Caligula Ultimate Cut Gets Acknowledged

Recently we had the opportunity to watch the ultimate cut of the 1980 cult classic Caligula which is different than the other edits because this is the version that the actors endorsed plus the original narrative is intact whereas other edits have been choppy at best. The Ultimate Cut is about 3 hours long and showcases what could have been if various entities did not get involved to create something to benefit themselves. The movie which was released in 1980 is actually pretty good once you take out the gratuitous orgies, rampant nudity and fascination with blood. The dialogue actually have some weight to it. After all you don't get the likes of Peter O'Toole, Malcolm McDowell and Helen Mirren with a crappy script. There is substance here and the ultimate cut shows that the script is worth this edit instead of resorting to just a 4K restoration of the theater release. What isn't shown on the theater release is a shame because some of the missing scenes should not have been on the cutting floor. For those who need context Caligula (McDowell) descends into depression and madness once he is in control of the Roman Empire. McDowell's performance is better in this cut where you see his emotion while delivering in each scene. Peter O'Toole performance is slightly better but if you did not like any pf the performances in the original cut. Your opinions won't change watching this cut. However if the ultimate cut do change your opinion then it served its purpose. Reviewing a new cut of a movie released over 40 years ago is not for the weak especially one with the history that Caligula have, We obviously wasn't expecting new performances but our opinion about the movie have slightly changed from this cut. The performances of Helen Mirren and Teresa Ann Savoy have not changed due to the cut but our opinion on them have where we believed they should have been talked about more in earlier criticism of the film. Overall the ultimate cut is exactly what it set out to be: a time capsule to witness what happens when things are put back together to showcase talent. It is also a good way to celebrate Gore Vidal's concept of what Caligula was and the people around him were like. We can say that we highly recommend the cut but you already know that movie is either great or terrible based on your view. We will say it is worth the watch especially with the brand new opening animated sequence and new score specifically made for the ultimate cut. If you have the money buy the 4 disc set which includes the original theater cut and bonus features. For more information on the set read below.

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.