Well, as quick as the promise of the future arrived, it was debunked and dismissed faster than an 88mph time-traveling DeLorean. Earlier in the day, we reported and gave some sarcastic commentary on a viral video for a company called HUVr tech that released a promotional video announcing to the world that flying Hoverboards, like the ones seen in the 1989 film Back to the Future part II, had finally become a reality.
But, some obvious clues from the video picked up by sharp-eyed BTTF fans had many calling HUVr’s bluff. The website, Funny or Die, come forward today an’official’ apology admitting the prank as theirs and also released a video statement video by actor Christopher Lloyd who had been part of the hoax.
Take a look at the new vids and check out our earlier post and breakdown of the original promotional video below. We don’t yet know if the apologies by Christopher Lloyd and Tony Hawk posted today were all part of the plan or if Funny or Die just decided the jig was up and decided to forget whatever elaborate schemes they had to keep the trickery going. Either way, the hoax is still a bit mystifying and we’re curious to see if anything more will come of it.
A separate apology from pro-skater Tony Hawk was also posted.
Our Sarcastic Rant on the Hoax
As life-long Back to the Future fans, we here at Beyond the Marquee love starting a BTM post with “We received an e-mail from our good friend, Bob Gale.” And that’s exactly what happened yesterday when we got an e-mail from the Co-Producer/Writer/Creator of the iconic time-travel trilogy who provided a link to a new YouTube video he wanted us to see. We still think it would be cool to have him send us a telegram from Western Union someday, but e-mail works just as well. Alongside the YouTube link, he left us this message:
“Remember 25 years ago when Bob Z said Hoverboards were real and people believed him? Let’s prepare for continued gullibility!”
We think the main reason Bob was kind enough to send us his own spin on this new video is that we here at Beyond the Marquee tend to have a bit of an ‘in’ when it comes to Hoverboards. In March of 2012, we were given exclusive access to the idea-factory at Mattel Toys where a long-awaited Hoverboard prop replica was being designed. Two visits to Mattel that month (one with Bob Gale and Michael Lantieri) led to some of our most popular videos to date and also gave us a bit of a voice when Bob Gale shared his honest and not-so-enthusiastic review of Mattel’s final product the following December. At the end of this article, we’ve provided links to those Hoverboard articles and videos if you’re curious. But, that’s all in the past and they were mainly about toy replica Hoverboards, not the real deal.
Clicking on the e-mailed link, we saw a 4 1/2 minute video entitled, BELIEF, with an introductory voice-over by none other than “Doc Brown” himself, Christopher Lloyd, saying that after nearly 30 years of waiting, the iconic Hoverboard prop from Back to the Future Part II was FINALLY a reality! After watching the video, we couldn’t help but wonder if we were being buttheads for actually thinking this might be real…or maybe our gut instincts were correct and it was just an elaborate and far-out hoax.
Check out the video below and then keep reading for some thoughts and theories (albeit highly sarcastic) about the HUVr Board written by our own, Steve Czarnecki, who pretty much speaks for the whole BTM crew on this one.
First Impressions
Before Steve goes into a play-by-play about the HUVr video, we think it’s fair to put it right out there that we were not impressed by this lame hoax and we know who was behind it.Watching the vid, the #1 thought running through our heads was “just move the camera a little to the left or up so we can see the crane.” It didn’t take long for us to spot a crane (check out the crane wheel and stabilizer support at 3:30-3:34).
To any Back to the Future fan out there, what’s seen in this video should also be a quick reminder of the Special Features DVD footage of the initial Hoverboard tests out on the backlot at Universal before production of Back to the Future Part 2. If the shoddy special effects of the boards hovering or the use of Mattel toy prop replicas still doesn’t convince you this is all a joke, then ask yourself why there are no long or wide shots of the Hoverboarders peddling the boards over the pavement. (Oh wait, there is that one shot at 3:07 with ‘completely believable’ special effects.)
Our final verdict? The video is not convincing or funny and more than playing on the minds of the gullible, it seems like a slap in the face to Back to the Future fans for having an interest in this kind of stuff in the first place. The only good that comes from this video is that it sparks continued and well-deserved interest in the Back to the Future films and just might inspire someone to actually crack Hover technology someday.
The way I see it … (by Steve C.)
Look I’m a kid who grew up in the 80’s and although I loved a talking Trans-Am (Knight Rider), alien visitors disguised as humans (“V”), Proton Pack-battling spirit-hunters (Ghostbusters), Lightsaber-wielding Jedi’s (Star Wars) and cute, furry creatures that turn into monsters if fed after midnight (Gremlins), I knew they were all the products of great imaginations. So, to think that a hovering, futuristic skateboard from the 1989 sequel to Back to the Future would ever manifest into something tangible was pure fantasy to me. By this point, everyone assumed that Mattel’s 2012 prop-replica Hoverboard was about the closest we’d get to that future. But, of course, hard core fans have always kept their fingers crossed for a secret 2015 miracle.
And now there’s this, the HUVr Board.
Cue to a side street where a DeLorean slowly pulls into a parking lot (without a sound effect or flux dispersal flash) and then to a slow-motion Christopher Lloyd in a business suit as he emerges from the car with this monotoned voice-over:
“I’m Christopher Lloyd and about 25 years ago, I played Doctor Emmett Brown in the film, ‘Back to the Future 2’. A landmark film, that among other things, introduced a concept of Hoverboards to the world. Now at the time, as much as we all wanted Hoverboards to be real, of course it was an impossibility. But I’m proud to announce that thanks to the clever folks at HUV’r Tech, the technology has caught up to the concept.”
Let me just stop right here and say, less than a minute in, I was already disappointed. In HOLLYWOOD of all places, if you’re making any sort of Back to the Future-related tribute or parody video with Doc Brown himself, you CAN FIND a prop-replica DeLorean to rent or borrow for your shoot. I’m sorry, this is an insult to BTTF fans unless you live in Idaho or a Star Car club is nowhere around for hundreds of miles…but I digress, let’s continue …
We next see a title card that informs us that “In February, 2014 HUVr Tech hosted an event in downtown Los Angeles.” and that “The following demonstrations are completely real.” Well, my 5 year-old will tell you that Santa Claus is “completely real” as well. Ok, so who knows…maybe some cool scientific breakthrough had been made and I’ll be glad to entertain the notion. A boy can still dream…
Christopher Lloyd waltzes toward the camera merrily holding a HUVr Tech case in his hand and waving at a team standing by.
Hey, isn’t that pro-skateboarder Tony Hawk at the head of the crowd? What’s he doing there? Doesn’t he have a cube to gleam?
Christopher hands the case to Tony and about a dozen HUVr supporters are heard shouting “Hover, Hover” or maybe “HUVr, HUVr” They sound quite similar actually.
Tony then opens the case on the ground. Really? A product demonstration and you can’t afford a table to set the case on? I get you’re not at a trade show, but presentation is everything. But ok, let’s just lay it on the pavement. So, the case opens and voila! Huh? A gray and blue-painted Back to the Future Part II Hoverboard? Tony holds it up, looks to the camera and says “Finally!”
Next we have Tony giving a testimonial about how well the HUVr Board works. But hold on, now he’s holding a pink Hoverboard, similar to what we saw in Back to the Future Part 2, not the one that was used just seconds before as the big reveal. Were they replicating continuity errors from the film in their homage demonstration?
Hawk continues to talk about how smooth the ride of the board was compared to how it looked in the movie. Then we see him actually on the Hoverboard, but now it’s the gray and blue one again and he’s not just hovering a few inches off the ground, he’s zipping about 3 feet above the ground doing wide turns and flying-on a Hoverboard! Can this be true?
And then we’re back to Tony explaining that many pro-skaters started skating after seeing Back to the Future – while he stands in front of the pink wall of the TRY NOW WIG company with it’s faded model signs and heaping dirt mounds outside. High production value location you got there. Oh, did I mention, that he’s AGAIN, holding the pink Hoverboard? Nothing is matching here. Where the heck did the movie prop-replica board come from? My guess is Mattel.
We are then treated to a montage of other semi-famous musicians and sports celebs who were also invited to try out the HUVr Board and some of these folks, we are told, have “little to no experience skateboarding.” Ok, well, this should be fun. Look, there’s Moby, I like his songs. And look, he’s holding the blue and gray Hoverboard.
Whoa Whoa Whoa. Hold on, wait a minute, HOVr! Here’s your prototype reveal to the world, and the board he’s holding looks like a ratty, old, badly-painted skateboard deck with scuff marks, warped edges and a bad-masking job?
But, it gets better. Clearly the other recruits are inexperienced because they don’t know that they should be wearing protective arm, leg and headgear when getting on for the very first time…ONTO A PROTOTYPE FLYING HOVERBOARD ABOVE A CONCRETE-COVERED PARKING LOT. And wait, who is speeding behind Moby on a pink Hoverboard about 4 feet above the ground? What the heck is going on here? Who is this Asian guy talking to Moby and where is Christopher Lloyd?
Oh look, another subtitle clues us in that “The HUVr app will be available on iPhone and Android devices.” Of course it will. I can’t get Siri to properly translate a sentence into a text message, but I will be able to control my Hoverboard while I’m riding it? If it’s illegal to text and drive, shouldn’t it be illegal to text and hover? I can barely balance myself on a normal skateboard and now I’m going to have to muster enough coordination to fly a Hoverboard while operating my smart-phone?
Hey, look! It’s NFL wide-receiver, Terrell Owens. Let’s see how he does.
Wait, he’s now on the pink Mattel prop-replica Hoverboard. So, wait a minute Doc. Are you telling me that you built an actual working Hoverboard…out of a toy prop-replica? This is heavy!
Ahhh, and here’s the disclaimer about why some riders chose to wear protective gear. Look at Terrell – getting about 3 feet of air under him.
Sorry, I have no idea who Schoolboy Q is, but I’m sure my kids are going to love him. Again, seriously, was there no better backdrop than a construction site to do your stand-up testimonials? And look, I see a table in the background you could have used for the reveal.
Cool auto-stabilization technology keeps you from falling off the Hoverboard. Under ‘any conditions’ it says. And look, Schoolboy Q is on the pink Hoverboard. Looks as if he’s opted for no protective gear. Must be a musician thang.
And then we get to actress Agnes Bruckner? I’m not that old, but should I know this girl? Let me check her IMDB.com page… Bold and the Beautiful, Touched by an Angel, Vacancy 2: The First Cut, the Anna Nicole TV Movie, The Baytown Outlaws. Ahhh, ok, now I know why. She is kinda cute and all.
“The Hoverboard has arrived” according to someone who I’m pretty sure is the guy who played Dr. Pierre Chang (Marvin Candle) from ABC’s TV show “LOST” (minus the white lab-coat). So, the Dharma Initiative is somehow behind this? I’m the one who’s LOST here – trust me!
And now they finally decide to put the case on a table. A little late, gang. Still 2 more minutes left to go with this video.
Cue to a slow-motion montage with the music of Zoo Brother’s hit “Fourth of July” playing to some high-flying fun with the HUVr Board.
I was wondering how the board would hold up if a bottle of water was passed on it between two HUVr Boarders, SOLD! I’ll take one!
Oh clever, they used the same Mattel Hoverboard prop-replica decals but replaced HOVER with HUVr. I’m sure Universal Studios was cool with this, right?
Here’s the answer to my earlier question about Doc’s whereabouts. There’s Christopher Lloyd on set out of costume in the video village. He seems a bit under-used in my opinion. Maybe he’ll wrap this all up for us in the end with a moving speech about the future being possible if we choose to believe in our dreams or something Doc Brown’ish…I can’t wait to hear what he has to say.
“This board has more technology in it than the satellites we sent into space in 2010,” says Dr. Chang from LOST to actor Billy Zane who also seems lost. So, we sent less than a couple of magnets and a stabilizer into orbit 4 years ago? THIS is where my tax-payer money went? Maybe he was talking about models used in the film, 2010.
Ahhh, yes having Billy Zane present adds one more ounce of credibility to this project!
“I was in a dream, a real live dream” claims Terrell Owens. This dude not only mastered the HUVr Board, he’s now playing catch with a football on one? I bow to your awesomeness, sir. Hmmm, either he has really broad shoulders or he’s wearing some kind of harness. But, why would he need a harness on a Hoverboard?
Moby is attempting to take a selfie while flying thru the parking lot. This guy is my hero. But, be a good role model next time and wear a helmet, Mobes- protect that beautiful head of yours.
This looks like things could have gone bad here for a moment. Might re-think putting that scene in your updated Sizzle Reel next time. Is that a crane wire in the top right?
Oh, Christopher Lloyd is back in his suit again. What is he saying? Let’s listen…this may be that momentous speech about the future being here…
“Well, this goes beyond…way beyond. (Then cue an awkward and confused pause as if he’s crying followed by a random hand gesture), Thank you.”
Ok, maybe not. Was he having a flashback of being in the Twin/Lone Pine Mall parking lot and giving the “No it’s Cold….Damn Cold” line to Marty?
Why did you waste this poor man’s entire day with this shoot?
Is it wrong to hope that the Libyans screech into the parking lot and crash into that ticket booth behind him after a race with the non-movie replica-looking DeLorean?
Now, let’s close out this video with a made up song about Hoverboards by Los Angeles musician, Bethany Cosentino, of the rock band Best Coast. Another musician who tempts fate by sitting on a HUVr Board with no helmet and strumming her guitar in front of the crew. Wait…you had Moby and the SchoolHouse Rock guy and didn’t get them to sing a song, but you got the girl who was formerly a member of the experimentalist drone group Pocahaunted to sing for you? Ok, just checking. Gotta love the lyrics… “Yeah, when I ride Hoverboards, I have Fun.” It’s catchy, you gotta admit.
Oh, there’s a website, I’m going to have to check this out! Oh, the Main Page IS the video I just watched. Let’s scroll down…
In the ABOUT US, there’s a nice group pic of the HUVr version of the BIG BANG THEORY cast publicity shot and there’s a message on the site that reads:
What began as a summer project in 2010 at the MIT Physics Graduate Program has evolved into one of the most exciting independent products to be developed out of MIT since the high-powered lithium-ion batteries developed by Yet-Ming Chiang in 2001. Our team consists of materials science, electricity & magnetism experts who’ve solved an important part of one of science’s mysteries: the key to anti-gravity.
The HUVr Board team ultimately aims to improve the efficiency, speed and sustainability of mass transportation. Yet rather than spend several more years closed off from the world while investing in research and development, the team and our world-class investors have worked to change the economics R&D by marketing this exciting consumer product in order to fund ongoing R&D.
Oh look, I found the website and acting reel of the scientist from the shoot and holy cow, his last name IS very close to Dr. Pierre Chang from LOST. http://nelsoncheng.com/acting
Here’s a Q&A statement on their Official Facebook message:
Thanks for all your enthusiastic responses! We’ve received a lot of emails and comments, so we’d like to address the most popular questions:
1) Yes! This is real! We look forward to showing you just how real The HUVr is with a series of public live events coming soon to major US cities.
2) Yes! It is safe! Your safety is our highest concern. We wouldn’t release a product that wasn’t rigorously tested to the highest industry standards. When used properly, The HUVr is actually safer than riding a bike!
3) Pre-orders will be available within the month and we hope to ship in December of 2014. Yes, we will ship internationally!
4) We’re working with the manufacturer to bring the price point down to something everyone can afford. Based on your excitement, it’s looking like we can get there!
5) Yes, it’s as fun to ride as it looks!
-The HUVr Team
But wait, was this a video intended as a skit for the comedy website FUNNY or DIE? According to the resume of someone online who appears to have been costumer for the shoot- YEP… http://laurenbiedenharn.4ormat.com/11872-resume
I may have missed something here. Was this video supposed to be Funny? About as funny as a screen door on a battleship.
Yeah, so pretty much this entire video/announcement is debunked. Nice try guys. You almost had us until the standard-looking DeLorean pulled into the parking lot.
From the feedback and comments on YouTube, Twitter & Facebook, it’s evident that you’ve given hope to a gullible many, but also made those who know better feel pretty smart by immediately seeing through your lame attempt. You managed to get a lot of people talking about and sharing your video (due mainly to some high-end talent cameos). Just a thought, you should have gone public with this on April 1st.
Kudos to all of you for almost making us BELIEF.
[UPDATE]: Looks like even after our site blew the whistle and we cried foul about the authenticity of the video, the “HUVr Tech” guys are still not backing down and admitting that this was all a joke. A little after 12 noon PST, their Facebook featured this post …
Beyond the Marquee’s Hoverboard Coverage
Beyond the Marquee: The Web-Series *Extended Edition* (Episode 10) – EXCLUSIVE Look at Mattel’s HOVERBOARD Prop-Replicas
http://beyondthemarquee.com/4869/
(EXCLUSIVE) Beyond the Marquee: The Web-Series (Episode 12): BOB GALE (MATTEL HOVERBOARDS : PART 2)
http://beyondthemarquee.com/5460/
BTM UNCUT: Director ROBERT ZEMECKIS on the Mattel Hoverboard Prop Replicas:
http://beyondthemarquee.com/19992/
Bob Gale Not Impressed with Mattel’s Prop-Replica Hoverboard:
http://beyondthemarquee.com/16302/
Bob Gale Compares Mattel’s New Toy Hoverboard to Screen Used Props Side-by-Side:
http://beyondthemarquee.com/16427/
I don’t care if this was fake or not I a just like the idea of it and the dedication it take to make it happen again I love the movies and I will be honor to on one of my favorite movie I will love to add this timeless prop in my collection I’m a huge fan of the movies were can i get one lol this is chrisajimenez@aol.com
Uh, guys, would it have been possible to go any more Negative Nelly on this?
Geez, lighten up.
It’s a fun, well-made video, including a well-made backstory for the project.
The folks involved should receive kudos for their execution, and for having fun – all involved.
I mean, it’s not like they created a presentation about a fictional burger joint with movie tie-in, right?
(My point being that the same negative criticism could be leveled against such a similar project as well – but it too was recognized as a fun, brilliant idea).
“The only good that comes from this video is that it sparks continued and well-deserved interest in the Back to the Future films and just might inspire someone to actually crack Hover technology someday.” – so achieving this would be a slap in the face of BTTF fans everywhere, according to the logic in the opening paragraphs?
I think you guys need to take a deep breath, and review your opinions on this. Seriously.