Before receiving a wide release on December 31st, a special “roadshow” version of Quentin Tarantino’s latest epic The Hateful Eight will be screen in theaters on Christmas Day. A realization of Tarantino’s original vision, this version is presented on 70 millimeter film and features overture, intermission, and additional footage.
As announced today, the roadshow version will screen in 100 theaters in 44 markets, marking the largest 70mm film release in 20 years. A complete list of theaters, as well as ticketing info, can be found here.
A popular format in the 1950s and 60s cinema, the wider 70mm format fell out of favor with the advent of digital projection. Thanks to The Master and Interstellar, the format has experienced something of a revival as of late, however, as of today, 97% of America’s 40,000 movie screens are in digital.
According to The New York Times, The Weinstein Co. spent the last year and a half arranging for the film’s 70mm release, as they procured, purchased, and refurbished 100 projectors. (For context, last year Insterstellar opened in 70mm at only 11 locations.) The studio has provided each theater with training on how to use the projector, as well as “a spare set of belts, fuses and light bulbs.” Additionally, studio staff will be on hand in the event of any technical issues during the week of the film’s release.
Below, watch a pair of videos announcing the 70mm screenings.
The Hateful Eight stars Kurt Russell, Samuel L. Jackson, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Michael Madsen, Tim Roth, Bruce Dern, Walton Goggins, and Damian Bechir, along with a score from the Maestro Ennio Morricone. Read the official synopsis below.
“While racing toward the town of Red Rock in post-Civil War Wyoming, bounty hunter John “The Hangman” Ruth (Kurt Russell) and his fugitive prisoner (Jennifer Jason Leigh) encounter another bounty hunter (Samuel L. Jackson) and a man (Walton Goggins) who claims to be a sheriff. Hoping to find shelter from a blizzard, the group travels to a stagecoach stopover located on a mountain pass. There, they encounter four strangers, and soon learn that they may not make it to their destination after all.”
