The film was released theatrically in 1973 for only a limited time, as the distributor, Cinemation, went bankrupt during the first week the film was released. Only in 1988 did the film resurface on video, through MPI Home Video. Only this version has Peter Fonda's opening remarks about the environment. Subsequent DVD releases do not include this.
In the film, the transfer sends people 56 years in the future. The date is conflictingly stated in external promotional materials as either 2029 or 2044, due to the long gap between the theatrical release (1973) and the home-video release (1988).
A long strip of red Dymo tape runs across the transfer control box. At one point late in the film, the camera gets close enough that part of it is legible. It says: "...LASSES, RINGS, WATCHES, BRACELETS, ETC USE MAT..." This apparently refers to the compartment box in the transfer station in which all metal objects must be placed.
Many sources, including the DVD box, report an "Anne Casper" in the film with no role; the role of Anne was played by Kim Casper. Similarly, the box and some sources credit production assistant Nancy Giebink with a role although she is not credited for one.
The second of four theatrical feature film collaborations of actor Peter Fonda and music composer Bruce Langhorne. In order, the films are: The Hired Hand (1971), Idaho Transfer (1973), Fighting Mad (1976), and Outlaw Blues (1977).