Flying cars, sunglasses that let you speak on the phone, and 3D movies. These are just a few technological advances that Back to the Future: Part 2 (1989) predicted in 2015, almost 10 years ago. So, how much of it has actually been made a reality?
3D Movies
In the scene where the protagonist, Marty McFly, finds himself in 2015-reimagined Hill Valley, he stumbles upon a cinema that’s showing Jaws 19. It’s directed by Max Spielberg, I wonder who they’re referring to?
A 3D advert pops out above the cinema entrance to advertise the film’s release, a foreign concept that would certainly stun the eyes of anyone walking straight out of the 1980s. 3D movies have already made their mark on the cinema world. So, they definitely got that one right! However, 3d adverts are yet to be seen. Perhaps the movie was a bit ambitious with this one.
Flying cars
Flying cars is one of the first things that probably comes to mind when you think about future advancements. And despite their prominence in Back to The Future: Part 2 (1989), we’re not quite there yet. And when we really think about this concept, how would it even work? A lot would need to go into the safety of the driver, vehicle, and all those around. Would we need to take a new driving test? It’s a lot to think about! But don’t be fooled, we’re not flying car experts.
With that being said, there are talks about flying cars being introduced as early as 2024. And if that’s the case, this means the movie was almost 10 years shy of providing some impressive accuracy.
Motion-controlled/interactive gaming
In the infamous Lou’s Cafe, Marty sees two boys playing a motion-controlled video game. Back in the 80s, this invention was entirely alien. But with the release of the Nintendo Wii in 2006, it looks like the movie underestimated how quickly we could make it a reality.
In fact, if we think about the extent to which video console gaming and even relatively new sectors like the online casino industry have evolved due to the Internet, the film was unable to capture the extent of our reliance on the world wide web in contemporary society.
Once upon a time, experiences like arcade games and classic casino table games were exclusively limited to physical arcades and casinos. However, in the modern era, we’re able to take these activities on from the comfort of our own homes.
Consider, for example, the way that traditional games have made way for technologically advanced iterations – there are countless variations of online UK roulette to be played, with themed sessions, live games including a real-time croupier, and bonus features. Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale didn’t include any allusions to this within Back to the Future 2, but we’re betting if they’d have had more screen time, it would have been included.
