OUTATIME: Saving the DeLorean Time Machine

Filmmaker Steve Concatelli's amiable but narrowly focused OUTATIME presumes that viewers will share a deep abiding fascination for the DeLorean automobile transformed into a time machine in the 1985 Robert Zemeckis/Steven Spielberg classic Back to the Future. The cherished prop car was an attraction for years on the Universal Studios Hollywood tour, but was subsequently exposed to the elements and vandalism by souvenir-hungry fans. With milestone anniversaries of the sci-fi/comedy classic looming, a team of fan volunteers led by Joe Walser labored mightily under a deadline to restore the DeLorean to its original condition for a museum installation—complete with accurate blinking lights, obscure aerospace stuff bolted to the chassis, and a controversial as-accurate-as-possible facsimile of the “Mr. Fusion” onboard reactor. More time is spent on the “Mr. Fusion” issue than on the history of the DeLorean Motor Company, principles of car restoration, or even the making of Back to the Future (only actress Claudia Wells and co-writer Bob Gale appear from the original talent pool). Even with its admittedly specialized subject, however, the film's fans may want to see. A strong optional purchase. (C. Cassady)