<i>Caligula</i> Special Edition Ready for Release

LOS ANGELES - Mainstream distributor Image Entertainment Inc. has announced an Oct. 2 release date of an expansive "Four-Disc Imperial Edition" of the 1979 classic Caligula, which AVN recently named as one of the "50 Most Influential Adult Releases of All Time."

The deluxe DVD set will be highlighted by two newly-recorded commentary tracks with the film's stars, Malcolm McDowell and 2007 Academy Award winner, Helen Mirren. Director Tinto Brass also does an extensive new interview, discussing the making of the movie. Other new interviews include actors John Steiner, Lori Wagner, and the film's on-set reporter, Ernest Volkman.

Written by Gore Vidal, Caligula takes an unflinching look at the decadence of ancient Rome. The production advertised itself as "the most controversial film in history. Only one movie dares to show the perversion behind Imperial Rome." The film also stars award-winning actor Peter O'Toole and Academy Award winner John Gielgud.

According to a press release from Image Ent., Caligula will be presented in two versions, both newly mastered in high definition from recently uncovered negative vault materials: the unrated, uncensored theatrical version and an alternate pre-release cut featuring never-before-seen footage. Other bonus features include two versions of the "Making of Caligula" documentary, hours of never-before-seen deleted and alternate scenes and behind-the-scenes footage, and an interview with Penthouse founder and film financier, Bob Guccione.

Caligula will also be released as single-disc unrated and R-rated editions on October 2, both also remastered in high definition and containing three theatrical trailers.

For more information about the release, go to www.image-entertainment.com.