British Academy Film Awards — 2 wins, 1 nominationAcademy Awards — 1 nominationKids' Choice Award — 1 nominationSaturn Award — 1 nominationAll 2 wins · 4 nominations on record
British Academy Film Awards: Best Special Visual Effects
Scholarship
Named in the title of 1 peer-reviewed work
Examples
Sources: Wikidata · OpenAlex · Library of Congress. The record of the motion picture, not an assessment of this cell.
FILM NOTES
Back to the Future Part II arrived in 1989 from Universal Pictures, riding the momentum of the original 1985 hit and expanding its time travel premise into 2015 and an alternate 1985. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, the sequel pushed visual effects further, most memorably with its hoverboards and dual roles for its cast, and it remains a touchstone of late eighties studio filmmaking, blending comedy, science fiction, and a darker second act that set up the trilogy's concluding chapter.
This cell centers on the DeLorean, the modified car at the heart of the franchise, arguably as recognizable to audiences as any human character in the series. Collectors seek reels tied to the vehicle because it functions as the story's true engine, the object that carries every timeline shift and consequence. A DeLorean cell speaks to invention and momentum, the mechanical promise of the whole saga distilled into a single frame of 35mm film history.
Authentication Findings8 checks
Consistent with a 35mm theatrical release print of Back to the Future Part II (1989).
Gauge
35mm, confirmed by four perforations per frame on both edges; the strip holds three frames.
Perforations
Four per frame on both edges, evenly spaced; punched edges appear clean with no visible tearing or distortion.
Soundtrack
Two variable-area optical tracks visible running alongside the picture area on one edge, consistent with a dual bilateral or stereo optical format.
Edge print
Edge text reads 'EASTMAN' and 'SAFE' (partially visible, likely 'SAFETY FILM'); a key number letter 'M' is visible along the bottom edge.
Base & colour
Base appears with a slight cool-neutral tint; dye image shows no obvious red shift or significant fading visible in this capture.
Projection history
Light vertical scratching visible across the picture area, consistent with evidence of a projected print; no splices or cue marks seen.
Picture
Positive image; the first two frames appear to be consecutive frames of a single shot, while the third frame shows a distinct cut to a different shot.
Era check
Dual variable-area optical tracks on Eastman safety base stock are consistent with a 1989 theatrical release print, as Dolby SR optical was standard for that period.
Read from the original intake capture shown below. Observations only — film is authenticated, not graded.
This original motion picture film element has been examined and authenticated by Crown Grading in partnership with National Film Vault, and encapsulated for archival preservation.
Why so little survivesRelease prints were leased to theaters, not sold. When the run ended they went back to the distributor to be destroyed, and most were. What collectors hold today came from the prints that escaped that order, and no new 35mm prints of these films are being struck.
CROWN SERIAL 000064160
Original Film CaptureAs received
Photographed on the light panel at intake, before encapsulation — tap to open full size
Tap to enlarge
