Drafthouse Films announces today their acquisition of Caligula: The Ultimate Cut, a complete reconstruction of one of cinema’s most lavish-yet-notorious productions in a glorious 4K Ultra High Definition restoration.
Eagerly anticipated by film fans everywhere, this presentation of the legendary title made its World Premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023, introducing both new generations of movie audiences and classic filmgoers. Its miraculous reconstruction, comprised of 100% of never-before-seen footage, uses alternate takes and camera angles, and features – for the first time – the complete film narrative.
“Caligula is a unique piece of cinema history and I am honored to be a part of its journey back to the big screen,” says Drafthouse Films CEO Nick Savva. “Audiences should strap in and prepare themselves for a three-hour epic extravaganza like no other. They truly don’t make them like this anymore.”
Drafthouse Films will release Caligula: The Ultimate Cut in theaters across North America in August 2024, followed by a streaming and 4K UHD Blu-ray release. The UHD Blu-ray will have a slew of special features, notably new interviews with star Malcolm McDowell and the film’s reconstructionist, art historian Thomas Negovan.
“Drafthouse Films is a beacon of excellence and taste in independent cinema, and in the three years while I was constructing the film I hoped that they would be involved in bringing Caligula: The Ultimate Cut to American audiences,” says Negovan. “I am breathing an enormous sigh of relief that this new look at a legendary film is in their hands!”
Initially Released in 1980, Caligula was the most expensive independent film in cinema history but had a tumultuous journey to the screen. Written by the esteemed Gore Vidal and headed by the stellar cast of Malcolm McDowell, Dame Helen Mirren, Peter O’Toole and Sir John Gielgud, Caligula was meant to be an epic showcase of the generation’s finest talent, addressing the corrupting influence of power amid the rampant sexuality of the Roman court.
