Quentin Tarantino has spent many years arguing in favor of good ol' classic film over the widespread use of digital - and for the upcoming release of The Hateful Eight it looks like he will be taking major action promoting the original medium. If buzz is to be believed, it sounds like the filmmaker is in the midst of trying to arrange things so that 50 theaters in the United States will be able to show his new movie in 70mm.
The Hollywood Reporter has the scoop on this fascinating development, having had the opportunity to watch test footage from The Hateful Eight at the Cine Gear Expo this past Saturday. The first look at the upcoming western/thriller was presented in its intended 70mm anamorphic film format, and while it wasn't confirmed during the presentation, there is word that the release of the movie will have a very special effect on theaters nationwide. Presumably the idea is that Tarantino wants his latest feature to be seen by audiences exactly as he intended it - given that he actually filmed the movie with 65mm negative and Ultra Panavision 70 anamorphic lenses (which the trade report notes possibly haven't been used in decades).
If the buzz from the Cine Gear Expo is any indication, movie fans everywhere would certainly appreciate the effort made for the enhanced presentation. THR says that the footage got an "enthusiastic applause" from its first audience, and cinematographer Bill Bennett praised the clip while also posting an image from the event:
The Hateful Eight tells the story of a bounty hunter (Kurt Russell) who is traveling to a town so that he can receive his prize for capturing a murderer (Jennifer Jason Leigh) and bringing her to justice. After meeting two other strangers on the road (Samuel L. Jackson, Walton Goggins), they find themselves diverted from their path when a dangerous blizzard hits. Forced to take shelter in a haberdashery, the group encounters a gathering of four other individuals (Bruce Dern, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Demian Bichir), and through the night tensions begin to flair - all leading to what will surely be a bloody conclusion in Tarantino Fashion.
Hopefully we will start to hear more about this plan to bring 70mm projectors to theaters around the country in the coming months, but we will be excited for the film's November 13th release date regardless. Stay tuned for more updates about this potentially very exciting campaign!
