Gaius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, better known by his nickname Caligula, is historically recognized as one of the most notorious Roman emperors ever. Known as the ‘mad’ emperor, it is said he was infamously cruel, erratic, and delusional in his self-proclamation of being a God. Beyond this, he is also recognized for a reckless abandonment of tradition, but also his perverse sexual escapades which are said to include obscene orgies and sadistic torture.
Not very flattering character traits, it should also be noted that while Caligula’s dirty deeds overshadow him… he did make a significant impact on the Roman Empire. A part of the last legion under a senatorial proconsul, into an imperial legate, explaining this in simpler language, Proconsuls passed legislation as a counsel, whereas a Legate was a high-ranking military representative given power within the emperor.
All extremely fascinating if you understand the importance of history and how it shapes us, back in 1979 a new film called Caligula brought this emperor’s story to the masses. Written by Gore Vidal (famed writer and political commentator) and directed by Italian’s Tinto Brass (known for a list of Erotic genre films), Caligula features an outstanding cast led by Malcolm McDowell as Caligula, Helen Mirren as Caesonia, and Peter O’Toole as Tiberius. Names that easily resonate, ironically, Caligula the movie is almost as controversial as the figure himself.
To start with, the film was financed by Producer Bob Guccione, the founder of Penthouse Magazine. With this in mind, Guccione envisioned a much more Erotic film, so he engaged Photographer Giancarlo Lui to film post-production scenes for Caligula that included straight-up hardcore sex. Done so without the consent of either Vidal or Brass, each of them disavowed the tapering of the film and the edits for individual justifiable reasons.
With that, further problems arose with the international theatrical release of Caligula. A very long tangled story filled with legal issues, Caligula at last premiered in the USA in February of 1980 without a rating from the MPAA, but a “Mature Audience” subtext instead. Created with a large budget, it did substantially well in the US market, grossing an estimated $23,000,000, before going on to further success in other markets like France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Japan. Factors that could dub Caligula the biggest budget Adult-only film ever made… there is still more intrigue to be had all these decades later.
With all the disagreements eternally swirling around Caligula, there have also been several cuts of the film floating here there, and everywhere. With various edited cuts out (uncensored, R-rated, etc.), now in 2024 an entirely new version of Caligula emerges called Caligula: The Ultimate Cut. One of several potential reconstruction projects of the film discussed throughout the year, this new one is the work of Producer Thomas Negovan. A passionate film historian in his own right, Negovan was hired back in 2019 to make use of 96 hours of Brass’ original footage and reconstruct an image of the film closer to the original creators. Immense responsibility, let it be known that Brass himself, now in his 90s, was not included in the new project. Something he is displeased with, and in his defense, justiably so considering he was the original director, viewers still arrived at the 2023 Cannes Classics premiere with curiosity about what to expect with Caligula: The Ultimate Cut.
Extremely different from any prior cut of Caligula, Negovan’s production runs for 157 minutes and provides a unique feel. Something that many followers of the film may not enjoy, but from an artistic standpoint, no one can deny that Negovan does a fine job putting together something that flows with ease and provides plenty of intrigue. A high enough quality that it was picked up for distribution by Canada’s Unobstructed View, in the Fall of October 2024 Caligula: The Ultimate Cut has several big dates planned.
First brought to viewers as a two-disc Blu-Ray and DVD set on September 17th, the film made a premiere through VOD on October 18th, before the biggest and best reveal, a 4K Box set released on October 29th. The most exciting bundle of all, the 4K edition is presented in a limited edition and numbered box set that offers more than you could ever ask for. Four discs in total, you get the new Ultimate Cut, a load of bonus features (including interviews, a making-of featurette, and the 1980 Theatrical Version), but also a CD of the Ultimate Cut’s soundtrack.
All bundled together, it is a must-have for anyone with an inquisitiveness for Caligula. However, if you are someone with a tempered interest, you can still pick up the less pricey DVD or Blu-ray, or simply stream it. Whatever the case, you have to enter Caligula: The Ultimate Cut with an open mind and you might find something inspiring inside. So, while Caligula and all its cuts may still be controversial, it is recommended to turn your attention to Caligula: The Ultimate Cut, because Cryptic Rock gives it 4 out of 5 stars.
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