DRAFTHOUSE & UNOBSTRUCTED VIEW PRESENT CALIGULA THE ULTIMATE CUT (2024)

For Immediate Release

Canadian based distributor Unobstructed View has acquired the North American disc rights and all Canadian rights to Caligula: The Ultimate Cut, which premiered at Cannes last year as a completely new edit of the infamous 1980 original produced by Penthouse’s Bob Guccione.
The only place to experience The Ultimate Cut and a 4K restoration of the original 1980 theatrical version will be on a limited edition numbered UHD Boxed Set available on Unobstructed View's company’s e-commerce site. U.S. based customers can purchase from our US site www.caligula4kuhd.com. Releasing concurrently will be an additional Two-Disc Blu-ray set and a DVD version, with the Blu Ray including the restored original.

Caligula: The Ultimate Cut

Street Date: October 29, 2024.

(BD & DVD releases September 17, 2024)

VOD: October 18, 2024.

Caligula: The Ultimate Cut is a scene-by-scene reconfiguration of Tinto Brass’ controversial somewhat raunchy epic chronicling the Roman Empire’s most debauched emperor, starring Malcolm McDowell, Peter O’Toole and Helen Mirren. Among the new bonus features is a commentary from Ultimate Cut producer Thomas Negovan and editor Aaron Shaps. It is scheduled for theaters across North America on August 16 with Drafthouse Films handling US theatrical distribution. It will be screened in major markets across Canada in limited release. The four-disc UHD set is loaded with new and original bonus features and includes a CD of The Ultimate Cut’s soundtrack.
“We have been waiting for the right vehicle with which to amp up our US game and this film is it - notorious, rare and collectible,” says UV’s founder and President Jonathan Gross, who licensed UV’s rights from Drafthouse Films. “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.”
Toronto-based Unobstructed View celebrated their 30th year in business last year. Their noteworthy history of US disc releases includes the Portlandia TV series, the Richard Lewis retrospective Bundle Of Nerves and the sports docs Facing Nolan and Rowdy.UV recently added former Kino Lorber Senior VP of Sales Alan Fergurson as a consultant to further help consolidate and grow UV’s US business. Says Gross, “Alan brings a lot to the table. We are honored to have a first ballot home entertainment hall-of-famer with us.”

Synopsis:

Tormented by the murder of his family, the young, wary Caligula (Malcolm McDowell) eliminates his devious adoptive grandfather Tiberius (Peter O'Toole) and seizes control of the declining Roman Empire as it descends into a spiral of depravity, destruction and madness. Restoring the complete performances of McDowell and O'Toole along with fellow film legends Helen Mirren and John Gielgud, this extensive reconstruction of the notorious 1980 spectacle, based on the original narrative as conceived by writer Gore Vidal, had its world premiere at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. Showcasing the sumptuous costume designs of two-time Oscar winner Danilo Donati (Fellini's Cassanova; Romeo & Juliet), CALIGULA: THE ULTIMATE CUT features an entirely new score by Troy Sterling Nies, as well as a new animated title sequence by graphic artist Dave McKean (Arkham Asylum, The Sandman).

Watch what the critics have to say:

CNN - Hollywood Minute

Read what the critics have to say:

“This restored version of Caligula is the only one that counts...”
Film Authority

“…genuinely exciting to see the never seen sequences...”
Film Threat

“Malcolm McDowell virtually carries the entire film on his muscular back.”
James Wegg Review

“Tom Brass’ restored, re-cut, and truly demented tale of Roman imperial power without guardrails is a sight to behold.”
Edmonton Journal

“This isn’t the first attempt to rescue Caligula from its blighted reputation but it’s surely the most heroic.”
Stir Vancouver

“If you’ve at all been wondering about this flick, you don’t have to be curious any longer. You can pick it up and see for yourself!”
Awards Radar

"The real reason for watching this release of Caligula are its consistently spectacular production values."
The Arts STL

"After 45 years, this controversial juggernaut of a film has finally arrived, in all its ambitious, hot, messy, gratuitous splendor."
The Arts Fuse

"It’s a landmark in film restoration that honors and enhances its original intent, making it a must-see for anyone interested in cinema."
Letterboxd

"A once-in-a-lifetime, challenging cinematic experience well worth the 45 years spent for it to finally come to fruition."
But Why Tho?

"...the great production designer Danilo Donati’s contributions alone are worth the trip."
NY Times

"A New ‘Caligula’ Cut Reveals the Great Malcolm McDowell and Helen Mirren Performances That Existed All Along."
Indiewire

Extras/Pricing/UPC Codes:
CALIGULA THE ULTIMATE CUT 4 DISC COLLection (2 UHD +1 BD + 1 CD) LIMITED NUMBERED EDITION
SRP: 79.98. UPC: 778854240896
Disc 1: The Ultimate Cut
Caligula: The Ultimate Cut (178 mins)
Cannes 2023 Teaser
English Closed Captions
French Canadian Subtitles
Audio Commentary with editor Aaron Shaps and producer and reconstructionist Thomas Negovan
Audio Commentary with author Grant Morrison and producer and reconstructionist Thomas Negovan
Disc 2: 1980 Theatrical Version
Caligula: Restored Original 1980 Theatrical Version (150 mins)
Restored Original Theatrical Trailer
English Closed Captions
Disc 3: Caligula: The Bonus Materials [Blu-ray]
"The Orgy of Power" interview with Tinto Brass
The Making of Caligula
The Guccione Scandal
Disc 4: Audio Soundtrack [CD]
Caligula: The Ultimate Cut Soundtrack

________________________________________
CALIGULA THE ULTIMATE CUT BLURAY 2 DISC COLLECTION
SRP: 49.98 UPC: 778854241091

Disc 1: The Ultimate Cut
Caligula: The Ultimate Cut (178 mins)
Cannes 2023 Teaser
English Closed Captions
French Canadian Subtitles
Audio Commentary with editor Aaron Shaps and producer and reconstructionist Thomas Negovan
Audio Commentary with author Grant Morrison and producer and reconstructionist Thomas Negovan
Disc 2: 1980 Theatrical Version
Caligula: Restored Original 1980 Theatrical Version (150 mins)
Restored Original Theatrical Trailer
English Closed Captions
The Guccione Scandal
________________________________________
CALIGULA THE ULTIMATE CUT DVD
SRP: 39.98 UPC: 778854241190
Caligula: The Ultimate Cut (178 mins)
Cannes 2023 Teaser
English Closed Captions
French Canadian Subtitles
Audio Commentary with editor Aaron Shaps and producer and reconstructionist Thomas Negovan
Audio Commentary with author Grant Morrison and producer and reconstructionist Thomas Negovan