Similar to folks like Christopher Nolan, Martin Scorsese, and Steven Spielberg, Quentin Tarantino is a long-time advocate for the theatrical experience and all that entails. Needless to say, itâs highly unlikely that youâll ever see Tarantino create a film that can only be viewed on TV screens, tablets, or laptops. And apparently, if you even suggest that he release a project on a smartphone, heâs going to just walk out of the meeting.
While speaking to the Wall Street Journal, the CEO of NBCUniversal, Jeff Shell, explained that one meeting with Tarantino went very, very badly because of a suggestion that he release a film on iPhones.
READ MORE:Â Martin Scorsese Begs Film Fans To Watch âThe Irishmanâ On Something Bigger Than Your Phone
According to Shell, when he was the head of Universal film studio, he had a meeting with Quentin Tarantino about the film, âThe Hateful Eight.â At the time, Tarantino said that he wanted to release the film on 70mm film, which would require a special projector to be used at only select theaters. At that point, Shell replied with, âWhat if we released it on iPhones?â
Apparently, Tarantino responded with a simple, âGreat,â and walked out of the meeting.
As we know now, the filmmaker would eventually work out a deal with The Weinstein Company to distribute his film and he was able to secure some limited 70mm screenings of the feature. Of course, now, if you wanted, you could view Tarantinoâs film on your iPhone, thanks to Netflix, which also features a new cut of the film, broken up into four parts. So, Shellâs idea wasnât completely without merit, just not exactly what Tarantino was looking for.
READ MORE: Tarantino Says Hans Landa From âInglourious Basterdsâ Was The Most Fun Character Heâs Ever Written
This brings to mind the recent issues that Martin Scorsese experienced with Netflix where he wanted âThe Irishmanâ to have a theatrical run. He also spoke out about how he didnât want people to view his film on phones because of the incredibly small screen. Itâs clear that Tarantino very much agrees with Scorsese on this point.
As mentioned, if you want to view âThe Hateful Eightâ on your iPhone, you can now thanks to Netflix. But just know, Tarantino is probably judging you.
TooShiftyForYou on June 24th, 2020 at 12:53 UTC »
At the time, Tarantino said that he wanted to release the film on 70mm film, which would require a special projector to be used at only select theaters. At that point, Shell replied with, “What if we released it on iPhones?”
Apparently, Tarantino responded with a simple, “Great,” and walked out of the meeting.
Releasing the film in 70 mm format was a big deal to Tarantino. Until the release of Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk two years later, it was the widest release in 70 mm film since Ron Howard's Far and Away in 1992.
sixrustyspoons on June 24th, 2020 at 12:40 UTC »
Thank god it came out as a bi-monthly curated box of snacks.
Vanthan on June 24th, 2020 at 12:30 UTC »
"And then, Mr Tarantino, we're going to break it up into small ten minute increments and release it on QUIBI which is a new, ground breaking APP being put together by my good friend Jeffrey Katzenberg!"