Series Writer/Producer provides an update on the latest developments
In a follow-up to our September 2001 interview, Writer/Producer Bob Gale gives us a hint of what's to come on the highly anticipated DVD release of the Back to the Future trilogy.
I spoke briefly with Bob recently, inquiring about the upcoming DVDs and sharing some concerns by many fans of the recent Hollywood trend to make films politically correct following the events of September 11, 2001. After recent news of how Steven Spielberg was making changes to E.T. The Extra Terrestrial for its upcoming re-release into theaters this March, I was curious if Bob was aware of the new NBC / TBS / TNT edit of the first Back to the Future film which butchers the Libyan scenes at the beginning of the film, among other things, and how this may affect the upcoming DVD release.
"I didn't know that [they] cut the Libyan stuff", Gale said. "I'll have to let Zemeckis know — he may not have been consulted. (We don't watch our movies when they run on commercial TV!) What are these TV guys thinking — they want to present the terrorist point of view on everything?"
"As far as making any changes in any of the BTTF movies for DVD release, although I'm not the director and I don't have final say, I can't believe Bob Z would allow it. (And if he considered it, I'd do my best to talk him out of it!) As you know, Bob has never re-edited any of his films for home video. He releases the movie to theaters that he wants audiences to see, and he doesn't change them later. The theatrical release of a Zemeckis film IS the director's cut."
That's good enough for me. So we know for certain now that the original theatrical version of the films will be what we can expect on the DVD releases. So what's the production status of the DVDs? According to Gale, it appears that recent reports read elsewhere of movement on these films are correct and that they are actively being produced now.
"We are doing all new transfers from newly struck elements made from the original negative. And when I say newly struck, I mean brand newly struck. These are being mastered (as most movies are these days) in high definition, and the NTSC versions will be down-converted from these new high def masters. There will be separate versions for letterbox (1.85) and standard (1.33) versions."
"As of right now, we have completed color correction on Back to the Future (1), under my supervision and approval. We expect work to begin sometime next week on both sequels, but we are waiting for the new elements (I told you they were brand new!)."
"I will tell you that the movie looks great — certainly watching it in high def is going to ruin TV watching for me forever. The image is sharp, the colors are rich, and I know all the fans will be delighted with the quality."
So, when can we expect to see the DVDs in stores? "The second half of 2002. Exactly when, I don't know. But we can be sure that it won't be any sooner than that."
It's been a long time coming, but it sounds like our extended wait is nearing an end, and that 3rd or 4th Quarter 2002 will most definitely be the end of our five year journey. For most of us, the Future can't get here fast enough, but rest assured, it'll be well worth it all.
Series Writer/Producer provides an update on the latest developments
