New dubbed versions of all three films in the blockbuster sci-fi movie series "Back to the Future" (directed by Robert Zemeckis), which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, will be broadcast for three consecutive weeks starting February 7th on Nippon Television's movie slot "Friday Road Show." In the new dubbed versions, voice actors Mamoru Miyano plays high school student Marty McFly, Koichi Yamadera plays mad scientist "Doc" Emmett Brown, Morikawa Toshiyuki plays Marty's father George, Miyuki Sawashiro plays his mother Lorraine, and Kenta Miyake plays the villain Biff Tannen. Morikawa, Sawashiro, and Miyake have all provided comments.
Morikawa, who plays Marty's father George, a sci-fi novel-loving, eccentric, timid man who tries his best but ends up spinning his wheels, said, "I became obsessed with Back to the Future when I saw it at the cinema. Everyone has the desire to go back to that time, and this film makes that dream come true. It's also a perfectly crafted piece of entertainment, and it's interesting enough that it doesn't fade even after decades." He spoke about the film's appeal.
Regarding his role as George, he said, "As the title suggests, the story is about traveling back in time to different eras, so I had to express the character's portrayal well, so I kept that in mind. My favorite scene is when George, who was a bad father, appears as an incredibly handsome man, like Tom Cruise. It was hilarious, and I can imagine that the actors had a lot of fun acting as well (laughs). My favorite line is in Part 1, there's a scene where George says to Biff over his shoulder, not realizing it's Biff, 'Hey, you bastard, get off your dirty hands,' and the moment Biff turns around, George mutters, 'B, Biff...' I loved the feeling that my life was over (laughs). Also, I like Doc's line at the end of Part 3, 'You carve out your own future'. I think it's very profound."
Sawashiro, who plays Lorraine, a mother who falls in love with her son Marty, who has traveled back in time, said, "Back to the Future is a film filled with pure excitement and thrills, and I was moved by how easily I was moved even watching it as an adult! After finishing watching Part 1, I wore Converse sneakers for a while (laughs)."
On playing Lorraine through different eras, she said, "I told myself that the transformations that would seem like such a difficult part are actually the most fun! (laughs)," and I immersed myself in each scene. My favorite scene is when Lorraine kisses Marty in the car. As soon as she kisses him, the excitement I felt just before disappears and I suddenly feel a sense of discomfort and return to my normal self. It's like a rollercoaster ride. A kissing scene with a "son" who transcends time is a rare scene that you probably won't come across anywhere else. Friday Roadshow is a show I've always dreamed of. If I told the elementary school me who wanted to travel back in time and become a voice actress that I would one day play Lorraine, I probably wouldn't believe me....I didn't want to be nervous at this point, so I just enjoyed it to the fullest! I hope that everyone will love "Back to the Future" with its new tones."
Miyake, who plays the villain Biff, a rogue character who frequently causes trouble throughout the series, said, "I've been watching Back to the Future since I was a child, and I think what makes it so appealing is that it is filled with romance that never wavers, no matter how much time passes. The main character, who is not very impressive but who always makes the decision in the end, and Doc, who invents everything, really tickled the child in me. This was the first time I learned that time travel not only involves going back and forth through time, but that there are many different types of causality, and I was shocked to learn that this is what time travel is like."
Regarding his role as Biff, he commented, "Because the famous villain Biff is always high-energy, I focused more on my explosiveness and how to release my energy than on the small details. It was a dubbing session that tested my physical strength (laughs). Even though he's a villain, I wanted to make sure he still came off as lovable, so I tried to mix in some humor. I felt the pressure of knowing that so many of my predecessors have done the same thing, but I encouraged myself by saying, 'I'll do my best!' My favorite scene is the exchange between old Biff and young Biff in Part 2. It's funny to hear them call each other, 'You idiot!' Also, the scene in Part 2 where Marty plays the guitar. I think this is a great scene that inspired people from a slightly older generation to take up guitar after seeing this. My favorite line is when Biff teases George, 'Your shoelaces are undone!' (laughs). After nearly 30 years of voice acting, I never thought I'd be able to say this line, so I'm really honored and grateful!"
The first film in the "Back to the Future" series was released in 1985 and became a worldwide hit. It was followed by "Part 2" (1989) and "Part 3" (1990), which also became huge hits. It is a science fiction film in which high school student Marty (Michael J. Fox) travels back in time in a Delorean, a time machine created by scientist Doc (Christopher Lloyd). The first film is set 30 years in the past, in 1985, the second 30 years in the future, and the third 100 years ago, during the Wild West.
On Friday Road Show, "Back to the Future New Dubbed Version" will be broadcast at 9 pm on February 7, "Back to the Future Part 2 New Dubbed Version" at 9 pm on the 14th, and "Back to the Future Part 3 New Dubbed Version" at 9 pm on the 21st. The first film and "Part 3" will be broadcast with an extended time of 25 minutes, and "Part 2" will be broadcast with an extended time of 15 minutes.
