Netflix's Tarantino Film Faces Shortened Cinema Run

Netflix's upcoming film, "The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth," written by Quentin Tarantino, is set for a restricted theatrical debut. Major cinema chains Regal and Cinemark will not be screening the movie, which opens on Wednesday, November 25th. This decision stems from the film's shortened theatrical window, allowing for an exclusive two-week run in Imax.

The movie is slated to premiere on Netflix on December 23rd, marking a 27-day exclusive theatrical window. This move contrasts with Netflix's recent efforts to embrace longer theatrical releases, such as for the Cannes winner "La Bola Negra" and "Narnia: The Magician's Nephew," which had 50-day windows. The streamer has also shown more respect for box office reporting and talent.

However, Netflix's strategy for theatrical windows remains inconsistent. Last holiday season, a mere 17-day window for Rian Johnson's "Knives Out: Wake Up Dead Man" resulted in a $4 million domestic take, as top circuits declined to screen it. In contrast, "Knives Out: Glass Onion" benefited from a 30-day window, performing significantly better. The decision to shorten the window for a Tarantino film, a follow-up to an Oscar-winning blockbuster that grossed $409.3 million worldwide, is perplexing given the current booming box office and ample space during the Thanksgiving frame.