Canadian International Pictures

The Devil At Your Heels

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This special limited edition spot gloss slipcover (designed by Sam Gilbey) is limited to 2,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.

From arthouse to Canuxploitation, Canadian International Pictures (CIP) is devoted to resurrecting vital, distinctive, and overlooked triumphs of Canadian cinema. This label is focused on the country’s original cinematic boom years – spanning the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s – occasionally venturing past that period (and the country’s borders) to highlight the films of Canada’s most inspired actors and filmmakers. Vinegar Syndrome’s sister company, OCN Distribution, is thrilled to be representing CIP's brand new line of home video releases!

The story of a daredevil… Ken Carter wants to jump a car a mile.

Seasoned stunt driver Ken Carter has spent the past 20 years risking his life jumping cars three times a week. Feeling the pain from decades of injuries, he recognizes the end of his career is near. But before he calls it a day, he’s determined to achieve legend status – by jumping a car a mile over the St. Lawrence Seaway. After spending his life savings building a rocket car, he joins forces with ABC’s Wide World of Sports to build a massive ramp and put all the pieces in place to make his dream a reality. When the network sends Evel Knievel to inspect, he’s shocked by the danger involved and concludes this is the “daredevil stunt that might end all daredevil stunts.”

An epic journey to the heart of one man’s dangerous obsession, The Devil at Your Heels is one of the most beloved films ever to emerge from The National Film Board of Canada. Playfully narrated by celebrated Canadian actor Gordon Pinsent, this immersion in the mind of an inspired – if overly ambitious – dreamer is often described as a forerunner to American Movie. CIP is proud to present this timeless cult classic alongside four shorts by director Robert Fortier, including his earlier Ken Carter film, The Mad Canadian.

directed by: Robert Fortier
starring: Gordon Pinsent, Ken Carter, Kenny Powers, Evel Knievel
1981 / 102 min / 1.33:1 / English DTS-HD MA 2.0

Additional info:

Region A Blu-ray
Scanned and restored in 2K from the 16mm interpositive by the National Film Board of Canada
Selected-scene commentary featuring director Robert Fortier
Daredevil Director (2025, 18 min.) – New interview with Fortier
New audio interview with Gloria DeMario (2025, 8 min.)
Keller on Carter (2025, 10 min.) – Rocket car designer Richard Keller on his collaboration with Carter
Long John Baldry interview (1989, 4 min.) – Archival interview with the musician who created “Ken’s Theme”
Someone Else’s Movie episode on the film featuring Becky Shrimpton and host Norm Wilner
Pure Cinema Podcast excerpt (2018, 9 min.) – Elric Kane and Brian Saur discuss the film
Pure Cinema Podcast introduction (2024, 8 min.) – Kane and Saur introduce the film at The American Cinematheque
The Movies That Made Me excerpt (2020, 7 min.) – Kier-La Janisse and Caelum Vatnsdal discuss the film
Ken Carter: World Record (1982, 25 min.) – Archival footage of Carter’s ramp-to-ramp rocket car jump on August 19, 1982
Aim for the Roses clip (2016, 6 min.) – Excerpt from John Bolton’s documentary chronicling a musical tribute to Ken Carter
Four short films directed by Fortier:
- The Myth and the Reality (1973, 5 min.)
- Metal Workers (1975, 10 min.)
- The Mad Canadian (1976, 10 min.)
- Harmonium in California (1979, 29 min.)
- New introductions to all four shorts by Fortier
Image gallery
Theatrical trailer
Double-sided poster
Reversible cover artwork
English SDH subtitles

Overall rating: 4.732394 / 5 from 71 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

The Devil At Your Heels is a highly acclaimed limited edition Blu-ray featuring a cult classic documentary about stunt driver Ken Carter. The release includes a restored film, selected-scene commentary, and additional interviews and archival footage. Customers praise the documentary for its entertainment value and the quality of the release.

Summary topics

Release Quality: 23%
Documentary Quality: 19%
Documentary Enjoyment: 30%

Review topics: ["looks","packaging","dreams","documentary","release","doc","film","extras","subject","watch","story","power","presentation","ambition","stunts","heels","features","vinegar syndrome","determination","narrative","source","moments","man"].

Review highlights

"Amazing overall product and release." — Scott N.
"This is one of the best docs in my opinion." — James R.
"It’s an oddly inspiring and strangely melancholic portrait of determination pushed to its limits." — Shawn M.

Reviews

There's a jet car!

"This documentary is nuts. Such a great example of confidence without know how. It's a wonder this doesn't go worse. This one feels underrated to me."

— John M. (5/5)

Excellent Release and Presentation

"A very entertaining release with a great sense of determination and personality. The film has a unique energy, and the disc presents it very well. The overall package feels thoughtfully handled and makes this a strong addition for collectors."

— Thomas L. (5/5)

Fun Film

"This is one of those docs worth owning, because you will want to revisit."

— Jonathan G. (4/5)

The Mad Stuntman

"Canadian documentary about a stuntman who is determined to perform his ultimate stunt at any cost. Shows how far one man is willing to go in order to achieve his dream of success."

— William G. (5/5)

Hell yeah 🇨🇦🚗

"Kickass documentary and piece of Canadian history"

— Joseph G. (5/5)

Very, very charming.

"Legendary doc from a legendary Movie Year. Hat Shelf Ken Carter puts all his, & others, money in a car with a rocket engine because he wants to jump ONE MILE with it. . . From Canada to USA! WHAT could go wrong?. . ."

— Hans B. (4/5)

One of the better VS documentary releases

"The perfect subject for a documentary: both ridiculous and inspiring."

— Derek C. (5/5)

Not only is the main

"Not only is the main documentary a fantastic flick but the extras are plentiful and really interesting."

— Jeffrey W. (5/5)

Need for Speed

"Good documentary that hasn't been seen by a wide audience maybe ever. Nice batch of supplements, though several are audio only with just an image onscreen. Made up for by the ton of short films related to the subjects/filmmaker. Packaging is good, though poster had some crinkles from not being secured in the case properly at the factory."

— John P. (4/5)

Thrilling True Story of Daredevil Ambition

"The Devil at Your Heels is a gripping documentary that chronicles daredevil Evel Knievel’s attempt to jump the Saint Lawrence River. The film captures both the physical risks and the psychological toll of extreme stunts, blending archival footage with intimate behind-the-scenes moments. The pacing is exhilarating, reflecting the tension and anticipation surrounding Knievel’s preparations and final jump. Cinematography alternates between thrilling action shots and quieter, reflective sequences, offering insight into the man behind the myth. This documentary excels at conveying the human drive for spectacle and the obsession with risk, making it compelling for both stunt enthusiasts and viewers interested in character-driven real-life stories."

— Thomas H. (5/5)