4K Ultra HD Review – Back to the Future: The Complete Trilogy 40th Anniversary Edition

      Back to the Future: The Ultimate Trilogy 40th Anniversary Edition

      Directed by Robert Zemeckis.

      Featuring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover, Elisabeth Shue, James Tolkan, Jeffrey Wesissman, Mary Steenburgen, and Thomas F. Wilson.

      SYNOPSIS:

      While Back to the Future: The Ultimate Trilogy 40th Anniversary Edition might seem like a cash grab, Universal has actually produced more than 100 minutes of new bonus material, in addition to many hours of previously released bonus content. I have to commend them for that. They also used Drew Struzan’s original poster art, which serves as a lovely tribute to a remarkable artist who sadly passed away earlier this week.

      I can predict the future! Five years ago, I discussed the back to the Future trilogy’s debut on 4K Ultra HD: “For now, this is the ultimate Back to the Future trilogy collection. Universal appears to enjoy releasing new editions every five years, so let’s see what 2025 brings.”

      Universal had also released a Blu-ray set of the films five years prior, in 2015, which I reviewed then. Now that we’ve reached another milestone anniversary divisible by five, I can't fault Universal for continuing to profit from the films’ lasting appeal with this 40th Anniversary Edition, labeled as the Ultimate Trilogy collection on 4K Ultra HD.

      To their credit, Universal has put together a worthwhile selection of new bonus features for this film, adding them to an extra Blu-ray disc included in this set. This means that you receive all the new content from the 35th Anniversary edition released in 2020, as well as almost all the legacy material dating back to the original 2002 DVD launch.

      Some minor elements are absent, such as the U-Control features from the 2010 Blu-ray set that included a trivia track and storyboard comparisons; therefore, completionists may want to hold onto that edition, but for casual viewers, this collection should suffice until the next release in five years.

      I’m also pleased that Universal utilized Drew Struzan’s original poster art for this set. As many film enthusiasts are aware, the renowned movie poster illustrator passed away this week. I presume Universal chose his artwork because his wife revealed earlier this year that he was not well, and they wanted to ensure they honored him.

      You can refer to my earlier reviews for my opinions on the films and the older bonus features, so I’ll focus on the new content. As usual, codes for digital copies of the films are included, and regarding the video quality, as far as I know, these are the same transfers used in 2020, which stirred some debate at the time. I didn't mind them then and still feel that way, but your experience may vary, especially if you're heading where Doc Brown doesn't need roads.

      The new extras start with "40 Years Later: Reflecting the Future," which runs for 25 minutes and is also part of the digital copy of the film, along with everything mentioned below if you've previously redeemed a code from an earlier set (I checked in Movies Anywhere). This segment features co-writer and co-producer Bob Gale reflecting on the film's legacy, and I must say, I aspire to be like him when I grow up. He genuinely seems to enjoy discussing a franchise that has brought him fame and fortune, and good for him.

      Next, we have "Untold Stories of Back to the Future," a 37-minute segment in which producers Neil Canton and Frank Marshall (the latter through Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment, marking that company’s first project) join Gale and various cast and crew members to share production stories that might be new to you (I don’t recall hearing most of them). I appreciate that several stunt performers get a moment to shine here since they often lack recognition.

      Following this, Gale teams up with Don Fullilove (Mayor Goldie Wilson) to revisit the iconic backlot where much of the filming occurred, as well as several other locations around Los Angeles in the 16-minute "Back to Hill Valley." Some of this territory has been covered before, but I perked up when they visited the McFly residence: I’ve been there thanks to a friend in LA who owns a replica of the Back to the Future time machine.

      During my visit in 2019, he mentioned that the owners didn’t want to be disturbed (they would get upset if he attempted to park his vehicle in the driveway), but he later informed me they had changed their stance, which is evidently the case when a woman, who was a child in 1984, comes out to speak with Gale and Fullilove.

      I possess my own copies of the photographs she showcases, taken by the neighboring house’s owner. I met that neighbor during my visit and chatted with her while my