Marty and Lorraine are ready for the dance! Pic from BTTF.com
By Fujis
With the announcement of the “Enchantment Under The Sea” 2-pack exclusive from Diamond Select Toys and BTTF.com I thought it would be fun to get a little more info on the exclusives and the people behind them. I met up with Stephen Clark from BTTF.com and we taped this interview while driving at 88 mph.
*************************
MMHQ: Can you tell us a little about BTTF.com?
BTTF: BTTF.com began first as a fan club in 1992 to about 500+ subscribers of the “Hill Valley Telegraph” until the advent of the internet made it the next logical step in our ever evolving mission. We first went online in 1995, and have been serving fans ever since. BTTF.com is a unique portal which disseminates the very latest news on the entire series and offers specialized services all relating to the famous time-traveling trilogy. In addition, we have quickly become the world’s largest resource for purchasing officially licensed BACK TO THE FUTURE collectibles and memorabilia.
MMHQ: What do you think it is about BTTF and the concept of time travel in general that is so appealing to people?
BTTF: I think because the BACK TO THE FUTURE trilogy truly has something for everyone. The first film is still praised & hailed even today for its film-making professionalism & quality, solid storytelling & writing, and perfect dead-on casting. I’ve never heard of anyone who didn’t like at least one of the movies! Robert Zemeckis emerged as one of Hollywood’s most successful directors who’s not afraid of taking a few risks and pioneering some of the industry’s coolest gadgetry along the way. Michael J. Fox went on to continue his domination of comedic television on ABC’s SPIN CITY until his illness sidelined him (only temporarily, I pray). And Huey Lewis is still packing venues while singing about “The Power of Love”.
MMHQ: How excited were you when prototypes of the Back To The Future Minimates debuted at this year’s International Toy Fair?
BTTF: I’m always excited when I first learn that a company has decided to put out a new officially licensed product from BACK TO THE FUTURE. This was only different in that fans have wanted figures from the very beginning, and it’s been 22 years now that many of us have been waiting. I’m glad that it’s finally happening.
MMHQ: Over at the Minimate Multiverse forum you mentioned that the BTTF Minimates “represent the very first figures ever produced in North America from the classic time travel series”. Are you surprised that DST was the first company to produce figures from the trilogy (and block figures at that) and have there been other figures produced outside of North America?
BTTF: DST wasn’t the first company ever to offer BACK TO THE FUTURE figures. In 2003, Medicom Toy put out a small line of Kubricks, and the exclusive box sets from that series now go for triple-digits on eBay these days. Also, there was one other company that attempted to put out figures a few years ago, and we were involved in that one to a minor degree as well, but the license never came together and they eventually decided to pass altogether. I’m thrilled that figures are being offered in the form of Minimates and that they will be very successful, hopefully paving the way for an eventual line of realistic figures someday as well.
MMHQ: When did you become involved with DST regarding these exclusives? Were you part of the design process or was DST shopping these around after they had been created?
BTTF: We found out about them the same time everyone else did — when photos of prototypes surfaces online shortly after the New York Toy Fair. We’ve been involved with DST only a few months at this point, but hope to be carrying the entire line as they become available over time.
MMHQ: Regarding a Minimate-scale DeLorean you said, “The success of the first round of BTTF Minimates will dictate whether they put out a DeLorean or not, but just know that it is being discussed.” Can you tell us a little more about what’s being discussed behind closed doors? And as a fan of BTTF, do you think it is a mistake not to produce a DeLorean?
BTTF: I wouldn’t say it’s a “mistake” — I can certainly understand where they’re coming from. Putting myself into DST’s shoes, I feel it’s wise to wait and see how well-received the line will be for them and their vendors. After all, BACK TO THE FUTURE is an older franchise that has long been off the radar for most sci-fi fans these days. Besides, there are already plenty of other DeLorean time machines on the market in die-cast form (Sun Star, Welly), so offering another one right from the start might not make the best sense from a business perspective. But I do know that they are aware that fans want a vehicle to go with the figures, so perhaps if the first batch is wildly successful, hopefully a Minimate DeLorean will soon follow.
MMHQ: Are there any accessories included in this 2-pack? A guitar for Marty? A clear “fading away” hand perhaps?
BTTF: Not that I’m aware of. Medicom Toys’ “Secret Marty” was also a ‘Johnny B. Goode’ version of Marty McFly that did come with a guitar, but to my knowledge, there are no accessories with any of the BTTF Minimates at this time.
MMHQ: If the line continues will you release other exclusives in the future?
BTTF: If it’s successful for us and DST decides to move forward with the license, we will be first in line to invest in their product again. Exclusives are a new territory for us, so we’re just in a wait-and-see mode at this point.
MMHQ: Thanks for taking the time to speak with us!
BTTF: No problem, Fujis. Glad to speak with you today.
*************************
The “Enchantment Under The Sea” 2-pack is limited to 3000 units making it one of the most rare Minimate exclusives to date, not to mention a great companion to the box set also due out this fall. And remember: the more you buy, the greater the chance of a Minimate DeLorean!
Click here to check out BTTF.com and don’t forget to preorder the BTTF Minimates Box Set and the “Enchantment Under The Sea” Exclusives!
