This year marks the 40th anniversary of Back to the Future. I love the 1980s version of the future. But even more I love the 1880s version. Think of the Nautilus in 20,000 League Under the Sea. Or The Time Machine, which I once actually had a chance to buy–honest! That’s my favorite version of the future. And I’m not alone. So many people love it that they’ve brought it back. Yep. And they’ve created an alternative universe-full of collectible models, art, and even functional devices called steampunk. So geek out with me for a minute and enjoy this trip back to the future…19th century-style!
Click on any image to enlarge it, or to begin slideshow.
“The Nerdmabelia Scattering” — When Leonard and the guys buy a time machine prop from the classic 1960 movie of the same name, its arrival inadvertently creates problems for Penny and she tells the boys that their obsession with comics and toys is “pathetic,” on THE BIG BANG THEORY, Monday, April 28 (8:00-8:30 ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. (pictured standing left to right; Kunal Nayyar as Raj Koothrappali; Jim Parsons as Sheldon; Simon Helberg as Howard Wolowitz and sitting Johnny Galecki as Leonard) Photo: Greg Gayne/CBS ©2008 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.
I loved it!!!!!! I forgot how much of a NERD I truly am.
;>)
Enjoyed the trip…
Steampunk is actually I think the coolest version of the future. Loved the photos my friend, Mitch.
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Never seen it
Thanks for this informative post, I had no idea there was another movie! I can see some inspiration in current times from these pictures
Nice
Wow. I didn’t know you were so into Steampunk.
Is that the Rocketeer in one of those cosplay pics?
Here in Southern California, Long Beach has been the permanent residence of The Queen Mary since December of 1967.
They host an annual Steampunk Convention on board the Titanic looking vessel.
Supposedly, the era nostalgia of The Queen Mary fits in perfectly with the Steampunk vibe.
as for year ’61
I used to live in Long Beach, Lance, and even had a gig on the Queen Mary once. I don’t think the cosplayer’s trying to be the Rocketeer per se, but his mask might be Rocketeer-inspired.
A gig on the Queen Mary?
Lucky 😲
as for the year ’61?
I do not know ALL the history of the Queen Mary.
It was merely serendipitous that when I took my girlfriend (now wife) to Catalina Island in December of 2017 for her 50th birthday because the Catalina Express used to give the birthday person a free ferry ride as long as accompanied by a paying travel companion, we discovered the night before when staying aboard The Queen Mary, she was permanently docked in Long Beach in December 1967.
Was a neat coincidence for my (now) wife.
As she was born in December of 1967.
you left the year 61
I’m sure you’d really love the Steampunk HQ in the historic Victorian precinct of Oamaru, New Zealand Mitch – https://www.steampunkoamaru.co.nz/
Just checked it our, Perry. It looks awesome!
Man after my own heart Mitch. Love H.G., Verne, Doyle et al.
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We do have creative minds.
Versión of the future…. Orwell 1984…here we are!
time travel … so many great movie/book options. let’s not forget the wardrobe (The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe). one of my many favorites! <3
Most magical device ever!
Wow! This post is awesome, fantastic, superb! The way you connected the 1980s future with the 1880s steampunk imagination is pure brilliance. Nautilus, The Time Machine, and all those quirky collectibles — you’ve turned nostalgia into a living universe. Reading this felt like stepping into a time machine myself.
I’d be thrilled if you could also drop your creative spark on my blog — your comment there would be the perfect gear in my steampunk engine!
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These images are geektastic. 🙂
1880s was another rockin’ decade for Time Travel!🧳🐡⚙️
Yep!
I l e the Jules Verne future. It was so darkly innocent.
Interesting point, Joseph.
Like not lie
Great post. Great timing. I think the paradoxes of time travel are fantastic. Having watched the miniseries 11/22/63 by Stephen King, I am in the middle of listening to the audio book.
Where, Jake Epping asks his mentor Al Templton, the classic time travel question, “What would happen if you went back in time and killed your grandfather?” To which he replies, “Why would you do that?”
During a family trip to Ireland, we were able to see a production model of the DMC, so I was glad to see it revived in “Back to the Future.”
The best time travel story I ever heard, is a CBS RADIO Mystery Theater show called “Through The Looking Glass”. I have it on cassette. However, I think it can be found on YouTube or Audible.
I’m up for just about any time travel story, Angelo.
Great ‘future’ movies, Mitch. Back to the Future is certainly a favorite.
As always, Mitch, delightful and excellent post. Thank you for sharing 😊
My pleasure, Denise.
loved the pic of the little locomotive that could