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Universal Studios Hollywood · Universal City, CA |
Despite my lack of success capturing the clock tower my first trip to Universal Studios, I did manage to photograph something just as important: The DeLorean. Granted, it isn't itself a filming location, but I don't think anyone would object to my including it in this tour.
It was parked in front of the Back to the Future ride, looking disgracefully dirty and neglected, guarded only by a pitiful, yellow rope fence. One would think this important piece of movie memorabilia would be in its own enclosure and washed by hand daily.
OK, I know...this wasn't the only DeLorean used in the film. There were several. But, that doesn't mean this one isn't special.
And although the lame, nylon security measure may have been — for lack of a better word — sacrilegious, it did turn out to be a blessing. It doesn't provide much restraint on an individual wishing to touch the time machine's stainless-steel body. A quick pull on the door handle for good luck doesn't hurt, either.
When the sun's at the right angles, you can see past the dust-covered windows and catch a glimpse at various interior surfaces. The time circuits aren't all intact and even the flux capacitor is absent. But, I suppose for safety reasons, the studio wouldn't want anyone jumping in and disturbing the timeline. I mean, a disappointed park visitor might go back and wreak some havoc with Universal's stock values.
I did notice one anachronism with this particular DeLorean on display, though: The Mr. Fusion combined with the old-style license plate. I'm not sure what that says about the legitimacy of the DeLorean they've set out for the public, but I still like to think it was used somewhere in the trilogy.
Incidentally, I can't help but note that California license plates only allow for seven digits.
Next: Doc's 1985 Residence
