Official boxed-set specifications announced
Almost five years after the title was first announced as one of Universal's first ten titles to be released on DVD, Back to the Future is finally coming!
A spokesperson for Universal Pictures International Video in London has provided us with the official list of bonus features on the upcoming international release of the Back to the Future Trilogy boxed set. While specific release dates and countries have not yet been finalized as of this writing, I'm told that the boxed set will be released internationally beginning in September of this year.
Confirming rumors we've heard elsewhere, all territories will release the set on DVD with the three discs, with most releasing the first film also as a separate DVD. The two sequels will not be released separately at this time. Each territory is free to decide whether or not to also release the films on VHS, so those chosing to do so may release each film individually on video.
The following is the official text which will appear on the back of the boxed set:
Presented by filmmaking legend Steven Spielberg, directed by Oscar winner Robert Zemeckis, and starring time-travelers Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd, the phenomenally popular Back To The Future films are back for the first time ever on DVD! Digitally re-remastered and packed with additional footage and features, you'll be able to relive the adventure time and time again. OVER 10 HOURS OF BONUS FEATURES!
The following are the official contents of each disc contained in the boxed set:
Disc 1
- Back To The Future movie
- The Original Making Of featurette - a rare BEHIND THE SCENES look.
- A Look Back to the Future: a retrospective look featuring cast and crew
- ALL NEW AUDIO COMMENTARY with Michael J.Fox, Director/Writer Robert Zemeckis & Producer/Writer Bob Gale.
- Hilarious OUTTAKES.
- DELETED SCENES.
- Original MAKE-UP TESTS.
- HOVER BOARD TEST on location.
- Did you know that? Universal's animated anecdotes: watch the movie and learn more interesting facts
- PRODUCTION ARCHIVES - photographs, original storyboards & props.
- Huey Lewis & The News music video POWER OF LOVE.
Disc 2
- Back To The Future II movie
- The Original Making Of featurette - a rare BEHIND THE SCENES look.
- A look Back to the Future: a retrospective look featuring cast and crew
- Hilarious OUTTAKES.
- DELETED SCENES.
- PRODUCTION ARCHIVES - photographs, original storyboards & props.
Disc 3
- Back To The Future III movie
- A look Back to the Future: a retrospective look featuring cast and crew
- Hilarious OUTTAKES.
- DELETED SCENES.
- PRODUCTION ARCHIVES - photographs, original storyboards & props.
- ZZ Top music video DOUBLEBACK
There you have it — this is the official list of bonus features as provided to us straight from Universal for the international worldwide release. At press time, the official artwork wasn't finished yet, but we do expect to receive it soon along with the official press release and release dates for each region. While we do not yet have the official specs for the U.S. release, we do expect some changes to this list — particularly on the sequels, which are expected to be released individually as well as part of the boxed set.
Fans who have waited what may seem an eternity for the official specs on these discs may notice the omission of one highly sought-after feature: the infamous Eric Stoltz footage. Bob Gale tells me the reason behind the decision for non-inclusion of the material:
"Despite the fan interest, it's doubtful that any Eric Stoltz footage will be included in the BTTF DVD release. No one particularly wants to relive what was an uncomfortable situation...and we don't want to do anything that would be perceived as harmful to Stoltz."
Perhaps a temporary disappointment initially to some, we predict fans will quickly forget about the Stoltz footage once the set comes out. Buyers will be too busy devouring the other bonus features, and will be easily fulfilled with the 10 hours of material most of us have never seen before.
Suddenly, the Future's looking a whole lot better! Stay tuned...
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Official boxed-set specifications announced
