Back to the Future FX apparently not so special anymore

In light of Universal's newest franchise sensation The Mummy, Universal Studios Hollywood has apparently decided to drop the "Back to the Future Special Effects Stage" from the World of Cinemagic attraction at the end of the summer.

Just a few weeks ago, we were informed of recent updates to the entire Cinemagic attraction, which was closed for about a month for refurbishment.  Now, "Jimmy" informs us that this was all for naught, and that this summer will be fans' last opportunity to see this attraction and the unique props display:

On Wednesday night (May 2nd) at a meeting of the area three employees at Universal Studios Hollywood (area three is the part of the theme park on the lower lot) it was announced to everyone that the "Back to the Future Special Effects Stage" part of "The World of Cinemagic" show will be leaving at the end of summer. "The Magic of Alfred Hitchcock" part of the show will probably be changed too, but it is not definite if they will change it completely or only a part of it. The third part of the show, "The Nutty Professor Sound Effects Stage" will remain. The title, "The World of Cinemagic", will probably also change.

The recent script update in the BTTF section was done in part to put it into a historical perspective. The old script still spoke of the BTTF special effects as state-of-the-art. While they are impressive, they are far from state-of-the-art.

When asked what would go into the new part of the show, we were told they were "tossing around a few ideas". I think they want to put in some sort of computer generated imagery (CGI) section possibly to tie in with The Mummy or Jurassic Park franchises, but that is only what I think. It has not been announced.

The big question is what will become of the props on the BTTF stage. Many of them were actually used in the first two movies, others were made for the movies, as extras, and some are just replicas (good ones, though). This summer may be your last chance to see the full size flying DeLorean from Back to the Future Part II. It is a fiberglass one with the wheels up. I believe it to be the one lifted on the forklift for the shots on the roof of Biff's in the alternate 1985. They also have several different issues of USA Today, a Pizza Hut foil pack (unopened), some hover boards (probably replicas), and some sort of handle with a Mattel logo on it. They have the DeLorean interior on a gimbel used in BTTF II (used primarily for the first flying scene with Doc, Marty and Jennifer), and a replica of the computer controlled miniature DeLorean and a replica of the full-sized Clock Tower set with fiberglass cat statues.

"The World of Cinemagic" is an audience participation show. Two lucky volunteers every performance get to sit inside the actual DeLorean interior used in Part II where they get to recreate the scene where Jennifer is afraid.

It will be sad to see it leave. If you haven't ever seen "The World of Cinemagic" with the "Back to the Future Special Effects Stage", you need to do so before this summer is over.