Drafthouse Films has recently made headlines with their acquisition of Caligula: The Ultimate Cut, a 4K Ultra HD reconstruction of the infamous Tinto Brass movie. This new version of the film, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023, boasts never-before-seen footage, alternate takes, and different camera angles. Drafthouse is set to release the film theatrically across North America in August 2024, accompanied by a streaming and 4K UHD Blu-ray launch.
Originally released in 1980, Caligula was a project that faced numerous challenges on its way to the big screen. Written by Gore Vidal and featuring a star-studded cast including Malcolm McDowell, Dame Helen Mirren, Peter O’Toole, and Sir John Gielgud, the film was marred by controversy when Penthouse founder Bob Guccione took control of the negative and added explicit scenes of unsimulated sex and violence. This led to disavowals from the cast and crew, with Vidal even removing his name from the project. Despite the tumultuous journey, the behind-the-scenes notoriety helped the film achieve cult classic status.
Caligula: The Ultimate Cut goes beyond just a visual upgrade, with the addition of a prologue that brings to life one of Vidal’s previously missing scenes, courtesy of graphic artist Dave McKean. Additionally, composer Troy Sterling Nies has contributed a new wraparound score to enhance the viewing experience. While actor Malcolm McDowell praised the reconstruction, director Tinto Brass distanced himself from the project last year, adding another layer of complexity to the film’s history.
The North American distribution deal for Caligula: The Ultimate Cut was brokered by Nick Savva, CEO of Drafthouse Films, with Josh Braun and Dan Braun of Submarine representing the filmmakers. Savva expressed his excitement about being part of the film’s return to the big screen, urging audiences to brace themselves for a three-hour epic like no other. The release of the film in theaters, streaming platforms, and 4K UHD Blu-ray is poised to reignite interest in this controversial piece of cinematic history.