Back to the Future - 25th Anniversay - Different Box Sizes Question

[Kevin Holly]

Hello, this is somewhat derivative of the main discussion for that boxset, so I figured I'd make a new topic.

I really want a copy of the Back to the Future 25th Anniversary Blu-Ray, being a fan of those movies. However, there seem to be two different versions out. Or, not so much "versions" as "box sizes." The more common one is as thin as a normal Blu-Ray case. The other one is about as thick as you would expect a three-movie set to be (maybe 2.5 blu-ray cases thick; or about as thick as the DVD trilogy that came out at least seven years ago).

Now, I hate when collections of more than 1 movie have a box only as thick as 1, so obviously I would prefer the latter. Unfortunately, I have only ever seen it at one store, and used. Now, I don't typically mind used stuff, most of my non-BD movies and some of my BD movies are used. However, the copy they have is in pretty rough shape. Like, I would still buy it, but BTTF deserves better.

And most online salesman just use the stock photo (side note: How I HATE stock photos in general, it literally takes under a minute extra to actually show your own product), and when asked which one they are actually selling, either have the thin one, or have no idea what you'r talking about.

So, anyways, is there any way to tell the two apart without physically looking at it, or are they actually two similar but distinct versions of this trilogy? And is the thick-box one rare enough I should just buy the well-used one and have done with it?

Oh, and I am only interested in North American region 1 releases, for the record. Only exception is movies not available here, and Phantasm, because that European sphere boxset is too awesome to pass up. So if the thick-box one is actually not North American (although it does a convining job of looking like it), then I guess this entire post is a waste.

Thanks for your help.

[tylergfoster]

There are actually three different versions out.

The first large packaging contained six discs and used these weird "bouncing" clips and tabs you had to slide the discs in and out of. Once you know how to get the discs out of it, it was reasonably easy, but it was also not really apparent how to do so. Universal had to upload instructions to the internet to explain it to people.

The second version of the packaging switched back to standard hubs after people complained.

The third version of the packaging drops the three digital copy discs.

[Kevin Holly]

Thank you vey much!, that's very informative.

I didn't realize there were THREE in North America.

So, I assume the first one (with this odd clips and tabs) was a thick box, and the third one (no digital copies) was a thin box.

That begs the question, is the second one (standard hubs, yes digital copies) thick or thin?

And if it is thick, is there any way to tell from the outside of a box if it is the first or second version? Because there is a thick-box one at a store near me, but I want to know if it's the first or second version, assuming the second version is thick?

Also, I get it that if I buy a thick one, it will have three digital copy disccs I can't use (assuming I get it used, and the person used them), but I don't care, I just give digital copies to my brother (I keep the disc itself, but he can have the data for all I care), I have never used one once.

[retablo]

If you search this thread, there are photos showing how to tell the clip packaging from the hub packaging.

[RayCRP]

I haven't seen a "thin" one the size of a 1-movie Blu-ray case. I've seen the first two (of the three I hear exist in the US), and the second is only marginally bigger (taller and thicker) than the first. Still has 6 discs, I think it's still "thick" by your description. I've never seen the third set that supposedly came out in August, sans DC discs and non-anniversary.

If you look at the bottom of versions #1 and #2 (both are 25th Anniversary), #2 looks like a simple plastic tray, whereas #1 looks like it has a complicated mess of plastic hubs.

Here's a pic I took of how thick the #2 set is compared to other box sets:

[Show spoiler]

Here's a post that shows the differences between #1 and #2 in a bit more detail:

https://forum.blu-ray.com/4835721-post4410.html

[Kevin Holly]

Thank you, you have been incredibly helpful.

And I am pretty sure that "#3" is marketed as 25th Anniversary, but I could be wrong. Either way, at all the stores selling new movies near me, it's the only one available.

[chrisl95111]

Is #3 different? debating if I should buy #2 or #3?

[GE Cafe]

They had the big box at Target last time I was there (not boned by security wrap or anything.) PM me if you want me to purchase it for you.