Good news, E.T. fans! It has been announced that for the first time ever, “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” will be available on Blu-ray this October. The 30th Anniversary combo pack includes a digitally re-mastered copy of the movie on blu-ray, UltraViolet, digital copy and DVD.
Now, for those who were upset with the updated 2002 re-release of the film, have no fear, Steven Spielberg heard your complaints and took note. At last year’s “Raiders of the Lost Arc” screening, he addressed the criticism head on and admitted the changes robbed people who loved E.T. of their memories of the film. Moments after sharing his thoughts on the matter, Spielberg asked the packed theater if anyone would object to only including the 1982 version for the upcoming Blu-ray release. Of course, his question was met with a resounding “No.”
So there you have it. The walkie-talkies are gone and “penis breath” is back. Also returning is the line where Elliot’s brother is told he looks like a terrorist in his Halloween costume.
If only Spielberg could convince BFF George Lucas to release the original “Star Wars” trilogy on Blu-Ray. You know, the one where Han actually shoots first.
In addition to the original, undoctored version of “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial,” the combo pack is filled with awesome extras. Below is a list of what is included from the official Press Release and the announcement trailer:
- BONUS FEATURES ON THE
E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL ANNIVERSARY EDITION BLU-RAY™:
• 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.
• 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.
• Deleted Scenes: Two scenes from 2002 version of the film.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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. Designs by Production Illustrator Ed Verreaux
• E.T. Designs by Carlo Rambaldi
• Spaceship Designs by Ralph McQuarrie
• Designs by Production Illustrator Ed Verreaux
• Production Photographs
• Marketing E.T.
• UltraViolet™: The revolutionary new way for consumers to collect movies and TV shows, store them in the cloud, and instantly stream and download to computers, tablets and smartphones. Consumers can now truly enjoy their movies anytime, anywhere on the platform of their choice. Currently available in the United States only.
• Digital Copy: The Blu-ray™ Combo Pack includes a digital copy of the film compatible with iTunes®, iPad®, iPhone®, iPod™, iPod™ touch, Android or online retail partners.
• pocket BLU™ App: The popular free pocket BLU™ app for smartphones is now even better with newly updated versions for iPad®, Android™ tablets, PC and Macintosh computers, with features made especially to take advantage of thedevices’ larger screens and high resolution displays.
• Advanced Remote Control: A sleek, elegant new way to operate your Blu-ray™ player. Users can navigate through menus, playback and BD-Live™ functions with ease.
• Video Timeline: Users can easily bring up the video timeline, allowing them to instantly access any point in the film.
• Mobile-To-Go: Users can unlock a selection of bonus content with their Blu-ray™ discs to save to their device or to stream from anywhere there is a Wi-Fi network, enabling them to enjoy content on the go, anytime, anywhere.
• Browse Titles: Users will have access to a complete list of pocket BLU™-enabled titles available and coming to Blu-ray™. They can view free previews and see what additional content is available to unlock on their device.
• Keyboard: Entering data is fast and easy with your device’s intuitive keyboard.
• BD-LIVE™: Access the BD-Live™ Center through your Internet-connected player to access the latest trailers, exclusive content and more!
BONUS FEATURES ON THE DVD:
• Steven Spielberg & E.T.
• Deleted Scenes
• A Look Back
• The E.T. Reunion
E.T.: THE GREEN PLANET
Universal is also partnering with leading independent games publisher Chillingo to publish E.T.: The Green Planet for the iTunes App Store. Inspired by a novel based on a story by Steven Spielberg, players travel with E.T. to his home planet, explore and build extraordinary intergalactic botanical gardens, and share their experiences with friends.
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.
FILMMAKERS
Cast: Dee Wallace, Peter Coyote, Drew Barrymore, Henry Thomas
Directed By: Steven Spielberg
Written By: Melissa Mathison
Produced By: Steven Spielberg & Kathleen Kennedy
Edited By: Carol Littleton
Director of Photography: Allen Daviau
Production Designer: James D. Bissell
Music By: John Williams
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
BLU-RAY™
Street Date: October 2012 – actual date TBD
Copyright: 2012 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Selection Numbers: 61123439
Running Time: 114:27
Layers: Dual
Aspect Ratio: 1:85
Rating: PG
Technical Info: English Dolby Digital 7.1 and 2.0, Spanish and French Dolby 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH, French and Spanish
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
DVD
Street Date: October 2012 – actual date TBD
Copyright: 2012 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Selection Numbers: 61119825
Running Time: 114:27
Rating: PG
Technical Info: English Dolby Digital 7.1 and 2.0, Spanish and French Dolby 5.1
Subtitles: English SDH, French and Spanish
That John Williams score still gives me goosebumps!
As an ‘80s kid, I’m absolutely overjoyed about this news and will definitely pre-order my copy from Amazon. Click HERE
Final note, this version will NOT include the CGI’d “E.T.” found in the two-disc Limited Collector’s Edition in Standard Def. That’s not a deal breaker for me, hopefully it won’t be for you.
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