Unobstructed View is releasing a limited numbered 4K UHD Blu-ray of Caligula: The Ultimate Cut, a newly restored three-hour version of Tinto Brass' infamous 1979 erotic historical drama film about the rise and fall of Roman Emperor Caligula.
The restoration includes new costume designs, a new score, and uses raw footage from the original film shoot, avoiding the graphic shots added by Penthouse editor Bob Guccione in the 1980 theatrical release.
The Ultimate Cut is a fresh reconstruction based on nearly 100 hours of footage found in the Penthouse archive, removing controversially added content from the original release.
It includes a new prologue illustrated by Dave McKean and a fresh score by Troy Sterling Nies, aiming to enhance the narrative and acting.
Despite being disavowed by director Tinto Brass, the Ultimate Cut was hailed by actor Malcolm McDowell, who called it one of his most challenging roles and is surprised and pleased by it, as it will allow his full performance and Helen Mirren's role to be seen in a new light.
The film, starring Malcolm McDowell, Helen Mirren, Teresa Ann Savoy, Peter O'Toole, John Gielgud, John Steiner, and Guido Mannari, has had a controversial reputation for being shocking, disgusting, and immoral due to its explicit violence and sexual content, as it was originally produced by Penthouse with the intention of creating a pornographic film with high production values.
Despite boasting impressive elements of a prestige classic, the original film was filled with excessive nudity and simulated sex scenes, leading many to distance themselves from it.
The presentation made its World Premiere at Cannes in 2023, appealing to new and classic movie audiences with previously unseen footage, a complete film narrative, and additions like a prologue illustrated by Dave McKean, staying true to Vidal's original script.
The Ultimate Cut will premiere in theaters on August 16 and later be released for streaming and on 4K UHD Blu-ray, featuring HDR presentation, commentary tracks, and bonus content such as interviews, documentaries, a slideshow with audio, and the original motion picture soundtrack on a CD.
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq
Sources: Unobstructed View, UPI, GeekTyrant, ScreenCrush, IMDb, BroadwayWorld, JoBlo, Queerty, FirstShowing, The Film Stage, Collider, Blu-ray.com.