A sealed VHS tape of Back to the Future sells for a ridiculous amount of money at an auction. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, Back to the Future quickly became a cult classic and one of the most beloved sci-fi films of all time upon its release in 1985. Starring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd as Marty McFly and Doc Brown, Back to the Future expanded into a trilogy with the releases of Back to the Future II in 1989 and Back to the Future III in 1990.
Written by Zemeckis and Bob Gale, Back to the Future experienced numerous blunders during production, including replacing Eric Stoltz as Marty McFly with Fox. However, the finished film has since been inducted into the National Film Registry and solidified its place as a timeless classic. Not limited to onscreen success, the Back to the Future franchise has launched an animated television series, video games, comic books, and a theme park ride at Universal Studios. In 1986, Back to the Future was released on VHS with a price tag of $79.95.
Now, an original copy of Back to the Future has sold for a hefty amount. As KTLA reports, a sealed VHS tape of the film sold for $75,000 at the first-ever VHS-only auction held by Texas-based Heritage Auction. Previously owned by Biff Tannen actor Thomas Wilson, the VHS of Back to the Future was one of 260 sealed VHS tapes available on the auction block. Other titles included The Goonies, which sold for $50,000, Jaws, a promotional copy of Top Gun, and Ghostbusters. As reported by The Guardian, the Back to the Future VHS included a signed note from Wilson that joked about the actor being unable to find a VHS player to watch the film.
At this time, the bid for the Back to the Future tape makes it one of the top-earned VHS tapes ever sold at an auction. Indeed, it appears Back to the Future memorabilia continues to be sought after by fans. Later this month, the Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction will auction off Marty's pink hoverboard from Back to the Future II, which could earn between $80,000 and $120,000. While the tape in excellent condition was enough to make it desirable for Back to the Future enthusiasts, the included note from Wilson surely made the VHS a priceless item for its buyer.
In an era of streaming services, digital releases, and extinct video stores, VHS tapes are becoming more valuable for fans of iconic films. Back to the Future concluded over three decades ago, but the film continues to captivate, entertain, and impact its audience of all generations. For now, Back to the Future props, memorabilia, and VHS tapes are still climbing the charts in sales and remain sought-after items in the world of collecting.
Source: KTLA/The Guardian
A sealed VHS tape of Robert Zemeckis' Back to the Future, previously owned by Biff actor Tom Wilson, sells at auction for a staggering $75,000.Bethany Guerrero