Even thoughThe Hateful Eightis being presented in70mmthroughout the United States, it won’t be playing in one of the most iconic big screen theaters in Hollywood. And directorQuentin Tarantinoonly has Disney and their small independent movie calledStar Wars: The Force Awakensto blame. The filmmaker recently appeared on theHoward Sternradio show, where he bashed the mouse house for being extortionists.
Quentin Tarantinowanted to premiere the 70mm version of The Hateful Eight in Hollywood’s historic Cinerama Dome, located on Sunset and now part of the Arclight Cinema chain. But Star Wars: The Force Awakens is going to be playing on this gigantic screen throughout the holiday season.Quentin Tarantinois alleging ‘extortionist practices’ in light of Disney refusing to give up this particular venue. Said the director.
“They are going out of their way to f- me.”
TheWeinsteinCo. spent months trying to secure the Cinerama Dome for The Hateful Eight 70mm presentation. And they pointed to the fact that Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which opens for preview screenings this Thursday night, has also booked nearby premium venues such as TCL Chinese Theater, whereStar Wars: Episode IV - A New Hopepremiered back in 1977, as well as the Disney-owned El Capitan Theater. But Disney wouldn’t budge.Quentin Tarantinoalso had this to say about Disney’s allegedly unfair theater booking practices.
“It’s vindictive, it’s mean and it’s extortion. It was real bad news and it fucking pissed me off.”
Quentin Tarantinogoes onto say that the Arclight theater is not at fault. The chain tried to keep The Hateful Eight on the Cinerama Dome, informing Disney higher-ups that they would be honoring their contract to show Tarantino’s eighth film, arevenge Western. But in turn, Disney threatened to pull Star Wars: The Force Awakens from all of the Arclight locations, which would have cost the theater chain millions of dollars in ticket revenue.
Insiders are quick to point out that there was never a signed contract, or written deal, and that it was all verbal, as is usually the case. TWC has reportedly known since late October, when tickets went on sale for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, that this particular venue was not open. Even if that is true, the filmmaker himself was not informed of this until recently. Now, The Hateful Eight is being forced to play in a different auditorium inside the actual Arclight portion of the cinemaplex, which has been equipped with a 70mm projector. As a consolation prize, The Hateful Eight did get to hold its world premiere at the Cinerama Dome.
The Hateful Eight will debut as part of an exclusive70mm RoadshowstartingChristmas day. It will play in 100 theaters across the country before opening in wide release the following week, on December 31.Quentin Tarantinowanted to make it known that he is not mad at Star Wars: The Force Awakens or directorJ.J. Abrams. In fact, he says, ‘I love J.J.!’ No, the director’s beef is solely with Disney executives. About that, he had this to say.
“I made a lot of money for the Disney corporation. As far I’m concerned, let all the entertainment reporters call up Disney and ask for their comments on their extortionist practices.”
Miramax used to be owned by Disney. And the studio is responsible for distributing some ofQuentin Tarantino’s most beloved movies. These include bothKill Billmovies andPulp Fiction. What do you think about this? Should Disney have given over the Dome? IsQuentin Tarantinojust being a big crybaby? And are you Los Angeles residents and film buffs/historians upset by the mouse house’s decision? Let us know in the comment section below.
