The IA's preservation efforts are not limited to "The Devil's 1971," however. The organization has also preserved and made available many other classic films, including works by legendary directors like Stanley Kubrick, Alfred Hitchcock, and Orson Welles.
Directed by Peter Sykes, tells the story of a young woman named Virginia (played by Fiona Lewis), who becomes possessed by the devil. As Virginia's behavior becomes increasingly erratic and malevolent, her friends and family begin to suspect that she is under some kind of dark influence. The film's blend of psychological horror and supernatural themes creates a sense of unease and tension, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
The Internet Archive is a non-profit digital library that was founded in 1996 with the goal of providing universal access to all knowledge. The organization has been instrumental in preserving and making available a vast array of digital content, including films, music, and texts. The Internet Archive's film collection is particularly noteworthy, with over 15,000 films available for streaming and download.
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:
Downloading – A Basic Guide - Internet Archive Help Center
The film's cult status has also led to a dedicated fan base, with enthusiasts creating fan art, cosplay, and fan fiction inspired by the film. The Internet Archive has played a significant role in sustaining this fan base, providing a platform for fans to share and discover new content.
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
The story follows a painter, played by De Niro, who becomes embroiled in a complex web of relationships and obsessions, set against the backdrop of 17th-century Italy. The film explores themes of love, power, and the darker aspects of human nature, all told through a non-linear narrative that defies traditional storytelling conventions.
"The Devils" was based on Aldous Huxley's 1952 novel "The Devils of Loudun," which tells the true story of Urbain Grandier, a French Catholic priest accused of witchcraft and consorting with the devil in the early 17th century. Ken Hughes, a British filmmaker, was brought on board to direct the project, which would star Peter Firth as Grandier and Vanessa Redgrave as Sister Jeanne des Anges, a nun who becomes embroiled in the witch hunt.
In 1971, French film director Robert Bresson released his cinematic masterpiece, "The Devils" (French title: "Les Diables"), a historical drama that would go on to become one of the most infamous and influential films of all time. The film, which tells the story of the French Revolution and the rise of the devil-may-care aristocracy, was initially met with widespread controversy and censorship. However, thanks to the Internet Archive, a digital library of internet content, film enthusiasts can now access and experience this groundbreaking work in its entirety.
The Internet Archive's hosting of "The Devils" is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a platform for users to access a film that was previously difficult to find or expensive to obtain. The film's availability on the Internet Archive has helped to preserve its cultural and historical significance, allowing new generations of film enthusiasts to discover and appreciate its value.