E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL – The Blu Review

In 1982, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial became the biggest blockbuster of the year, and the world fell in love with a strange little creature, and the family who took him in. 30 years later, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial is being brought to audiences like never before… on a 30th Anniversary Blu-Ray.

Nominated for nine Academy Awards® including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Writing and Best Screenplay, the film took home four statuettes for Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Effects Editing, Best Sound and Best Music for John Williams’ (Jaws) memorable score. The unforgettable cast includes the adorable Drew Barrymore (He’s Just Not That Into You, Charlie’s Angels), Henry Thomas (Dear John, Legends of the Fall), Dee Wallace (10, “Sons and Daughters”) and Peter Coyote (“Law & Order: LA,” Jagged Edge).

Recently, I got the chance to sit down with Dee Wallace and speak with her about the film. Check that out here:

E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL ANNIVERSARY EDITION BLU-RAY

Oh E.T., you haven’t aged a day! As for the Blu-Ray, the 1080p/AVC-encoded video transfer looks superb. You can’t really ask for anything better, especially when it was approved by Steven Spielberg himself. The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround sound audio has been cleaned up as much as it can be for a 30-year-old movie. Still, the film has never sounded better. Check out how great this film looks in the clips below.

E.T. Phone Home

A Friend From Another Galaxy

E.T. Hiding

Saying Goodbye

SYNOPSIS

When an imaginative boy meets a lost alien, it is the beginning of one of cinema’s most endearing friendships, as Elliot (Henry Thomas) helps the marvelous creature he calls E.T. find his way back home before government agents can capture him.

BONUS FEATURES

• The E.T. Journals: In this all-new bonus feature, retrace the day-to-day experience of creating E.T from never-before-seen, behind-the-scenes footage shot by Academy Award®-winning cinematographer John Toll. This piece will give viewers a unique feeling of being on the set and living the excitement of what it was like to make E.T. I was thrilled to watch this. It’s rare to find such a complete behind-the-scenes look after all this time.
• Steven Spielberg & E.T.: Watch an all-new interview with Steven Spielberg, as he reflects back on the film and discusses his experience working with the actors, as well as his overall and current perspective on E.T. Great for those of us that grew up with the film.
• Deleted Scenes: Two scenes from 2002 version of the film. You can certainly tell why each were cut.
• A Look Back: A special insider’s look into the making of E.T. featuring interviews with Steven Spielberg, the cast, and others intimately involved with the film. Despite not being in HD (it is from the 2002 version of the film), it’s still fantastic.
• The E.T. Reunion: The cast and filmmaker reunite to discuss their thoughts on the impact of the film.
• The Evolution and Creation of E.T.: From idea to screenplay, through casting and making the film. This is also from the 20th anniversary edition of the film.
• The Music of E.T.: A Discussion with John Williams: Interviews and footage focused on the long-standing relationship between John Williams and Steven Spielberg.
• The 20th Anniversary Premiere: Composer John Williams played the score of E.T. live at the Shrine Auditorium for the re-release premiere of E.T. This featurette gives us a behind the scenes look at this presentation.
• Original Theatrical Trailer
• Special Olympics TV spot
• Designs, Photographs and Marketing

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial is one of those films that instantly makes me feel like a kid again. As a child from the 80’s, I can assure you that this movie has not lost its magic. It is a must for any home collection.

Overall Rating: 4.75 out of 5 stars