Oct 15, 2015 | By Kira
There is something inherently strange about watching old movies that take place in the fictional future. They give us a very tangible look at how previous generations imagined mankind would be living once we truly mastered technology; at the same time, they can show us that despite all of the amazing advancements we have made, we still have a long, long way to go. Take the 1980’s cult classic Back to the Future trilogy, in which Marty McFly and Doc Brown take their time-travelling DeLorean to the year 2015—October 21st, 2015 to be exact—and enter a world where roads don’t exist, skateboards hover above ground, and cars can fly. That date is now less than a week away, and while the flying car certainly hasn’t taken off, we’ve got the next best thing: 3D printing.
To celebrate October 21st 2015 and the 30th anniversary of Back to the Future with the most exciting science-fiction-meets-science-fact technology we have to offer, Universal Studios and Sculpteo are offering the chance for diehard fans in France to personalize their very own, 3D printed DeLorean DMC-12.
The 3D printed models, created using French-based Sculpteo’s on-demand 3D printing services, will be offered in either 10, 15 or 20cm sizes (priced at €59,99; €175, and €362, respectively), and can be customized by etching the customer’s name or a personal message onto the base. Those prices aren’t exactly low, so this is intended to be a collectible for only the truest Back to the Future fans. The offer will also be available exclusively, at least for now, to devotees in metropolitan areas of France.
In order to get your hands on one of these, you’ll have to attend special screenings of the original films on October 21, 23 or 25th at the Grand Rex cinema in Paris. The lucky attendees will receive special codes, which they can then enter on the minisite maDeLorean.fr and place an order the famous time-travelling car. Those who weren’t able to make it to the screening can also purchase collectors-edition DVDs that will also contain special online codes, but again these will only be sold in France.
While a geographically small-scale effort, the collaboration between Sculpteo and Universal is still a novel way to attract diehard fans through personalized 3D printed collectibles. Besides, if Doc Brown were around today, he’d be 3D printing everything from lightning-bolt generators to dashboard accessories for his infamous car. In fact, if there is any message to take from Back to the Future’s optimistic portrayal of our future, it’s that with advancements in 3D printed medicine, clean energy solutions, automotives and construction, we do have the power, technology, and ingenuity to improve our lives and the fate of Earth—we just have to channel that energy towards the greater good.
As for the auspicious and upcoming date, there are entire websites and fan pages that have been counting down the days until October 21st, 2015, quite possibly for the last 30 years now, which says as much about the films’ popularity as it does our deep-seated hope and belief in a better future—even if it’s a future that has no hoverboards (yet).
Posted in 3D Printing Applications
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