Film enthusiasts around the globe have likely experienced Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill Volumes 1 and 2. However, only a privileged few have seen the unique edited version dubbed Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair, which includes subtle yet significant adjustments. Clocking in at 258 minutes with an intermission, this rare print has graced the public only a handful of times, most recently in July at Tarantino’s Vista Theater in Los Angeles. This has left fans outside Los Angeles wondering, “Will we ever get to see this masterpiece at home?”
According to Tarantino, the answer may not be so straightforward. Recently, the Oscar-winning director discussed The Whole Bloody Affair during a candid interview on The Church of Tarantino podcast. Among various topics, he addressed the reasons behind the lack of a physical release for the film. Although many had speculated that red tape was the issue due to the film combining two separate entities, Tarantino clarified that the narrative is somewhat misguided. “You guys have speculated a lot,” he remarked. “I understand their viewpoint, but they’re all wrong.”
“Ultimately, I didn’t want to release it until I owned it. I own it now,” he explained. “I wanted to wait until I had complete rights. I’m not just waiting to release it. I’ve got the print, and I show it occasionally at the New Beverly. You can see it there. While I cherish my old work, my focus is always on what’s next. After completing Kill Bill, I thought, ‘That was such an exhausting experience. Time to move on for a while.’ But owning it was crucial.”
Now that he holds the rights, will The Whole Bloody Affair ever be released on 4K or Blu-ray? Tarantino hinted at the complexities of modern distribution, saying, “In a world where everything is available for profit and owned by corporations, this is different. This is mine. The fact that you have to come to my theater to see it adds value. It’s not just another DVD or Blu-ray sitting at home. It transforms into something special when you experience it in a cinema.”
Tarantino added, “Once it’s in your possession, it just carries less weight. When it’s showing in a theater, there’s quite an appeal in knowing it’s a rare experience. If you want to watch Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair, it’s only a matter of time until you catch a screening.”
For fans living outside Los Angeles, this news may come as a disappointment, especially since Tarantino has exhibited the film only a few times over the past decade. However, owning the film might increase its availability in other theaters. The unpredictability around the showings only adds to the excitement and allure.
You might be asking, what makes The Whole Bloody Affair so remarkable? Isn’t watching Part 1 and Part 2 back-to-back effectively the same thing? Yes and no. This edit features pivotal changes that lend a more epic quality. Notably, the last scene of Part 1, revealing that the Bride’s daughter is alive, is removed. This alteration enhances the emotional impact when the Bride discovers this shocking truth along with the audience towards the film’s conclusion. Additionally, the Crazy 88 fight sequence is presented fully in color, avoiding the black and white aesthetic that had previously been used to secure an R-rating. This reworking truly justifies the title, The Whole Bloody Affair. Experience it in one sitting, and the movie feels even more monumental.
The film had a two-week showing at the Vista in July, but no additional times are currently slated. Monitoring the schedules at Vista Theater and New Beverly, both associated with Tarantino, will be your best bet to catch a screening of this unique film.
Curious to dive deeper? Listen to the complete Tarantino interview here. You can also check the embed of this specific discussion below.
Are there any plans for a home release of Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair? The future of this release remains uncertain, adding to its exclusive charm. As Tarantino himself has noted, the experience of viewing it in a theater is unparalleled. If you’re a fan eager to see this version, staying updated on showings will be essential.
Is it possible to find alternative ways to see the film outside Los Angeles? While currently limited, the rights being under Tarantino’s ownership may change this in the future. His approach suggests he prefers the theatrical experience over mere availability, so keep your fingers crossed for more screenings.
In a crowded film landscape filled with easy access at your fingertips, the rarity of The Whole Bloody Affair only heightens its allure. Consider this a gentle nudge to appreciate what makes this film special and perhaps even consider making the journey to see it in person.
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