Just released on Blu-ray is The Unobstructed View’s “Caligula: the Ultimate Cut” 4K & New Edit Limited Edition Boxed Set/Blu-ray Set/DVD. The presentation has been enhanced, added scenes found and is filled with bonus features. Not for the squeamish or timid, the film may have been released 44 years ago, but still is in the top ten audacious movies of all time.
It is 45 AD and Rome under the rule of Emperor Tiberius (Peter O’Toole). He’s a despotic ruler who has let the Roman Empire slowly crumble under his leadership. Sex, nudity and crime is rampant and his son Caligula (Malcolm McDowell) is next in line for the empire. Death comes suddenly for Tiberius and Caligula takes quick advantage and names himself Emperor. Along with his Sister (Teresa Ann Savoy) and trusted followers Caligula begins his reign. It will be a violent, tyrannical, diabolical and controversial time where many heads will roll.
The film is really a masterpiece before it’s time and America was not ready for the pornography and violence that is imbued throughout 2 and a half hours. Even though many theaters would not show the film due it’s content and others playing it to only Adults, it became the highest grossing film for the year 1980.
With sexuality in films increasingly common today the film has been remastered and even includes found footage. The 4K ultimate HD cut on the box set is impeccably clear and the audio is at the finest quality. There is very little quality loss from movie house to even on the largest of home screens. The bonus features in both the 1980 theatrically release incudes audio commentary and The Gucione Scandal featurette. It’s a collectable!
This Caligula showing has been released in a four disc set and has not been rated by the MPAA. It does however contain unobstructed views of nudity, sex and violence. For those who desire it for their collection the full set includes:
Disc 1: The Ultimate Cut
Caligula: The Ultimate Cut
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
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
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Malcolm McDowell, Peter O’Toole, Helen Mirren, Thresa Ann Savoy, John Geilgud,
Directed by: Tinto Brass
Genre: Drama. Epic, Historical
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 2 hrs. 36 min.
Opening Date: October Box Set. October 22, Streaming October 18
Distributed by: Drafthouse Films
Released in: 4K Ultimate HD Blu-ray set
