For a franchise that famously explored the future, “Back to the Future” has always held a firm grip on our past – specifically, our collective nostalgia. As the beloved trilogy approaches its 40th anniversary, Universal Pictures, in partnership with Amazon, has once again opened the temporal gates, making the highly coveted Back to the Future: 40th Anniversary Trilogy Limited Edition Gift Set available for pre-order. After an initial sell-out faster than a DeLorean hitting 88 mph, this treasure trove for fans has been restocked, offering a second chance to own a piece of cinematic history.
The Chronology of Collectibles: What`s Inside the Box?
Priced at $150 and an Amazon exclusive, this isn`t merely a disc set; it`s a meticulously crafted homage to the adventures of Marty McFly and Doc Brown. Beyond the stunning 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray editions of all three films, the gift set is a veritable time capsule filled with artifacts straight from Hill Valley.
The centerpiece? A striking Gibson Mini Guitar Replica, a nod to Marty`s iconic “Johnny B. Goode” performance that redefined rock and roll for a 1950s high school dance. Accompanying it is a unique Flux Capacitor Steelbook, a fitting vessel for the films that made the concept of 1.21 gigawatts household terminology.
But the journey doesn`t end there. The collection boasts over a dozen replica movie props and materials, each designed to transport you directly into the cinematic universe:
- A numbered certificate of authenticity, ensuring your place in this exclusive timeline.
- “Back to the Future: A Visual History” booklet, chronicling the saga.
- An “OUTATIME” metal license plate, because where we`re going, we don`t need roads… but we do need a license plate.
- The lenticular photo of Marty, Dave, and Linda McFly, blurring just like in the film.
- A “Jaws 19” mini movie poster, for a peek into the future of sequels.
- Marty`s poignant letter to Doc, the one almost too late.
- The infamous “Sports Almanac Receipt,” a reminder of the dangers of knowing too much.
- A book jacket for “A Match Made in Space” by George McFly.
- A “USA Today” cover reporting on the future.
- A 1985 photo, a Biff Dollar, a Flux Capacitor sketch, and the “Save the Clock Tower” flyer – each a tangible echo of the films` most memorable moments.
It`s a collection that caters not just to the eyes and ears (thanks to Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos, and Dolby TrueHD 7.1 surround sound), but also to the touch, allowing fans to truly immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of the “Back to the Future” universe.
Beyond the Grand Tour: Other Ways to Own the Past
For those who may not require every replica prop but still crave the pristine 4K experience, Universal and Amazon offer alternatives:
- Back to the Future: 40th Anniversary Trilogy (4K, $56): This standard eight-disc edition replaces the popular “Ultimate Trilogy” and includes all the updated bonus content.
- Limited Edition Steelbooks (4K): Individual Steelbook editions are available for each film. Part I, priced at $35, is a must-have, especially for its exclusive new bonus features. Parts II and III are available for $30 each, primarily offering the stylish Steelbook packaging without additional new on-disc content.
The choice is yours: a deep dive into the full collector`s experience, or a focused acquisition of the films in their highest fidelity. Regardless, these sets are slated for an October 14 release, just in time for some serious temporal contemplation.
New Tales from the Timeline: Unearthing Fresh Perspectives
The 40th Anniversary editions aren`t just about sparkling new 4K transfers and fancy packaging; they bring substantial new on-disc content, particularly for the original 1985 masterpiece. New bonus features include:
- “40 Years Later: Reflecting on Back to the Future” – A retrospective on the film`s enduring impact.
- “Back to Hill Valley” – A tour of the iconic filming locations.
- “Untold Stories of Back to the Future” – Behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the crew.
- “TCM Classic Film Festival Panel” – Insights from experts and filmmakers.
- “A Mystery in History” – A featurette dedicated to tracking down one of the film`s legendary props.
These additions promise fresh insights even for the most seasoned fans, alongside all the extensive bonus content from previous releases. It`s a reminder that even after four decades, there are still new stories to tell about a film that dared to go back to the future.
The Enduring Allure of Physical Media and the Race Against Time
In an era dominated by streaming, the intense demand for these physical collector`s editions speaks volumes about the enduring appeal of tangible media, especially for a property as cherished as “Back to the Future.” The initial quick sell-out and the implementation of a one-item purchase limit by Amazon underscore the fervor. Much like other recently released Amazon-exclusive collector`s sets for franchises such as Superman, The Dark Knight, or A Nightmare on Elm Street, these items quickly become prized possessions, often disappearing from virtual shelves with alarming speed.
For those who simply can`t get enough of Doc and Marty, the Lego Icons: Back to the Future DeLorean Time Machine remains a perennial favorite. This 3-in-1 set allows fans to construct all three iconic iterations of the time-traveling vehicle, complete with working gull-wing doors, a light-up flux capacitor, and minifigures of the duo themselves – a perfect companion to the Blu-ray set for any true enthusiast.
The “Back to the Future” trilogy isn`t just a series of films; it`s a cultural touchstone. Forty years on, its themes of destiny, choice, and the whimsical nature of time continue to resonate. This 40th Anniversary Limited Edition Gift Set isn`t merely a product; it`s an invitation to revisit those themes, to hold a piece of that magic in your hands, and perhaps, to wonder what other futures (or pasts) await. Don`t miss your chance to secure this limited edition – because as Doc Brown wisely noted, “The future is not yet written. No one has ever written a future for me.” But you can write your future by pre-ordering this before it vanishes again.
Callum Darby