Exploring the territory where art, love and sex collide, Love is the Devil: A Study for a Portrait of Francis Bacon charts the powerful and dangerous relationship between one of Britain's most controversial artists, Francis Bacon (Derek Jacobi) and his lover and muse George Dyer (Daniel Craig).

In bohemian 1960s Soho, amongst a coterie of artists, rent boys and drunks, Dyer struggles for Bacon's attention, steadily bled dry by drink and drugs. Love is the Devil portrays a bawdy, decadent world of artists' studios, casinos and late night bars – including the infamous Colony Room Club, presided over by foul-mouthed patroness Muriel Belcher (Tilda Swinton).

Derek Jacobi's portrayal of Bacon is precise and mesmerising, whilst Daniel Craig gives a raw, expressive performance as the tough petty thief who became the model for some of Bacon's most intense and celebrated paintings, his ultimate vulnerability throwing his lover's glory into sharp relief. The film's extraordinary visual style captures the extraordinary dynamism of Bacon's art; the lighting and colour palette are inspired by his work, and the film's atmosphere is one of both beauty and grotesque.

Previously released on UK DVD by Artificial Eye, the film looked good but the package itself was disappointly light on extra features. Now the film is to be re-released by the BFI on a DVD that looks as if it will put that right. The disc will sport a 1.66:1 anamorphic transfer and the following extra features:

• New feature-length commentary by John Maybury and Derek Jacobi;
• The Colony – A Documentary Preview,  exploring the legendary Soho club;
• New interview with producers Ben Gibson and Chiara Menage;
• Illustrated booklet containing specially commissioned essays and notes by Christopher Frayling and Michael O'Pray.

English subtitles for the hearing impaired will be included for the main feature and the commentary.

Love is the Devil will be released on UK DVD by the BFI on 18th August 2008 at the RRP of £19.99.

UPDATE: The release date for Love is the Devil is now 25th August 2008.

You can read Lord Summerisle's review of the Artificial Eye disc here.