This Is the Closest We’ll Ever Get to Back to the Future 4 (And Here’s Where You Can See It)

As a passionate cinephile, I can’t help but reminisce about the timeless impact of “Back to the Future,” a sci-fi masterpiece that has left an indelible mark on the annals of cinema history. This franchise has transcended the silver screen, finding life in various forms such as Broadway musicals, video games, and creative spinoffs aimed at expanding its universe even further. The franchise remains vibrant in people’s minds, especially in places like Universal Studios where, for a while, it brought the films to life through themed attractions.

These attractions became beloved favorites among visitors, creating memories that linger long after the visit is over. “Back to the Future” was no exception; the trilogy inspired a simulator ride where guests could climb aboard the iconic DeLorean and embark on their own time-traveling adventure. What made this ride truly special was that it was considered an official extension of the storyline, adding another layer to the timeless tale.

Since the release of “Back to the Future Part III” in 1990, there’s been plenty of discussion about whether another sequel might materialize. Even when the initial movie debuted, there was speculation about whether directors Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale would expand it into a larger storyline. However, this wasn’t originally the intention, but the film’s box office success altered everything. As for a “Back to the Future Part IV” in today’s era, even Michael J. Fox, who portrayed Marty McFly, has expressed thoughts on the matter (particularly concerning a reboot). The directors and writers, however, have made it known that another film is not in the works – though transforming the musical into a movie could be an interesting prospect.

At the conclusion of “Back to the Future Part III”, the DeLorean is obliterated by a train following Marty’s return to 1985, giving the impression that time travel has come to an end. However, this isn’t the case as Doc Brown and Clara make an unexpected appearance at the end of the film, presenting a fresh time machine – in the form of a flying steam engine this time. Now, let’s delve into how the narrative from the Universal park simulator continues from that point.

In the world of “Back to the Future: The Ride”, I’m a time travel enthusiast who finds myself in the year 1991, thanks to Doc’s latest invention. Upon arrival, he establishes the Institute of Future Technology, a blend of a museum and a science center, dedicated to the art of time traveling, complete with new DeLoreans.

In the attraction video, Doc educates visitors about time travel, but before he can finish, Biff sneaks in and swipes one of the DeLoreans. He begins hopping through different eras, causing chaos everywhere. My mission, remotely guided by Doc, is to chase after Biff across various timelines: Future Hill Valley, the Ice Age, and even the Cretaceous period.

Despite being a non-film production, this 10-minute tale carries an official seal from the team behind “Back to the Future”. The creation took approximately 4.5 minutes and required an estimated $40 million in budget. In a promotional video for the event, producer Steven Spielberg himself remarked that it’s reminiscent of “Back to the Future Part IV.” To strengthen the connection, in supplementary material on the trilogy Blu-ray set, Doc Brown makes direct references to the audience. One of these segments features him discussing the Institute and the perils associated with time travel.

Initially, the concept for “Back to the Future: The Ride” at Universal Studios aimed for something more extravagant than what was eventually created. According to Peter N. Alexander, a former VP and executive producer at the studio, the original plan resembled “The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man” – a blend of 3D cinema with high-speed segments and an ultimate roller coaster finale. However, this ambitious vision came with a hefty price tag of approximately $50 million, which was deemed too expensive.

The intention behind the ride was to directly compete with Disney’s Star Tours. Spielberg aspired to create something grander than George Lucas’s Star Wars attraction, which had a $75 million price tag. In an interview with Cracked, Alexander narrated a conversation he had about this matter with his superior, Barry Upson. “If Spielberg wants it to be better than Star Tours, this is what it’s going to be.” Barry was firm in his stance. He told me, “We’re never going to build anything like this. You have to cut it down or change your ideas.” As a result, they adjusted the concepts to preserve the thrill of driving the DeLorean while making it more budget-conscious, accommodating approximately 100 people within a dome instead.

I reached out to Greg MacGillivray, a well-known figure in the IMAX world, and he explained something intriguing called OMNIMAX to me. It’s a massive, domed screen, and he mentioned that it isn’t easy to film because the images surround you. I expressed my interest in this unique format since it perfectly fits my vision for the project – creating a sense of being in the future or past. He seemed up for the challenge, suggesting that he could potentially shoot something and integrate special effects to achieve this effect. As we’re working on Back to the Future, this is crucial. Greg responded positively, saying he would give it a shot.

The outcome was an exceptional encounter that absolutely proved worthwhile, earning a spot among the most popular attractions in Universal parks – Orlando, Hollywood, and Osaka. The initial blueprint was to regularly refresh the ride every 5 to 7 years, ensuring novelty and contemporary appeal. Regrettably, this didn’t materialize, and ultimately the ride came to an end – much like other timeless attractions such as Jaws, King Kong, Ghostbusters, and Twister.

To this very day, I can’t forget the impact of “Back to the Future: The Ride.” Although plans for a fourth film never materialized fully, it’s comforting to know that we, the fans, were given an extraordinary “non-theatrical” sequel that was wholeheartedly endorsed by Spielberg, Zemeckis, and Gale. It was designed as a continuation, making it a legitimate part of the series in my book. Indeed, it’s canon.

The video for Back to the Future: The Ride is available on the trilogy’s Blu-ray box set.

2025-04-13 00:10

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