‘Back to the Future’ Celebrates 40th Anniversary With Theatrical Run, New Blu-rays

Universal Pictures is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Back to the Future with a theatrical re-release in premium large-screen formats, including Dolby Cinema, IMAX, 4DX, and D-Box. This marks the first time that the Academy Award–winning sci-fi masterpiece from director Robert Zemeckis and executive producer Steven Spielberg will be presented on the world’s largest screens, with newly-restored picture and audio. The limited engagement begins on October 31st, offering fans the opportunity to experience this spectacular classic film in the most immersive formats available.

On October 14th, shortly before the film returns to the big screen, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment will launch a new lineup of Back to the Future home releases, including the collectible Back to the Future Trilogy – 40th Anniversary Limited Edition Gift Set. This ultimate edition features all three films in 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray (plus HD Blu-ray and digital download), 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. (The pre-orders had already sold out by the time I checked Amazon, and I would expect to see these listed on eBay for well above the $149.99 list price.) Fans who missed out on the Limited Edition Gift Set — and those who don’t want to part with hundreds of dollars to get one — can opt for the individual SteelBooks for each film ($30 each), or just grab the new 40th Anniversary Trilogy collection in standard packaging for $45.

Back to the Future was the highest-grossing domestic release of 1985, and it earned more than $385 million worldwide — a staggering sum back then. (That’s approximately $1.2 billion in today’s money, and that is without taking into account the much higher inflation-adjusted movie ticket prices in 2025, not to mention premium offerings like IMAX and Dolby Cinema.) It goes without saying that Back to the Future is one of the most enduring films of the decade, and is considered by many to be one of the quintessential 1980s movies, alongside classics like E.T., Ghostbusters, and the Indiana Jones trilogy. It received four Academy Award nominations, including Best Original Screenplay, Best Sound, Best Sound Effects Editing, and Best Original Song, for “The Power of Love” by Huey Lewis and the News. It is no accident that director Robert Zemeckis would go on to helm other films with groundbreaking effects and technologies at their forefront, including Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Death Becomes Her, and Forrest Gump. The latter won him the Academy Award for Best Director, but Back to the Future was the defining achievement that jumpstarted his career. For millions of fans across multiple generations, it remains a perfect movie. Thanks to its innovative storyline, memorable characters, and flawless combination of adventure and comedy, Back to the Future captured lightning in a bottle (or in a Flux Capacitor, as the case may be), and launched one of the most successful trilogies in film history. Stars Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Crispin Glover, Lea Thompson, and Tom Wilson are absolutely brilliant in every frame.

The Oscar-nominated screenplay was written by Zemeckis and Bob Gale, and produced by Gale and BAFTA nominee Neil Canton. Steven Spielberg famously served as executive producer. Back to the Future also features cinematography by Oscar nominee Dean Cundey, editing by Oscar winner Arthur Schmidt and BAFTA nominee Harry Keramidas, and production design by Oscar nominee Lawrence G. Paull. The endlessly hummable original score by Academy Award nominee Alan Silvestri is up there with the best ever written.

Back to the Future is one of the most iconic films of the last half-century. 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.

— Jim Orr, President of Domestic Theatrical Distribution for Universal Pictures

The new 40th Anniversary 4K releases from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment are presented in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, and the lineup of Back to the Future offerings includes over 90 minutes of never-before-seen bonus features, along with a comprehensive collection of legacy features from previous releases. Among the newly-produced features you’ll find 40 Years Later: Reflecting on the Future, in which co-writer/producer Bob Gale reflects on the legacy and cultural impact of the films. In Back to Hill Valley, Bob Gale and “Mayor Goldie Wilson” actor Donald Fullilove revisit and discuss some of the most iconic filming locations. Crew members share their personal stories from the set in Untold Stories of Back to the Future. In the segment titled TCM Classic Film Festival Panel, Bob Gale, cinematographer Dean Cundey, and stunt double Charlie Croughwell reunite at the 40th Anniversary premiere. Finally, A Mystery in History follows cast members as they rally fans to help find the iconic Gibson guitar that Marty McFly plays at the Enchantment Under the Sea dance. The prop has been missing for 40 years.

Legacy bonus features include the six-part documentary Tales from THE FUTURE, plus deleted scenes, audition tapes, a video from the “Back to the Future: The Ride,” ZZ Top’s “Doubleback” music video, two episodes from Back to the Future: The Animated Series, a 2015 message from Doc Brown, various marketing materials, and Q&A sessions with Michael J. Fox, Director Robert Zemeckis, and Producer Bob Gale.

For more information on the 40th Anniversary Blu-ray releases, visit Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

Tickets for the 40th Anniversary theatrical release are available on Fandango: Back to the Future 40th Anniversary.