Hollywood Tours You Can Take On Your Own

 

Movie Locations: Back to the Future

 

On our Hollywood bus tour you’re going to see some of these iconic locations—some of which you wouldn’t have known about unless you read up on the history of “Back to the Future.” One (see below) is the United Methodist Church in Hollywood. This prominent Hollywood fixture is interesting in its own right, but it was the location for the Under the Sea dance scene in the movie.

 

"Back to the Future," directed by Robert Zemeckis and released in 1985, is a classic science fiction film that has left an indelible mark on popular culture. Starring Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly and Christopher Lloyd as Dr. Emmett Brown, the film follows the adventures of a teenager who travels back in time to ensure his parents' romance and, in doing so, inadvertently alters the course of history. The film's success led to two sequels, creating an iconic trilogy.

Filming locations play a crucial role in shaping the visual identity of a film, and "Back to the Future" is no exception. The movie's diverse settings, spanning different time periods, contribute to its timeless appeal. Here's a closer look at some of the notable locations used in the filming of "Back to the Future":

 

Hollywood tours of UMC: Back to the Future location

 

1. Hill Valley Town Square:
• The town square is a central location in the film and serves as the backdrop for many key scenes, including the iconic clock tower climax. The square was constructed on the Universal Studios backlot and was meticulously designed to evoke the charm of small-town America. Its versatility allowed the filmmakers to transform it into different time periods.
2. Marty's House:
• Marty McFly's family home is a memorable setting in the film. Located in the city of Arleta, Los Angeles, the house is a suburban residence that becomes a focal point for various events in the story. The filmmakers chose a typical 1950s-style suburban home to emphasize the contrast between Marty's life in the 1980s and his experiences in the 1950s.
3. Doc Brown's House:
• The eccentric Doc Brown's residence is an essential location in the film. Situated in Pasadena, California, the Gamble House was used for the exterior shots of Doc's home. The distinctive architecture of the Gamble House adds to the character's quirky and inventive persona.
4. Lyon Estates:
• Marty's neighborhood in the 1980s is called Lyon Estates. The neighborhood scenes were filmed in the Puente Hills Mall area in the City of Industry, California. The mall itself was used for various scenes, including the Twin Pines Mall parking lot where Doc first demonstrates the time machine.
5. Twin Pines Ranch:
• In the 1950s timeline, the location transforms from Lyon Estates to the Twin Pines Ranch. The ranch scenes were shot at the Puente Hills Mall area as well, showcasing the filmmakers' ability to use the same locations creatively for different time periods.
6. Enchantment Under the Sea Dance:

• The Enchantment Under the Sea dance, where the film’s climactic scenes take place, was held in the basement of Hollywood United Methodist Church, just north of the Hollywood and Highland shopping center.

7. Clock Tower:
• The dramatic conclusion of the film revolves around the Hill Valley Clock Tower. While the exterior shots were filmed on the Universal Studios backlot, the clock face itself was a practical effect created on a different set. The clock tower has become an enduring symbol of the film.
  

 

These locations, carefully selected and skillfully utilized by the filmmakers, contribute to the film's immersive storytelling and visual appeal. "Back to the Future" not only became a cultural phenomenon but also set a standard for the use of locations in cinematic storytelling, blending seamlessly with the narrative's time-travel elements. The film's success is a testament to the creative vision of the filmmakers and the enduring charm of its carefully chosen filming locations.