Review: Back to the Future Part II 1/15th Scale Time Machine
I've wanted a decent Delorean from the Back to the Future series for a while now. I'd been eyeing the die cast ones from a few years ago, but they've been increasing in price. Last year, Diamond started a line of plastic ones with lights and sound, and, long story short, I broke down and ordered one on eBay.
This is ostensibly from Back to the Future, Part II, though it lacks the fusion food processor and flip-down wheels - there is an exclusive version with those features, but it would have cost a lot more. So, really, this is the car from the start of part one. That's not really an issue: it's just good to know what you're getting into.
You can find these in comics and collectible shops, or you can just order one online like I did.
This is ostensibly from Back to the Future, Part II, though it lacks the fusion food processor and flip-down wheels - there is an exclusive version with those features, but it would have cost a lot more. So, really, this is the car from the start of part one. That's not really an issue: it's just good to know what you're getting into.
You can find these in comics and collectible shops, or you can just order one online like I did.
Appearance and Construction: 7/10
Although the plastic feels a little light, the car is well constructed and it looks good overall. Like The Enterprise I reviewed a while back, this is definitely a toy aimed at collectors rather than a high end collectible. Seeing as that makes it affordable, I've got no real problem with that.
It does mean that the level of detail isn't going to astound you, particularly on the outside of the car. From a distance, it looks pretty good, but on close inspection, you can pick out any number of imperfections and cut corners. The back of the car fares better than the front - I really like the cooling vents - but even this is less than perfect.
The inside is a bit more detailed, but still below the level you want to see. The Flux Capacitor is present, but is only really visible when the light-up feature is active. And, while the dashboard decals are a little underwhelming, they've included details like a parking break and foot pedals, proving that they were trying to go the extra mile.
It does mean that the level of detail isn't going to astound you, particularly on the outside of the car. From a distance, it looks pretty good, but on close inspection, you can pick out any number of imperfections and cut corners. The back of the car fares better than the front - I really like the cooling vents - but even this is less than perfect.
The inside is a bit more detailed, but still below the level you want to see. The Flux Capacitor is present, but is only really visible when the light-up feature is active. And, while the dashboard decals are a little underwhelming, they've included details like a parking break and foot pedals, proving that they were trying to go the extra mile.
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The one area where they could have easily improved the look is in the wiring. Had this been done with real wire running alongside the car as opposed to just being sculpted on, it would have brought the overall score up a point.
A review of the time machine wouldn't be complete without a few words about branding. Yes, this is a "time machine," as opposed to a "Delorean," and that means the logo and name is missing from the car and packaging. I know this bothers a lot of collectors, but I can't bring myself to care much. The score of seven is reflecting the overall level of detail. If this had been an otherwise perfect recreation, that little detail might have dragged this from a ten to a nine, but this just isn't that complex a piece. While I'd have liked to see the symbol on the front and tires, this would be getting a seven with or without it. |
Packaging and Extras: ----
To my mind, there are two main issues with the marketing of this vehicle, and I've already addressed them both. First, I don't see much here that makes it from Back to the Future, Part II as opposed to the first movie. Maybe the sounds are lifted from the sequel, but they're too generic to really tell (or care). Then there's the whole Delorean/Time Machine debacle. But, while that might be a problem on the car, I can't imagine anyone really caring what the box says on the matter.
Other than that, you've got a "try me" function, which is one of those thing I like UNTIL I've decided to buy a toy. The graphics on the box are fine, not that there's much reason to keep something like this in its original packaging.
Other than that, you've got a "try me" function, which is one of those thing I like UNTIL I've decided to buy a toy. The graphics on the box are fine, not that there's much reason to keep something like this in its original packaging.
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Of course, the bottom of the pack has printed fire trails beneath the tires, but that was kind of obvious. The background shows the iconic scene at the end of the first movie (though it's worth mentioning that they revisit that moment at the climax of part two, as well). The backdrop slides out, and almost counts as some sort of an extra. If you're into dioramas, you could do a lot worse for a display. Still, this doesn't add any appreciable value to the toy. |
On some level, there really should have been some extras. Say, the cold-fusion engine as a clip-on, or at least the hook from the first movie. A base made of something other than cardboard would have been nice, too. But, while I'd have liked something extra, I don't feel as though the retail price on this thing necessitates it, so there won't be any penalty this time.
Play and Display: +1
This toy was really more about features than anything else. It comes loaded with sound and light effects. One one level, these are absolutely awesome. On another, they're a huge disappointment. I'll explain in a moment.
First, let's cover the moving parts. The wheels spin, of course, though I'd really have liked the flip-up version that's on the exclusive (not enough to pay more than twice as much, but you get the point). The doors open and close as they should, and the driver's side windshield wiper is on a hinge which has about an eighth of an inch of motion (I'm not sure WHY, but it does).
The hood pops open to reveal a small button with three options: Play, Off, and Try. Slide this to "Play" or "Try," and the button on the back activates the numerous lights and sounds.
Here's the thing: the "Play" feature is actually a lot less interesting or fun than "Try." You see all those pictures I've taken with the blue coils lit up? That's what you want to see, right? Well, on "Play" those coils only come on once you've cycled through the other six effects first. That means you've got to sit through starting, stalling, backing up, and several other dull effects before you get to the time travel one. That's really the only one I want.
First, let's cover the moving parts. The wheels spin, of course, though I'd really have liked the flip-up version that's on the exclusive (not enough to pay more than twice as much, but you get the point). The doors open and close as they should, and the driver's side windshield wiper is on a hinge which has about an eighth of an inch of motion (I'm not sure WHY, but it does).
The hood pops open to reveal a small button with three options: Play, Off, and Try. Slide this to "Play" or "Try," and the button on the back activates the numerous lights and sounds.
Here's the thing: the "Play" feature is actually a lot less interesting or fun than "Try." You see all those pictures I've taken with the blue coils lit up? That's what you want to see, right? Well, on "Play" those coils only come on once you've cycled through the other six effects first. That means you've got to sit through starting, stalling, backing up, and several other dull effects before you get to the time travel one. That's really the only one I want.
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The "Try" function is a little less annoying, in that it flashes the blue coils and headlights and makes some noise. Of course, with this one the red back lights don't come on, and those are beautiful. What you really want here are more options. No such luck, I'm afraid.
That said, the lights themselves look fantastic. I'm less keen on the sounds (a little too loud, oddly enough), but I'm certainly not going to try and disconnect the speaker or anything. If I'm counting right, there are thirteen lights scattered over the car, and these are bright and well designed. If they'd engineered the controls a little better, I can see this as having been worth three bonus points. As it is, I can't go higher than one. |
Price Tag and Final Analysis: 8/10
This time machine occupies a bizarre middle ground between a plaything and a collectible. It has elements of both, really.
I paid thirty-five bucks for mine, including shipping, and that feels... well... about right. It certainly wasn't a bargain, but this is a solid toy, so I don't feel like I got ripped off. There's a lot of room for improvement, unfortunately, especially in the controls, but it'll still be a good addition to the SF shelf.
The important thing about this is to know what you're getting. It's a flawed toy but still a good one. If you decide you can live with the issues, by all means pick one up. Just don't expect perfection. The reason this is priced like a toy instead of a high-end collectible is because it's not a high-end collectible. Keep that in mind, and you'll be happy with your purchase.
I paid thirty-five bucks for mine, including shipping, and that feels... well... about right. It certainly wasn't a bargain, but this is a solid toy, so I don't feel like I got ripped off. There's a lot of room for improvement, unfortunately, especially in the controls, but it'll still be a good addition to the SF shelf.
The important thing about this is to know what you're getting. It's a flawed toy but still a good one. If you decide you can live with the issues, by all means pick one up. Just don't expect perfection. The reason this is priced like a toy instead of a high-end collectible is because it's not a high-end collectible. Keep that in mind, and you'll be happy with your purchase.
I re-watched the Back to the Future series recently and discovered I still love them. I may have referenced the movies in passing here. Also, while we're on the subject of time travel, I've written at least one short story on the subject you can link to from here.
