Do you want to feel really old? Probably not, but if this doesn’t make you feel old I don’t know what will. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial is celebrating it’s 30th anniversary this year. THIRTY YEARS! Oh my goodness. I remember seeing the film in the theater. The film was released in 1982!
Did you know that E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial was the biggest blockbuster of the year in 82′, coming in at #1 for 16 weekends? It remains the 4th most successful movie of all time in the United States.
E.T. was nominated for nine Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Writing, Best Screenplay and Best Cinematography. It took home four awards for Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Effects Editing, Best Sound and Best Music.
E.T. stars the super 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). Not to mention E.T., a sweet little alien who has a thing for Reese’s Pieces. 🙂
If you are not already familiar with the movie (I’d be shocked if someone wasn’t – LOL), E.T. is the story of a young boy who find a friendly alien that he calls E.T. (for Extra-Terrestrial). All E.T. wants to do is get back home, but he needs Elliott’s help. Elliott has to keep his new friend a secret from his siblings, and most especially his mother and the authorities. When Elliott’s little sister Gertie finds E.T. the secret is out. It’s up tot the children to protect E.T. until they can help him get back home.
When the authorities find out about E.T. they want to capture him to examine and do tests on. Unfortunately for E.T. the longer he remains on the planet the sicker he becomes. And due to his special bond with Elliott, he becomes sick too.
It’s a race against the clock, and authorities, to get E.T. back to his planet before it’s too late.
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial is a marvelous film for the entire family. Not only is it a lot of fun (who can’t help bu adore E.T.), but it also digs deep into friendship, family and making sacrifices to help out others. It’s a heart-warming film that should be brought to a whole new generation.
I am thrilled that I was able to add the Blu-ray addition to my family’s movie collection. Seeing the film again on Blu-ray was amazing. My kids have seen the movie on TV but that doesn’t compare to the quality of Blu-ray.
My husband and I both saw the movie in theaters back in 82′ and have always loved the movie. My hard to impress teenagers also love the film.
I was most excited to see the bonus features. I knew there would be a lot for this film since it’s an anniversary edition. Check out all the features that come with the anniversary Blu-ray combo pack.
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.
- 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
There are a lot of bonus features that I really enjoyed. I would have to say that the one that stood out to me the most was the reunion. It was great to see what everyone looks like today and hear their thoughts about the film, especially after all these years.
My next favorite bonus feature is the Evolution and Creation of E.T. I always find it fascinating how a film transforms from an idea to being on the big screen. I love all the insider information and behind the scenes stuff.
The E.T. Journals bonus feature was also very interesting. I’ve been on set visits before and I know what they are like. The E.T. Journals makes you feel like you were on the set when they were making the film. It’s a really neat perspective and I think gives you a better understanding, and appreciation, for what went on to create this film.
In addition to the release of E.T., Universal has partnered with a leading independent games publisher, Chillingo, to create E.T.: The Green Planet which is available on the iTunes App Store. It’s inspired by a novel based on a story by Steven Spielberg, where players travel with E.T. to his home planet, explore and build extraordinary intergalactic botanical gardens, and share their experiences with friends. I haven’t tried the game yet but I plan on checking it out.
I also have some E.T. inspired activities and recipes you might be interested in downloading (FREE). Simply click on the graphics below.
Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/E.T.Movie
Twitter: http://Twitter.com/UniversalEnt #ETPhoneHome
Pinterest: http://Pinterest.com/UniversalEnt/E-T-The-Extra-Terrestrial
YouTube: http://www.YouTube.com/watch?v=vc-XZWzuPsM&feature=player_embedded
Here is the movie’s trailer for your enjoyment. If you are reading this via e-mail you can find the trailer here, .
Kimberly
*I received a free screener copy in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and are not influenced in any way.
