At the time that the episode was produced, new, more stringent censorship laws had been put in place. As a result, the Fox network tried to stop the writers from including Itchy & Scratchy cartoons in episodes. In response, the writers created this episode, which they decided would be as violent as possible. The network threatened that if the episode was produced, they would cut the Itchy & Scratchy parts out themselves, but relented when David Mirkin threatened to tell the media. The writers nevertheless promised to try not to overdo the violence.
The scene in the gift shop where Bart finds a personalized license plate with the name "Bort" has become part of popular culture, inspiring vanity plates among fans and souvenirs in The Simpsons-themed stores at Universal Orlando. Bill Oakley said he always liked the joke but was surprised it took on a "legendary status".
There is a sign that says "Freeway To Some Other State" on the highway, referring to Springfield's unknown location.
The gag about John Travolta being reduced to working as a bartender became dated very quickly, as Pulp Fiction (1994) was released two weeks after this episode aired, and is credited with rejuvenating Travolta's career and making him a bankable actor again.
Although often thought of as a parody of Jurassic Park (1993), the plot actually has more in common with the film Westworld (1973). Both films are works of author Michael Crichton, who wrote and directed Westworld, and wrote the novel Jurassic Park.