TORONTO—Caligula: The Ultimate Cut, a completely new edit of the infamous 1980 epic produced by Penthouse’s Bob Guccione, will be embarking upon a North American theatrical run August 16, with Drafthouse Films handling distribution to U.S. theaters and Toronto-based Unobstructed View bringing the film to major markets across Canada in limited release.
First screened at last year's Cannes Film Festival, The Ultimate Cut is a scene-by-scene reconfiguration of Tinto Brass’ original film chronicling the Roman Empire’s most debauched emperor, starring Malcolm McDowell, Peter O’Toole and Helen Mirren. The new edit aims to depict the original narrative as conceived by writer Gore Vidal, and features an entirely new score by Troy Sterling Nies, as well as a new animated title sequence by graphic artist Dave McKean.
Unobstructed View also licensed North American disc rights for the film from Drafthouse, and will be releasing it September 17 in a limited edition numbered UHD boxed set along with a 4K restoration of the original 1980 theatrical version and a CD of The Ultimate Cut's soundtrack. Releasing concurrently will be an additional two-disc Blu-ray set and a DVD version, with the Blu-ray also including the restored original.
Among the new bonus features included in all three editions is audio commentary by Ultimate Cut producer/reconstructionist Thomas Negovan and editor Aaron Shaps. The four-disc UHD set also contains a making-of featurette and an interview with Tinto Brass.
All three editions are available for pre-order now at Unobstructed View's dedicated e-commerce site. U.S.-based customers will have the added option to purchase from a small allotment on Diabolik.com.
“We have been waiting for the right vehicle with which to amp up our U.S. game and this film is it—notorious, rare and collectible,” Unobstructed View founder and president Jonathan Gross said. “We are thrilled that Drafthouse Films has chosen to work with us. We are also thrilled to have Diabolik on board, because they are a leading provider of curated home entertainment.”
Caligula: The Ultimate Cut is also slated for release via VOD October 18.
