The year is… well, it`s not 1985, nor 2015, but somehow, “Back to the Future” still feels perpetually relevant. As this cinematic masterpiece rolls into its remarkable 40th anniversary, fans globally are gearing up for a celebration worthy of a 1.21 gigawatt jolt. Universal Pictures might be preparing for a party, but it`s Lego and Universal Home Entertainment that are truly igniting the temporal festivities with an array of new collectibles, allowing both seasoned enthusiasts and new generations to relive the magic of Marty McFly and Doc Brown.
Building the Future, Brick by Brick: New Lego DeLorean Time Machines Arrive
The iconic DeLorean Time Machine isn`t just a car; it`s a symbol of boundless imagination, scientific ambition, and a slightly reckless approach to the space-time continuum. For four decades, its gull-wing doors and stainless steel exterior have captivated audiences. Now, Lego, ever the architect of dreams (and small plastic bricks), is offering fans two distinct ways to own a piece of this vehicular legend.
The Accessible Gateway: Lego Speed Champions DeLorean
For those who prefer their time-traveling adventures to be swift and delightful, the new Lego Speed Champions DeLorean Time Machine is an absolute treat. Comprising a modest 357 pieces, this set is designed for a quick, satisfying build – perhaps akin to Doc Brown`s speedy repairs after a particularly eventful trip. What truly makes this compact marvel shine are its exquisite details: the signature stainless steel aesthetic, a miniature flux capacitor tucked away, and even the infamous lightning rod, poised to channel that crucial 1.21 gigawatts (batteries not included, of course). The set thoughtfully includes minifigures of both Marty McFly and Doc Brown, ensuring your miniature adventures are fully staffed. And for a touch of future-proofing, you can even modify it to resemble the hover-conversion model from Back to the Future Part II – just flip the wheels down and prepare for some serious aerial antics (gravity not included). This nimble creation, priced at an approachable $28, is set for release on January 1, 2026, giving us ample time to perfect our time-traveling itineraries.
The Collector`s Conundrum: Lego Icons DeLorean
For the purists, the perfectionists, or simply those with a larger display shelf, the Lego Icons DeLorean Time Machine offers a deeper dive into cinematic accuracy. This substantial kit, boasting 1,872 pieces, is less a toy and more a meticulously crafted display piece. It`s an ode to the cinematic trilogy, allowing builders to customize their DeLorean to perfectly match any of its three on-screen incarnations. Fancy the original plutonium-powered version with its prominent lightning rod? You got it. Prefer the Part II iteration with its futuristic flight mode and Mr. Fusion home energy reactor? Absolutely. Or perhaps the rugged, old-west charm of the Part III model, complete with whitewall tires and a circuit board? That`s also on the table. Currently available for $170 (a sweet deal from its usual $200), this set ensures that every fan can curate their preferred slice of time-travel history.
Beyond the Bricks: A Cinematic Journey in 4K
While Lego allows us to build the past, Universal is inviting us to re-experience it in unparalleled clarity. The 40th Anniversary Back to the Future Steelbook Edition 4K Blu-ray Collection is a testament to the enduring power of these films. Forget fuzzy VHS tapes and early-era DVDs; these remastered editions bring the vibrant energy of Hill Valley and its temporal escapades to life like never before. Each Blu-ray package includes 4K, 1080p, and digital versions, ensuring compatibility across all your devices, whether modern or, well, slightly less modern.
Adorned with new cover art inspired by the iconic Drew Struzan posters, these steelbooks are visual masterpieces in themselves. But the real treasure lies within: hours of bonus materials, including behind-the-scenes documentaries, insightful commentary tracks, and more. Furthermore, all three films support state-of-the-art audio-visual technologies like Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos, and Dolby TrueHD 7.1 surround sound. This means brighter whites, deeper blacks, more vivid colors, and immersive audio that will make you feel like you`re right there in the driver`s seat of the DeLorean, or perhaps dodging Biff Tannen. Individual films are available for $25-$30 each, offering a high-definition gateway to a classic saga. While the exclusive Limited Edition Gift Set sadly remains elusive (proving that even time travelers can`t always get what they want), the individual steelbooks are a stellar way to complete any cinephile`s collection.
Four Decades, Undiminished Charm
Forty years on, “Back to the Future” isn`t just a film; it`s a cultural touchstone. Its blend of sci-fi adventure, heartfelt comedy, and surprisingly complex themes about destiny and consequence continues to resonate. The new Lego sets and pristine 4K Blu-ray editions aren`t just merchandise; they are tangible celebrations of a story that taught us that with enough courage, a dash of eccentricity, and a finely tuned time machine, anything is possible. So, whether you`re building your own DeLorean or re-watching Marty shredding his guitar, remember: the future is whatever you make it – so make it a good one, and perhaps, with a little less temporal paradox.
Ellis Thorne 
Gareth Fenton