Back to the Future: 30th Anniversary Trilogy Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Back to the Future: 30th Anniversary Trilogy Blu-ray Movie Review

Go back to the past in the present that was the future.

Reviewed by Martin Liebman October 21, 2015

In celebration of October 21, 2015 -- a date which features prominently in the 'Back to the Future' universe -- Universal has re-released the fan favorite films to Blu-ray in collectible DigiBook-style packaging. The set contains a brand-new disc with extra bonus content not previously available on Blu-ray. The set otherwise contains the same bonuses, VC-1 video transfers, and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 audio presentations found on the previous release.

For full film reviews, please see Jeffrey Kauffman's writing here.

Back to the Future: 30th Anniversary Trilogy Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Please click through the link above for full video reviews and screenshots from the films.

Back to the Future: 30th Anniversary Trilogy Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Please click through the link above for full audio reviews.

Back to the Future: 30th Anniversary Trilogy Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

This Blu-ray release of the Back to the Future trilogy contains several new supplements on a dedicated fourth disc. As with the film, video, and audio reviews, please refer to Jeffrey Kauffman's above-linked review for more details on the older extras, which are scattered across the three main discs. Various screen captures from the new supplements are included in this review. This set comes housed in a DigiBook-style case, with rigid cardboard sleeves comprising the "pages" and serving as disc holders. Quotes and pictures adorn every page. The package is about the same height as a standard Blu-ray case and not much wider. A voucher for UV/iTunes digital copies of each film are included with purchase.

Supplements exclusive to this (and the larger companion release) are as follows:

• 2015 Message from Doc Brown (1080p, 0:45): Christopher Lloyd returns to portray Doc Brown and encourages viewers to make their futures bright.
• Doc Brown Saves the World! (1080p, 9:38): Doc Brown, now CEO, etc. of Doc Brown Enterprises, must save the world from a nuclear holocaust set to occur in 2045 by ensuring the destruction of various gadgets and gizmos from the series that bring about doomsday.
• Outatime: Restoring the DeLorean (1080i, 22:00): A fascinating look at restoring the series' key prop that had been exposed to the elements and vandalized for too many years. The piece also offers some historical isight into the vehicle's history in the film.
• Looking Back to the Future (480i): A nine-part supplement.
  
  
  • The Script (3:02): A piece in which cast and crew discuss the core story qualities, the series' take on time travel, and the series' deep interconnectedness and attention to detail.
  • Casting Marty McFly (5:05): A look at initially casting Eric Stoltz and eventually bringing Michael J. Fox into the fold. The piece looks at the qualities that the actor brought to the role.
  • Christopher Lloyd Reflects on Doc Brown (5:18): The actor discusses his part in the series while others praise his work.
  • The DeLorean Time Machine (6:26): A look at the iconic car that's prominently featured in the series.
  • Building Hill Valley (5:02): An interesting look back at building the Hill Valley set on the back lot at Universal and some great little anecdotes, such as why Pepsi was featured in the film over Coke. Also included is a look at making the lightning strike sequence on the Hill Valley clock tower.
  • Prepping for the "Johnny B. Goode" Scene (7:28): Michael J. Fox rehearses for the first film's musical moments and viewers are taken onto the set for a look at making the 1985 rehearsal and 1955 dance performances.
  • The Score (5:08): Cast and crew, including Composer Alan Silvestri, discuss the ideas behind the film's score.
  • Rushing the Cut (3:53): A look an early testing screening, the quick turnaround from the time filming ended to the time the movie arrived in theaters, and the film's success.
  • The Legacy (4:57): As the title suggests, this piece focuses on the series' lasting appeal, including President Reagan's love of the film, the title's place in common vernacular, and more.
• Back to the Future The Animated Series (480i): Two episodes: "Brothers" (Season 1, Episode 1) (23:24) and "Mac the Black" (Season 2, Episode 1) (23:08). Note that the entire series is included (on DVD) in the larger boxed set linked above.
• 2015 Commercials (1080p, 1:28): Fun, newly minted "commercials" for properties seen in Back to the Future II. Included are Jaws 19 (1:28) and Hoverboard Commercial (1080p, 1:06).

Back to the Future: 30th Anniversary Trilogy Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

It's a shame that Universal didn't take the opportunity of the franchise's thirtieth birthday, and the significance of the October 21, 2015 date, to offer an updated audio/video presentation rather than a repackaging with only some good added supplemental content and fresh digital copy codes. Alas, perhaps the future holds something more special, but as it stands this is the best bang-for-the-buck Back to the Future release currently available on Blu-ray. There's no real reason for owners of the previous set to upgrade, even considering the added bonuses, but those itching to own the films in high definition should start and end their search here.