Quentin Tarantino’s four-hour cut, Kill Bill The Whole Bloody Affair, is set for its first official theatrical release on December 5. This version combines Kill Bill Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 into a single epic film, running 281 minutes including a 15-minute intermission, offering fans a complete cinematic experience that had been unavailable until now.
Plans for Widespread Screenings Across North America
Lionsgate has organized a wide release of The Whole Bloody Affair throughout major markets in North America. The distribution includes specialty screenings using traditional 35mm and 70mm film prints, which were likely newly produced specifically for this rollout. This approach allows audiences to experience the film in a format reminiscent of Tarantino’s original presentation.
Previous Screenings and Film History
The film initially premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2006 with French subtitles, screened from Tarantino’s personal print. It later appeared during a limited event run last summer at the Vista Theater in Los Angeles. This venue included an intermission positioned between the two original volumes, maintaining the structure of the combined cut. The film was also shown at Tarantino’s New Beverly Cinema in 2011 before returning to the Vista Theater for the recent screenings.
Background on the Film’s Creation and Legacy
Originally, Kill Bill was conceived as one long movie, but it was split into two parts to accommodate its length. Released in late 2003 and early 2004, the separate volumes earned over $330 million worldwide. Tarantino’s vision of presenting the story as a single cohesive film remained, which is now finally available to the public through this theatrical release of The Whole Bloody Affair.
Significance of the Release
This theatrical rollout introduces a rare chance for audiences to view the complete narrative in one sitting, preserving Tarantino’s intended edit of the film. The use of specialized film formats and the inclusion of the intermission reflect a dedication to authentic cinematic presentation. With Lionsgate distributing across major theaters, this event is poised to become a landmark moment for fans and cinephiles alike, reigniting interest in one of Tarantino’s most iconic works.
