Back to the Future Returns to Theaters for 40th Anniversary
Universal Pictures is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Back to the Future, the Academy Award–winning sci-fi adventure film from director Robert Zemeckis and executive producer Steven Spielberg, which became a global phenomenon and redefined the adventure genre.
On October 31, the beloved 1985 classic returns to theaters nationwide for a limited engagement in premium large screen formats, including IMAX, Dolby Cinema, 4DX, and D-Box, among others. This marks the first time Back to the Future will be presented on the world’s largest screens.
Igniting the 40th anniversary celebration, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment will debut a must-have lineup of Back to the Future releases on October 14, just ahead of Back to the Future Day on October 21.
The centerpiece is the Back to the Future Trilogy – 40th Anniversary Limited Edition Gift Set, featuring all three films in 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital, packaged with a collectible Flux Capacitor SteelBook, an exclusive Gibson Mini Guitar replica, an OUTATIME metal license plate, a “Back to the Future: A Visual History” booklet, and an assortment of replica items from the Universal archives.
Fans can also collect individual SteelBooks for each film or pick up the Back to the Future 40th Anniversary Trilogy in 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital, perfect for commemorating four decades of time-traveling adventure.
Released on July 3, 1985, Back to the Future introduced audiences to Marty McFly (Emmy and Golden Globe winner Michael J. Fox), a small-town California teenager who is accidentally transported back to 1955 in a plutonium-powered DeLorean invented by his eccentric friend, Doc Brown (Emmy winner Christopher Lloyd, Wednesday).
Stranded in the past, Marty must ensure his teenage parents (Lea Thompson and Crispin Glover) fall in love or risk erasing his own existence. With time running out, he teams up with a younger Doc in a last-ditch effort to harness a bolt of lightning and return to 1985.
The film became the highest-grossing domestic release of 1985 and one of the most enduring movies of the decade, earning more than $385 million worldwide. It received four Academy Award nominations, including Best Original Screenplay, Best Sound, Best Sound Effects Editing, and Best Original Song for Huey Lewis and the News’ “The Power of Love.” The film won for Best Sound Effects Editing.
Zemeckis would go on to direct a series of celebrated and technically groundbreaking films, including Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Death Becomes Her, Forrest Gump (for which he won the Academy Award for Best Director), and Cast Away, yet Back to the Future remains a defining achievement in his career. The film’s perfect blend of character, comedy, and innovation helped launch one of the most successful trilogies in film history and continues to resonate across generations.
Back to the Future was directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by Zemeckis and Oscar nominee Bob Gale. The film was produced by Gale and BAFTA nominee Neil Canton and executive produced by three-time Academy Award winner Steven Spielberg. It features cinematography by Oscar nominee Dean Cundey, editing by Oscar winner Arthur Schmidt and BAFTA nominee Harry Keramidas, production design by Oscar nominee Lawrence G. Paull, and an original score by Academy Award nominee Alan Silvestri.
“Back to the Future is one of the most iconic films of the last half-century,” said Jim Orr, President of Domestic Theatrical Distribution for Universal Pictures. “The film’s wit, wonder, and wildly original storytelling continue to captivate audiences of all ages. This 40th anniversary celebration gives fans the chance to experience the film’s timeless magic on the biggest, most immersive screens available today.”
The new lineup of Back to the Future 40th Anniversary offerings from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment offers a comprehensive look at the franchise’s legacy. Fans can enjoy hours of bonus features, spanning both new and archival content, that delve deep into the Back to the Future franchise. The 4K release will also be available in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.
NEW BACK TO THE FUTURE FEATURES
40 Years Later: Reflecting on the Future – Co-writer/producer Bob Gale reflects on the legacy and cultural impact of the films.
Back to Hill Valley – Join Bob Gale, along with Donald Fullilove (“Mayor Goldie Wilson”), as they revisit and discuss some of the most iconic filming locations.
Untold Stories of Back to the Future – Journey back in time with crew members as they share their personal stories from the set.
TCM Classic Film Festival Panel – Bob Gale, cinematographer Dean Cundey, and stunt double Charlie Croughwell reunite at the 40th anniversary premiere.
A Mystery in History – Discover the rich history of the Gibson guitar Marty McFly plays at the Enchantment Under the Sea dance and hear from the cast as they rally fans to help find the iconic prop that’s been missing for 40 years.
LEGACY BONUS FEATURES INCLUDED
Tales from THE FUTURE: 6-Part Documentary
Deleted Scenes (Commentary by Producer Bob Gale available)
An Alternate Future: Lost Audition Tapes
The Hollywood Museum Goes BACK TO THE FUTURE
BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE MUSICAL Behind the Scenes
Could You Survive the Movies? BACK TO THE FUTURE
OUTATIME: Restoring the DeLorean
Looking BACK TO THE FUTURE
The Physics of BACK TO THE FUTURE with Dr. Michio Kaku
Huey Lewis and the News “The Power of Love” Music Video
ZZ Top “Doubleback” Music Video
BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Ride
Archival Featurettes
Behind the Scenes
2015 Message from Doc Brown
2015 Commercials
BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Animated Series (2 Episodes)
Michael J. Fox Q&A
FAQs About the Trilogy
Theatrical Trailers
Q&A Commentary with Director Robert Zemeckis and Producer Bob Gale
Feature Commentary with Producers Bob Gale and Neil Canton
