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March 03, 2000  
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To Be Continued...
©2000, To Be Continued...

 March 09, 2000
 More DVD details emerge

"The Future Is Back" in a really big way!

The long-awaited, ever-so-delayed Back to the Future DVDs may very well be only a few months away now!  Sure, there have been a few {wink, wink} delays along the way (see BTTF.com/dvd for the full effect), but now it appears that there are no more barriers keeping these discs from being released just in time for the 15th Anniversary of the series.  With a lot of help from a certain anonymous source, we've uncovered some highly detailed specifics for what we should expect to see on the DVD releases and VHS re-releases very soon!
No, this isn't the official packaging for the DVD — it's another mock-up box designed by BTTF.com graphics personnel.  Sorry.
I'm not sure how recent the following information is, given the stated release dates for each disc.  This is the first time I've seen these dates mentioned, and so I feel strongly that this is very recent information.  My recent conversations with a top official at Universal Studios Home Video indicated that up until recently, they had been planning on an early summer release, but that now they had delayed them until late 4th Quarter 2000 or beyond.  This delay was echoed a few days ago in a special report at DVDFILE.com: "Alas, BACK TO THE FUTURE now has no set date, and it may not even be in 2000."  However, with the following dates it's obvious that the intention is now to capitalize on the fact that the series turns 15 this year, which would make much more sense (and dollars!).  But for now, do not count these release dates as written in stone until we can get additional confirmation — none of our contacts have replied back yet to confirm nor deny this new informaiton.
This is all subject to change, of course, but here's the report verbatim as it was given to us:

“THE FUTURE IS BACK!” Video Release Overview
    7/4/2000 — BACK TO THE FUTURE: SPECIAL EDITION
  • Pan & Scan/Widescreen Formats (VHS)
  • 1.85 Widescreen (DVD)
  • New Interviews with Cast & Crew (VHS/DVD)
  • THX Mastering (VHS/DVD)
  • The Secrets of the Back to the Future Trilogy (DVD)
  • "The History of Hill Valley" Featurette (DVD)
  • Original Storyboards (DVD-ROM)
  • Audio Commentary (DVD)
    1. Robert Zemeckis (Screen-Specific)
    2. Bob Gale
    3. Alan Silvestri (To Score)
  • Teaser & Theatrical Trailers (DVD)
  • 2 TV Promo Spots (DVD)
  • "The Power of Love" (Huey Lewis & The News) Music Video (DVD)
  • 4 Bonus Scenes with "Seamless Branching" Option (DVD)
  • Isolated Alan Silvestri Score (DVD/DVD-ROM)
  • Shooting Script (DVD-ROM)
  • 88 Stills (DVD/DVD-ROM)
  • Universal Showcase
    7/18/2000 — BACK TO THE FUTURE PART II: SPECIAL EDITION
  • Pan & Scan/Widescreen Formats (VHS)
  • 1.85 Widescreen (DVD)
  • New Interviews with Cast & Crew (VHS/DVD)
  • THX Mastering (VHS/DVD)
  • "The History of Hill Valley" Featurette (DVD)
  • "The Making of BTTF 2" Promo Spot (DVD)
  • Industrial Light + Magic SFX Reel (DVD)
  • Audio Commentary (DVD)
    1. Bob Gale (Screen-Specific)
    2. Alan Silvestri (To Score)
  • Teaser & Theatrical Trailers (DVD)
  • 3 TV Promo Spots (DVD)
  • 7 Bonus Scenes with "Seamless Branching" Option (DVD)
  • Shooting Script (DVD-ROM)
  • Original Storyboards (DVD-ROM)
  • 88 Stills (DVD/DVD-ROM)
  • Universal Showcase
    7/18/2000 — BACK TO THE FUTURE PART III: SPECIAL EDITION
  • Pan & Scan/Widescreen Formats (VHS)
  • 1.85 Widescreen (DVD)
  • THX Mastering (VHS/DVD)
  • New Interviews with Cast & Crew (VHS/DVD)
  • "The History of Hill Valley" Featurette (DVD)
  • "The Making of BTTF 3" Promo Spot (DVD)
  • Industrial Light + Magic SFX Reel (DVD)
  • Audio Commentary (DVD)
    1. Robert Zemeckis (Screen-Specific)
    2. Alan Silvestri (To Score)
  • Teaser & Theatrical Trailers (DVD)
  • 2 TV Promo Spots (DVD)
  • "Doubleback" (ZZ Top) Music Video (DVD)
  • Isolated Alan Silvestri Score (DVD/DVD-ROM)
  • 2 Alternate Silvestri Tracks (DVD/DVD-ROM)
  • Shooting Script (DVD-ROM)
  • Original Storyboards (DVD-ROM)
  • 88 Stills (DVD/DVD-ROM)
  • Universal Showcase
Until now, we didn't know exactly how packed the two sequels' discs would be, but now they all now appear to be the definitive collections for each movie.  Some exciting and surprising inclusions: (1.) not three, but four deleted scenes for BTTF1; a whopping seven deleted scenes for BTTF2; and the inclusion of the video to "Doubleback" on BTTF3 (what, no deleted scenes?!).
Noticably missing from this new list is the previously announced limited edition backwards-running watch that is supposed to accompany the first 10,000 copies of Back to the Future.  Also missing are the visual tour of Back to the Future...The Ride, which was also expected to appear on the first film's DVD-ROM portions, and mention of the still photographs of Eric Stoltz as Marty McFly (which could actually be included in the 88 stills mentioned).
Regardless, excitement's in the air — and suddenly, the Future's looking a whole lot better!  Stay tuned for future developments...

Project updates
HOLLOW MAN:  The trailer to this eagerly awaited summer film starring Elisabeth Shue has just been released to the internet, and I must say that the special effects are absolutely astounding!  The film is slated to be released on July 28, 2000 and should be a huge hit with audiences.  Visit the official site and download the trailer from http://www.spe.sony.com/movies/hollowman/trailer.html.  Even more material, including photos and behind-the-scenes footage can be found on Sony's new preview site at http://www.sonypictures2000.com/hm_syn.html (why all this isn't on the official site is beyond me).

JURASSIC PARK 3:  Speaking of Elisabeth Shue, a report a few days ago on DansJP3Page.com claims that an unnamed New Zealand newspaper reported earlier this week that she has been cast in this upcoming dino-sequel to be directed by Joe Johnston and produced by Steven Spielberg and Kathleen Kennedy.  No other sources have confirmed this report, so take this one with a grain of salt for now.

— Stephen Clark

Got a scoop? We're always looking for credible inside sources with information regarding the BTTF franchise. Anonymity is guaranteed, so click here to tell us what you know!