Blu-ray Release: E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial

Blu-ray & DVD Release Date: Oct. 9, 2012
Price: Blu-ray/DVD Combo $34.98
Studio: Universal Studios Home Entertainment

Finally! One of the most loved science-fiction movies, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial gets its Blu-ray debut as part of Universal Studios’ 100th anniversary releases. It’s also the film’s 30th birthday.

Directed by Steven Spielberg, whose Jaws also debuted on high-definition for Universal’s 100th celebration, E.T. won four Academy Awards when it was released in theaters back in 1982, for Best Sound Effects, Best Visual Effects, Best Sound and Best Original Score for Spielberg’s long-time collaborator John Williams (The Adventures of Tintin). The film also was nominated for cinematography, film editing, Melissa Mathison’s screenplay, Spielberg’s direction and the biggest Oscar, Best Picture.

The Blu-ray disc, a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack, includes the original 1982 version of the movie, starring a young Drew Barrymore (Big Miracle) and Henry Thomas (Dear John) as a brother and sister who help a stranded alien.

E.T. was digital remastered for the Blu-ray release and upgraded to new 7.1 surround sound.

The Blu-ray/DVD combo pack also has two new special features:

• “The E.T. Journals” with newly released behind-the-scenes footage by cinematographer John Toll.
• “Steven Spielberg & E.T.” new interview with the famed director as he reflects on the film and talks about working with the actors.

The Blu-ray also has bonuses that were on earlier DVD versions of the film:

• deleted scenes: two scenes from the 2002 version of the movie
• “A Look Back” making-of featurette including interviews with Spielberg, the cast and others involved in the film’s production
• “The E.T. Reunion” with the cast and filmmaker discussing the impact of the movie
• “The Evolution and Creation of E.T.” from idea to screenplay, through casting and the film’s production
• “The Music of E.T.: A Discussion With John Williams” with interviews and footage
• “The 20th Anniversary Premiere” with Williams playing the score at the Shrine Auditorium for the 2002 re-release of the movie
• 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 Verreaux
  • Production photographs
  • Marketing

And Universal’s usual Blu-ray extras:

• Instant streaming of the movie via UltraViolet
• downloadable digital copy of the film
• Pocket Blu app that allows smartphones to interact with the Blu-ray player
• BD-Live

Extras on the DVD are:

• “Steven Spielberg & E.T.“
• deleted scenes
• “A Look Back”
• “The E.T. Reunion”

Check out the Blu-ray trailer:

Buy or Rent E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
Blu-ray/DVD Combo	Blu-ray/DVD Combo	Blu-ray/DVD Combo