Back To The Future on PAL Laserdisc

Jeremy Clarke reviews Back To The Future Distributed by
Pioneer LDCE

• Cat. No: PLFEB 34261
• Cert: PG
• Running time: 116 minutes
• Sides: 2 (CLV)
• Year: 1985
• Pressing: UK, 1996
• Chapters: Not chaptered
• Sound: Dolby Surround
• Widescreen: 1.85:1
• Price: £19.99
  

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  Director:

  Robert Zemeckis

  Starring:

  Michael J.Fox
  Christopher Lloyd
  Lea Thompson
  Crispin Glover

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Arguably Zemeckis’ best movie to date, this appeared as one of a number of attempts by Spielberg at executive producing B-movies by other directors which surprised everyone by barnstorming the box office. While it would be churlish to deny the high profile effect of the ‘Spielberg Presents…’ tag, the main reason is the superb script by Zemeckis and regular collaborator Bob Gale (who also co-produced).

The story sets up numerous situations in 1985, then pays them off one by one when likeable high school kid Fox travels back thirty years in a Delorean souped up by nutty scientist pal Lloyd. But his presence in the past causes glitches as future mother Thompson falls for her charismatic son instead of future father Glover.

Aside from the infuriating lack of chaptering (also evident on the Pioneer LDCE disc of Zemeckis’ Forrest Gump – presumably he just dislikes it), this is a great disc and the price is a steal. The opening sequence is a joyous cacophony of clocks on a good Surround system, the fifties period detail can be seen in all its wonderful art directed glory and the sparingly used ILM special effects are hugely effective. Highly recommended.

Film5/5 Picture5/5 Sound4/5 (See also BTTF 2…) Review copyright © Jeremy Clarke, 1996.

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