Quentin Tarantino Says Disney's 'Star Wars' Forced His 'Hateful Eight' Out Of Giant-Screen Cinerama Dome

HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA.com) — Filmmaker Quentin Tarantino was hoping to release his new Western "Hateful Eight" on Christmas at Hollywood's Cinerama Dome, known for its 110-foot screen and rare 70 mm film projector.

That was, until the Walt Disney Co. -- in Tarantino's opinion -- decided to push "Hateful Eight" out of that theater.

Tarantino told Howard Stern on Wednesday that he believes Disney threatened to pull "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" from all ArcLight theaters unless the theater chain -- which operates the Cinerama Dome -- agreed to extend the new "Star Wars" movie's run at the theater through the holidays.

The action, in Tarantino's opinion, pushed his film out: a move that he called "vindictive" and "extortionist."

Part of the challenge for Tarantino is that few theaters are equipped to show 70 mm film, which is largely a relic of pre-digital cinema. Tarantino, known for his technophobia, only shoots his movies on traditional film.

"The movie is shot in 65 mm, then projected in 70 mm, with the image twice the size you're used to," actor Samuel L. Jackson said in a behind-the-scenes video posted online. "To make your enhanced viewing ... even doper."

Stern made an on-air plea to Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger to acquiesce.

"Listen Bob ... you're sitting on top of the world. You've got Star Wars. What, do you need this?" Stern said.

"Hateful Eight" will still play at the ArcLight, but won't be seen in the Cinerama Dome.

A source told KCAL9's Elsa Ramon that Disney had exclusive rights to use the Cinerama Dome for months.