MrFusion.ch
Hello fellow time traveller! I'm a huge Back to the Future fan from Switzerland. I have loved the movies since I first saw them as a child. Welcome to my BTTF fanpage!
— Thomie
#SecretHillValley
Secret Cinema had built the Peabody farm including livestock, suburban Hill Valley and the town square complete with court house, a giant Lou's Diner, Hill Valley High School, and numerous stores, at a secret London location a.k.a. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park near Westfield Stratford City shopping centre. All visitors were given a Hill Valley name and occupation and were asked to dress up accordingly – 1955 style – and to bring several items. We, for example, were students and had to bring homework and photos of ourselves as a child and now as well as a photo of our favourite actor to put in the High School's locker. We could participate in school lessons and everything but decided to skip that. Marty would skip school, too. Or at least turn up late.
There was so much to see in Hill Valley! Doc Brown's mansion where he performed experiments. The Texaco petrol station where employees dance around visitors, several stores, some of which professionally operated, like a travel agency where you could book real-life voyages. There was also the cinema which actually showed Cattle Queen of Montana with Ronald Reagan, the film shown by BTTF Hill Valley's cinema. We've also found an almost hidden 80s Café with a great live rock band where you could buy Rubik's cubes, t-shirts and the like.
We had a burger and a milk shake at Lou's Diner (operated by Byron high-qulity burger chain), encouraged a very great Goldie Wilson lookalike to run for Mayor, observed several interactions between actors and visitors, took pictures with the disposable cameras sold on-site (electronic devices were strictly banned as they didn't exist in 1955), enjoyed ourselves and soaked up the atmosphere as much as we could.
In the evening, after several hours of strolling around, people started to settle down on the Courthouse Square. The film (Back to the Future part I) started to great cheering. Bob Gale, co-writer of Back to the Future, was there as a special guest and was deeply impressed. So were we. A lot of key scenes were reenacted by actors simultaneously as the film progressed. When the DeLorean Time Machine backed out of Doc's van on the screen, a DeLorean Time Machine appeared from under the screen. Libyans in a VW bus chased Marty in the DeLorean around the square we sat on, resulting in the time jump which was accompanied by flashs of lights and a lot of smoke. Later on, Marty ran over Biff's car and jumped back onto his skateboard. Doc was up by the clock and slid down the cable.
Secret Hill Valley was a truly amazing experience. I'd go again without any hesitation.
BTTF Live in Concert
Two days before the event, the organiser announced that a DeLorean time machine would be stationed at the nearby Schweizerhof hotel and then at the venue during the concert. I was hardly able to contain myself. I was very excited.
We arrived around noon and headed straight for the hotel. There it was: a pristine DeLorean time machine. I got to talk to the owner for quite some time which was brilliant. It's not the original film car but was built by the original team with much love. We'll meet again in July when his car will be on display at the London Film and Comic Con and maybe again to have a go in the car.
I also got the opportunity to ask the film's composer Alan Silvestri for an autograph. In the evening, the organiser let us in early to take some pictures with the car. I was even allowed to sit in it which was an incredible experience. When other guests started to arrive, I talked to a handful of guys dressed as Marty McFly. One was dressed up as future Marty from part II, and a gentleman flew in from Serbia for the event. I had the time of my life!
The concert was excellent. From the front row of the first balcony, we had a great view of the orchestra. Watching them play along and watching the film at the same time was very exciting. Alan Silvestri was there as well and had a blast. The standing ovation at the end of the concert was as much a reward for him as for the conductor.
After the concert, people assembled once again around the DeLorean which now sported the Mr. Fusion coffee grinder and the 2015 bar code licence plate. It looked magnificent in the dark with its lights and smoke. A true masterpiece worthy of being the centre of attention.
London Film & Comic Con
Christopher Lloyd will appear at the London Film & Comic Con 2015! Wow! What an opportunity to meet Doc Brown! I booked tickets as soon as they became available. We're up for any excuse to travel to London and were able to combine the trip with this year's Secret Cinema event of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.
Then, it got even better: Michael J Fox was announced to be there, too! It's a huge thing as he didn't appear at such events in, like, ever. And not only him but more than ten cast members of the BTTF trilogy in total! July can't come quick enough!
Outside of the Olympia venue
Michael J Fox talk
BTTF booth where Caseen Gaines was signing his book 'We don't need Roads – The Making of the BTTF Trilogy'
Being intimidated by Griff
Cast talk with 'Marvin Berry' singing Earth Angel
Clock photo with Michael J Fox
Clock photo with Christopher Lloyd
DeLorean photo with Michael J Fox
DeLorean photo with Christopher Lloyd
There were Marty McFlys and Doc Browns running around everywhere! With great costumes such as the wild west Doc complete with his long gun. And some Biffs and Griffs. It was really too hot inside the venue and queueing for the photos was horrible. We still had a great time, listened to talks and enjoyed seeing Michael J Fox getting more and more relaxed after being rather stressed at first. He's a great and funny guy and it was incredible meeting him.
* * *
Then, in 2017, "Biff" Tom Wilson made his first European appearance at London Film & Comic Con 2017.
For Saturday, I had a photo booked with Tom Wilson and the DeLorean, a ticket to the BTTF Talk with him and Christopher Lloyd and got a virtual queue ticket for an autograph. Tom Wilson is one of the greatest and kindest persons I've ever met on an event like this. He arrived for the photo session, stated that we'll all have a great time, explained that as he was so tall he would sit in the DeLorean and warned to mind our heads as we get back up from taking the photo to not hurt ourselves. He even complimented me on my costume when it was my turn. The talk was great too. He had his guitar with him and sang his Question song (Showmasters put that bit on Facebook recently). He was clearly enjoying himself answering questions while making sure to involve Christopher Lloyd in the conversations. He also suggested to a kid in Marty McFly costume to "better cosplay Biff" as "chicks dig Biff." Too bad the talk was over way too soon. I could've listened to him for much longer. Late afternoon, I was then able to get Tom Wilson's autograph. He was again such a joy to talk to, asked where I'd like him to sign in which colour as he already had different requests for my limited edition BTTF poster. He also wrote my name and "Biff", "Griff", "Mad Dog" and "Old" on the poster. LOL!
DeLorean photo with Tom Wilson
BTTF Talk with Tom Wilson and Christopher Lloyd
Tom Wilson: "Better cosplay Biff. Chicks dig Biff."
My limited edition LFCC "Biff" poster signed by Tom Wilson
I started Sunday with the Christopher Lloyd Talk and was really relieved that he was more lively this morning. He answered questions about his early films and working with different actors and gave advice about becoming an actor. "Persist!" For my photo (a plain photo without DeLorean or tombstone) I brought future sunglasses with me and asked Christopher Lloyd if we could recreate the poster scene. I'm so happy he agreed and with the resulting photo! I was lucky to get a low virtual queue ticket number (29) early in the morning so I was actually able to get an autograph late in the afternoon. I heards that he stopped after around 50. I didn't get a diamond pass for neither Tom Wilson nor Christopher Lloyd so autographs weren't garanteed. Apparently there were a lot of traders waiting in line (no-one needs four future glasses plus other items with his autograph for their personal use) and it's a shame that these people keep real fans from getting autographs. I'm happy with the autograph but a bit sad that Christopher didn't do dedications and also that he barely looked up during the signing.
Photo with Christopher Lloyd
Christopher Lloyd signing my limited edition LFCC "Doc" poster
I got two more photos with the DeLorean Time Machine (I just love this car!) and visited the Hill Valley Preservation Society's stand to look at their collection including some screen-used items. Other then that, I enjoyed the other visitors' costumes a lot. There were some great cosplays including other Back to the Future cosplayers. A really convincing old Biff for example (see photo), or a 1985-A Lorraine with huge... you know (no photo, sorry). Oh yeah, and my wife and I took a photo with Benedict Cumberbatch too. Again. :-) There was Doc's tombstone as well, placed in front of a wild west style porch, but you could only have your photo taken with it if you had a diamond pass. That was a shame and a missed opportunity. Apart from that, we really enjoyed the London Film & Comic Con 2017 and will be back in the future.
Time Machine photo
Time Machine photo
With an excellent 'Old Biff' cosplayer
October 21, 2015
They arrive at 4.29pm on October 21, 2015. Future Day was the biggest event of every BTTF fan around the world. We would finally get Hoverboards, flying cars, self-tying shoes and other things that were predicted 26 years ago.
I took a great picture during my lunch break with my feet resting on the Hoverboard flying in mid air while watching the BTTF2 scene with the time display. Did you note the Flux Capacitor and the Mr Fusion in the background?
At 4.29pm Swiss time on October 21, 2015, we were doing 88 (but kilometers per hour, not miles) on our way to a nearby cinema to watch all three Back to the Future films. The tickets included a Bratwurst and bread during the first break and a Pepsi for each film. I was in my full Marty McFly attire and got compliments for even having the right watch, while my wife was wearing her Jaws 19 t-shirt.
Our own Back to the Future pary took place the Saturday after Future Day. Like in the film, we hydrated a Pizza, drank Pepsi Perfect and rode a Hoverboard. A lot of preparation went into the event. Like putting stickers on Pepsi cans.
I've also built a Hydrator with working lights. We took the small dehydrated pizza out of its foil, put it on a plate and hydrated it on level 4. A few seconds later, the life-size, sizzling pizza was ready to be taken out of the machine. It was delicious!
We turned the cellar into a greenscreen room by sticking green paper table cloth to the walls. Standing on the hoverboard proved to be tricky as the two tea cans I've placed it on were not only slippery but also not supporting our weight. Each of us fell down but I've left these bits in the film as it was always intended to be just a humorous tribute. Watch the video:
And here's the Pizza Hydrator video! By the way: There was no (video) trickery done with this one. I really put the small pizza inside and pulled the large one out some seconds later:
A big thanks to my wife, sister and our friends who joined us for the occasion. They were all up for recording the videos and even cut the peperoni slices to a smaller diameter to look more like in the film. And they put up with my impression of a rather bossy director.
About Me
A Back to the Future fan through time:
1990, a car show, Mulhouse, France
1999, Universal Studios Florida, USA
2006, Universal Studios Florida, USA
2015, KKL Lucerne, Switzerland
2017, riding in a DeLorean (with Steven)
(dubbed in Swiss German, with English subtitles)
2019, riding in a DeLorean (with Michael)
(in German, no subtitles yet)
Discover more about me on my website Thomie.ch.
Filming Locations
Watch my videos in English (playlist):
Watch my videos in Swiss German (playlist):
The filming locations include:
– Doc Brown's Laboratory
– Hill Valley High School
– Universal Studios Hollywood
– McFly Family Home
– Twin Pines Mall
– Time Machine at the Petersen Museum
– Doc Brown's Mansion
– Biff, George, and Lorraine's parents' homes
– Enchantment under the Sea Dance
– Start Line and Riverside Tunnel
– Hill Valley 1885
– Railroad Crossing
Collection
This page will be updated soon.
Lego Time Machine
Oh yes. I stayed up to order the Lego DeLorean Time Machine right as it became available at the Lego online store. I used to spend lots of time playing with Lego as a child and putting together the Time Machine reminded me a lot of that carefree time. It's a pity that they didn't include a hoverboard or different versions of Doc and Marty from the three films (the DeLorean may be adapted to suit the three films) and only a basic skateboard in a wrong colour.
Back to the Peugeot
As chairman of the Swiss Peugeot fan club from 2003–2006, I introduced and organized a nation-wide yearly meeting for Peugeot enthusiasts, each themed after a well-known film or TV series. I designed the flyer and websites, too. After Matrix and Finding Nemo, our third Swiss Peugeot meeting had to be Back to the Future themed: "Back to the Peugeot". We even built a time machine out of an old Peugeot with the help of fellow club members.
I admit that the result wasn't as crisp as we'd hoped, given that we were amateurs, pressed for time and the colour looked more convincing on the paint can than on the car. At least I completed the car with my own Mr Fusion coffee grinder.
click for high resolution
BTTF Musical
While maintaining the first BTTF movie's plot line, they adapted a lot, and added quite a few new things - intended to be a thing of its own and not just a copy of the movie. I feel even more in touch with Doc and Marty's friendship, and the McFly family! The performers did an excellent job (I especially loved George and Goldie Wilson/Marvin Berry) and I can only begin to imagine how much effort they and everyone else put into the musical.
One of the opening night's highlights was meeting Bob Gale, co-creator of the Back to the Future movies, who was heavily involved in creating the musical too, and of course meeting friends - old and new ones. There's nothing better than a dozen Marty McFlys in one place!
Spoilers below!!
Will follow
A lot of text and photos to come!
My Secret H.V. Photos
Contact
Erlenweg 12
CH-3072 Ostermundigen
Switzerland
thomie@thomie.ch
www.thomie.ch
@Thomie_ch on Twitter
thomie_ch on Instagram
Thomie TV on YouTube
Join my Facebook Group for BTTF fans in Switzerland: BTTF Fans der Schweiz
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