or uncut versions of the film Availability on Internet Archive Archived Versions
: Various uploads have appeared on the site, often featuring the "Complete Uncut Extended Version" which includes infamous censored scenes like the "Rape of Christ" and the "femur scene" Removal Issues
: Users frequently report that these versions are periodically removed due to copyright or content flags, making them "lost" or intermittently available Restoration Efforts
: Some entries on the archive include fan-made upscales and restorations aimed at providing better visual quality than the older, grainy bootlegs Documentaries
: Educational content related to the film, such as the documentary
Hell on Earth: The Desecration and Resurrection of THE DEVILS , has also been hosted there
Ken Russell’s The Devils (1971) is frequently hosted on the Internet Archive due to ongoing suppression and censorship of the film by Warner Bros.. These uploads often feature fan-restored, unofficial cuts attempting to piece together the heavily censored, graphic scenes that the studio has refused to release. For more detailed information on the film's cut scenes and historical context, visit the Wikipedia entry for The Devils.
About the film:
"The Devils" is a 1971 British historical drama film directed by Ken Russell, based on the 1952 novel "The Devils of Loudun" by Aldous Huxley. The film stars Oliver Reed, Vanessa Redgrave, and Max von Sydow. It's a dramatization of the Salem witch trials and the events surrounding the persecution of the Catholic priest Urbain Grandier.
Internet Archive details:
The 1971 version of "The Devils" is available on the Internet Archive (archive.org) in various formats, including:
Guide to watching:
Tips and warnings:
Additional resources:
Enjoy watching "The Devils" (1971) on the Internet Archive!
The Unholy Grail: Hunting Ken Russell’s The Devils (1971) on the Internet Archive
For cinephiles and horror buffs, few titles carry as much weight—or as much baggage—as Ken Russell’s The Devils
(1971). Decades after its release, this masterpiece of religious hysteria and political corruption remains one of the most censored films in history. If you've spent any time searching for it, you know the struggle: it's rarely on streaming, the DVDs are out of print, and a "definitive" version is the stuff of legend.
This is why the Internet Archive has become the digital cathedral for those seeking the lost, the banned, and the "uncut". Why is The Devils So Hard to Find? The Devils (1971): How Ken Russell’s Banned Masterpiece
Before diving into the digital archives, you have to understand the "why." Based on Aldous Huxley’s The Devils of Loudun, the film stars Oliver Reed as Father Urbain Grandier and Vanessa Redgrave as the repressed Sister Jeanne des Anges.
Upon its release, it was met with immediate outrage for its "Holy Trinity" of intense violence, sexuality, and religious themes.
The Censorship: Warner Bros. and various international boards hacked the film to pieces.
The "Lost" Footage: Famous deleted sequences, like the infamous "Rape of Christ" scene, were thought lost until critic Mark Kermode helped locate them in a warehouse in 2002.
The Studio Block: Despite a 2004 reconstruction by the BFI, Warner Bros. has historically refused to allow a full, official release of the director’s cut. The Role of the Internet Archive
Because of this corporate suppression, the Internet Archive has become a vital repository for various versions of the film that are otherwise inaccessible. What You’ll Find There
Users frequently upload "fan-restored" or "uncut" versions that attempt to stitch the deleted scenes back into the theatrical cut.
The "Uncut" Versions: You can often find uploads labeled as "Complete Uncut Extended Version," which typically include the "Rape of Christ" and "Grandier’s Bone" scenes.
Documentaries: The Archive often hosts essential context, such as the documentary Hell on Earth: The Desecration and Resurrection of The Devils, which chronicles the film's troubled history.
International Rips: Because the British and Japanese releases sometimes differ from the American "R-rated" version, users upload these specific regional edits to preserve the film's original framing and intensity. Is it Currently Available?
Finding Ken Russell's The Devils (1971) on the Internet Archive
is often the only way for modern viewers to see this "cursed" masterpiece in its most complete form. Review: A Visionary Nightmare of Power and Flesh Ken Russell’s The Devils
remains one of the most visceral and intellectually fierce films ever committed to celluloid. Set in 17th-century France, it follows the political and spiritual downfall of Urbain Grandier (played with immense gravity by Oliver Reed
), a priest whose charisma and refusal to bow to the state make him a target for destruction.
The Devils is not an easy watch. It is a fever dream of flagellation, ecstasy, and screaming faith. It asks uncomfortable questions: Is sanctity possible without sexuality? Is mass hysteria a form of political rebellion? Is God merely a justification for cruelty?
For decades, Warner Bros. answered those questions by locking the film in a vault. The Internet Archive answered by picking the lock.
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.
Go to the Internet Archive. Search for "The Devils 1971." And witness one of the most dangerous, beautiful, and sacred films ever made.
Just don’t expect to feel clean afterward.
Ken Russell’s controversial 1971 film The Devils is frequently accessed via the Internet Archive, which hosts user-uploaded versions, including restored footage that was cut from the original theatrical release. The platform provides various download formats and streaming options for the film, which remains difficult to access through official, high-definition channels due to rights issues. For more details on accessing this content, visit Internet Archive Help Center Internet Archive Help Center
Downloading – A Basic Guide - Internet Archive Help Center
While official high-definition versions of Ken Russell's The Devils (1971) remain heavily censored or unavailable due to licensing restrictions by Warner Bros., several unofficial and fan-restored versions are frequently posted and archived on the Internet Archive.
The following links and posts on Internet Archive (Archive.org) typically host the film or related restored content:
Extended Fan Edits: Several posts on Archive.org feature fan-reconstructed versions. These often re-insert the infamous banned "Rape of Christ" sequence and other deleted scenes using lower-quality VHS sources.
Restored Versions: You can find listings like the The Devils (1971) 35mm Emulation Regrade, which attempts to provide a more visually faithful experience than standard edited releases. The UK (1971): The British Board of Film
Bonus Materials & Documentaries: The archive also hosts supplemental files, such as deleted scenes and director interviews, which are essential for viewing the film's "uncut" history. Viewing Options and Context
The "Uncut" Controversy: Warner Bros. has famously refused to release the full director's cut, specifically citing the "distasteful tonality" of sequences like the "Rape of Christ".
Official Releases: The BFI DVD release is considered the best official source, though it still lacks the most extreme sequences found in fan edits.
Streaming: The film occasionally appears on the Criterion Channel or Shudder, usually in its UK theatrical "X" certificate version.
Watch this breakdown of the ongoing censorship struggles and why the full uncut version remains elusive on standard platforms: Kermode Uncut: What To Do About The Devils kermodeandmayo YouTube• Dec 16, 2014
The Devils 1971 Internet Archive: Uncovering the Controversy and Legacy of Ken Russell's Masterpiece
In 1971, British film director Ken Russell released a cinematic masterpiece that would go on to become one of the most infamous and influential films of all time: The Devils. Based on Aldous Huxley's novel "The Devils of Loudun," Russell's film tells the story of a corrupt and depraved Catholic priest, Father Urbain Grandier, played by Oliver Reed, who becomes embroiled in a web of deceit, lust, and power struggles in 17th-century France. However, due to its graphic content, themes, and perceived blasphemy, The Devils was heavily censored and edited upon its initial release, sparking a controversy that would endure for decades.
Fast-forward to the present day, and The Devils 1971 Internet Archive has become a sought-after treasure trove for film enthusiasts, historians, and scholars. The Internet Archive, a digital library of internet content, has made available the original, uncensored version of Russell's film, providing a unique opportunity for audiences to experience the director's uncompromising vision.
The Making of a Masterpiece
Ken Russell's The Devils was a passion project that had been years in the making. The film was based on Huxley's novel, which was itself inspired by the true story of Grandier, a priest who was accused of witchcraft and executed in 1636. Russell, known for his bold and unflinching approach to filmmaking, was drawn to the story's themes of power, corruption, and the darker aspects of human nature.
The film boasted an impressive cast, including Oliver Reed, Vanessa Redgrave, and Max von Sydow, and was shot on location in France and England. Russell's use of vivid colors, elaborate sets, and innovative cinematography created a dreamlike atmosphere, drawing audiences into the world of 17th-century France.
Censorship and Controversy
Upon its initial release, The Devils was met with widespread criticism and controversy. The film's graphic content, including scenes of torture, violence, and nudity, shocked audiences and sparked outrage among conservative groups. The film was heavily edited and censored in many countries, with some versions featuring significant cuts and changes.
The controversy surrounding The Devils was not limited to its content, however. The film's perceived blasphemy and anti-Catholicism also sparked heated debates, with some critics accusing Russell of promoting a negative and inaccurate portrayal of the Catholic Church.
The Internet Archive: A New Era for The Devils
In the digital age, The Devils 1971 Internet Archive has become a valuable resource for film enthusiasts and scholars. The Internet Archive's online platform provides a unique opportunity for audiences to experience the original, uncensored version of Russell's film, restored to its former glory.
The Internet Archive's preservation of The Devils is a testament to the organization's commitment to preserving cultural heritage and promoting access to historical content. The archive's digital collection of films, books, and other media provides a valuable resource for researchers, scholars, and film enthusiasts, allowing them to explore and engage with cultural artifacts in a way that was previously impossible.
Legacy and Influence
The legacy of The Devils extends far beyond its initial controversy. The film has become a cult classic, influencing generations of filmmakers, including Martin Scorsese, David Lynch, and Terry Gilliam. Russell's innovative approach to filmmaking, his use of vivid colors and unconventional narrative structures, has inspired a wide range of artists and filmmakers.
The Devils 1971 Internet Archive serves as a reminder of the power of film to challenge, provoke, and inspire. The film's themes of power, corruption, and the darker aspects of human nature continue to resonate with audiences today, making it a timeless masterpiece that remains as relevant and thought-provoking as ever.
Accessing The Devils 1971 Internet Archive
For those interested in experiencing The Devils in its original, uncensored form, the Internet Archive provides a convenient and accessible platform. The film is available to stream online, free of charge, and can be accessed via the Internet Archive's website.
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 The Devils, providing a fascinating glimpse into the creative process and the cultural context in which the film was made.
Conclusion
The Devils 1971 Internet Archive is a cultural treasure that provides a unique opportunity for audiences to experience a cinematic masterpiece in its original, uncensored form. The film's controversy, legacy, and influence are a testament to the power of film to challenge, provoke, and inspire. As a cultural artifact, The Devils continues to fascinate and disturb audiences, offering a glimpse into the darker aspects of human nature and the complexities of the human condition.
The Internet Archive's preservation of The Devils is a valuable resource for film enthusiasts, scholars, and researchers, providing a unique window into the cultural and historical context in which the film was made. As a platform for cultural preservation and promotion, the Internet Archive serves as a model for the future of digital archiving and preservation.
For those interested in exploring the world of The Devils, the Internet Archive provides a comprehensive and accessible platform. Whether you're a film enthusiast, scholar, or simply curious about the controversy surrounding The Devils, the Internet Archive offers a unique opportunity to engage with a cultural masterpiece that continues to fascinate and disturb audiences to this day.