Film Format and Camera Systems Used
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was shot on 65mm film for select sequences, primarily using the ARRIMAX camera system. The production relied on Panavision for anamorphic lenses and film stock supplied by Kodak and Fujifilm. The decision to shoot on film was driven by the visual texture required for the late 1960s Los Angeles setting. The cinematography team, led by Robert Richardson, chose film over digital for its grain structure and highlight handling. According to Panavision, the project used custom-rigged camera packages for period-accurate capture Panavision.
The film's digital intermediate was graded from the original 65mm negatives, preserving the full dynamic range captured on set. Kodak's Vision3 film stocks were used to achieve the muted, desaturated palette associated with the era. The production did not use RED or ARRI digital cameras for principal photography. The final release print was struck from a 65mm intermediate, maintaining the film-originated image path through post-production.
Studio and Distribution Strategy
Sony Pictures Releasing distributed the film globally under the Columbia Pictures label. The project was produced by TriStar Pictures and Bona Film Group, with financing structured across multiple territories. Theatrical exhibition relied on both 35mm and 70mm film prints for premium large-format screens. The decision to maintain a film-originated workflow supported high-end festival and archival presentations Sony Pictures.
Box office performance placed the film among the top-grossing releases of its theatrical window, with worldwide gross exceeding $374 million. Home media distribution included Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray releases sourced from the 65mm negative scan. The studio's distribution strategy balanced film-based exhibition with digital delivery for mass-market reach.
Technical and Industry Context
Shot on film workflows require specific post-production infrastructure, including film scanning at resolutions up to 8K. The post-production house for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood handled the conform and color grade from the original film elements. The use of 65mm film placed the production in a category shared with other major studio features that prioritize film capture for aesthetic reasons Forbes.
The film industry has seen a shift toward digital capture, but major productions continue to choose film for specific creative requirements. Kodak's motion picture film business supports these projects through dedicated supply chains and processing services. The choice to shoot on film for this production reflects ongoing demand for the format in high-end cinema Kodak.