Canadian International Pictures

The Devil At Your Heels

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Edition Type: Limited Edition Slipcover

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This Partner Label release is distributed through Vinegar Syndrome's sister company OCN Distribution. Vinegar Syndrome had no part in, nor are responsible for, the restoration, extras, quality control or any content(s) of this release. We hope you enjoy our growing roster of Partner Labels and the expertise and curation brought to each release by their dedicated staff!

Details

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: 4.7272725 / 5 from 66 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","presentation","documentary","release","doc","film","watch","extras","story","ambition","heels","power","features","narrative","stunts","source","moments","vinegar syndrome","determination"].

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

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)

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)

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)

The Maddest Canadian Jump!

"Amazing documentary about The Mad Canadian trying to achieve his goal of jumping the St. Lawrence River in a jet car. An incredible story and watch. Sucks you right into the world of Stunt Car driving and its many obstacles to stay clear of. 10/10!!"

Allan R. (5/5)

It's still raining in Morrisburg, they say

"What a delightful package straight from the source, about a man who just did not know his own limits. It's easy to forget how big stunt drivers were for a period of time there in the 70s-80s, but all the power in the world couldn't make things happen if you weren't one of the big names, or if nature itself was seemingly against you."

Kelsey G. (5/5)

Canadian Evil Knievel

"Another amazing release from CIP. Absolutely loved learning about The Mad Canadien Ken Carter. Fast paced and entertaining documentary, never a dull moment."

Jon B. (5/5)

Another quality CIP release

"CIP continues to be the absolute best source for North American physical releases of National Film Board of Canada media. Devil at Your Heels is a essential watch for documentary fans. The hubris and egos involved in this “stunt to end all stunts” is made all the more stark by how straightforward and unembellished the film itself is. Like watching a Danny McBride character come to life (one of the stunt guys is literally named Kenny Powers)."

Devin D. (5/5)

Amazing story about belief in

"Amazing story about belief in yourself, when you overbelieve in what can be done. Great extras surrounding more than i could ever dream it may get."

Brian k. (5/5)

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