E.T. - The Extra-Terrestrial Reviews

• ... ruined a classic

  
  By AZRJH4JFB59VC on 2002-09-25
  First, I want to make it clear that I'm reviewing the DVD here, not the original film. I liked the original; it's a good movie. Not as fantastic as it is hyped to be, but good enough to have on DVD for an occasional viewing. I give the film 4 stars.

  I have BIG problems with what's behind this DVD, and the "special edition" of ET that's on it.

  The 2002 edition of ET is just absurd. As others pointed out, CGI ET looks silly, and isn't consistent with the "old" scenes that include ET. His stiffness was part of his physical character. Making him more "jar-jar" just doesn't make sense. It's an example of "lets do it because we can". There are lots of thing we "can" do that we "should not" do, and this is one of them.

  But much worse than this is the digital removal of the guns. Not only was this poorly done (from a technical point of view), but it's an example of Political Correctness(tm) gone mad. Guess what: government agents and cops carry guns, and they point them at people/things that they are trying to stop/apprehend. Get over it.

  I hate to see a work of art like ET defaced just to appease a loud, misguided minority of people who believe in political correctness. Bowing to this minority was a cowardly act.

  Finally, the packaging Universal has chosen is obnoxious. The only way to get the original film is to buy a very expensive "gift boxed set", filled with things I do NOT want. I'm willing to pay for a boxed set, but only if it contains the following items: Original movie with original 5.1 sound track, commentary track(s), deleted scenes, making of and/or retrospective featurettes. That's it. This would probably fit on one disc, making a boxed set unnecessary. ...
  
  

• Did not need to be touched up!!...

  
  By A28B7IJR80M8KE on 2002-07-24
  As a "Star Wars" fan, I have to admit, George Lucas' 1977 grand epic movie DID NEED to be fixed, Lucas totally buffed up its Special effects, which it needed, SW Special Edition is phenominal compared to its original version, however I don't feel the same way about E.T., I mean what really needed to be fixed????, SW was Sci-Fi, so naturally it needed it, E.T. had very little effects in the way of visuals, I don't know what Speilberg is thinking, I mean, is he trying to compete with Lucas in a friendly way??, You can bet I will be watching the 1982 version, this film really is a timeless classic about an alien left behind on earth who soon befriends Elliott, a 10 year old who lives in what appears to be the valley of Los Angeles, Elliot & E.T. share a special bond, it is every lonely kid's dream, I was 11 when I first saw it, it hit home, because at the time I was new in my neighborhood, & my mom had just gone through a divorce too, I was an only child too, so you can imagine, E.T. always heightened my spirits, this film is great in that it shows what a fun character E.T. could be, the original puppet used was by all accounts well done, why they felt the need to digitally enhance E.T. is beyond me, we have never seen Jar Jar Binks as a puppet, so we don't think much about it, but E.T. you do, had digital technology been possible in 1982, then maybe it wouldn't matter, but now it does, another flaw is the removed guns from the government agents, (another mistake), why be politically correct??, I mean lets face it, agents hell bent on capturing an alien would not be so kid-friendly, in all reality they would be pursuing with guns, not walkie-talikes!..., Speilberg should have left this treasure alone, I can understand Lucas' argument on SW, but this one had little in the way of visual effects, I say stick with the original version & skip the 2002 version, the original may cost more, but it is worth it.
  
  

• What is Spielberg doing?

  
  By A28B9O8ON831WF on 2002-07-11
  Spielberg really messed up this time. Why oh why is he putting the 2002 version on this dvd? The computer graphics look botched up, and we didn't need the extra scene in the bathtub. The original version would have been a smarter move to put on a collector's edition dvd. The puppet from the original looked just fine. He really messed up.
  
  

• Great movie, great set

  
  By A25QXIFEHR6900 on 2005-11-19
  Let me explain something that I feel a lot of people are forgetting. This set doesn't only include the new version, but the old as well. That's a great deal, since you can choose which one you would like to see. If you hate the new effects and CGI, don't watch it. It's that simple.
  
  Now don't get me wrong. I think the newer version is very silly, and I wonder if Spielberg really thought it looked good when he did it. Maybe if he were to do it in around 10 years, it wouldn't look so animated.
  
  I did like the deleted bathroom scene though, even though it was done with CGI. It would have been nice to have seen that in the original, but I guess that would be having my cake and eating it too.
  
  There is nothing flawed about this set, it simply just gives some options that not everyone will want to choose. If you enjoy the movie, you will enjoy this set. It's a classic that hasn't lost it's flavor after all these years.
  
  

• Dr Scifi, or How PC Started Worrying and Stopped the Bombard

  
  By A382KYN94MZPA4 on 2002-03-14
  (The above means the censors cutting this sci-fi movie, because political correctness supporters worried about it being scary to small children and stopped the the bombarding complaints by coming up with this inferior hacked up version)

  Now, don't get me wrong, I love the original ET, but I can't fill up my loving for the original on this digitally tweaked version.

  It's confirmed. Speilberg decided to listen to the censors and come up with this. Since the new scenes have a digital E.T., they slapped a digital one over the original in the scenes from the real version so they would blend more together.

  Why would they wanna do that? Just get out the the original minature for the new scenes, I doubt it'd be destroyed after 20 years.

  That's also a problem with CGI, it just feels soft and flat (check comparsions for Apcalypse Now's helicopter raid and a HCR in a modern movie that uses CGI for raids, or the LOTR version from '78 and the new one with the Black Rider in the woods scene).

  Here are all the tweaks I know of:
  1) Since the new scenes have a digital E.T., they slapped a digital one over the original in the scenes from the real version so they would blend more together (aforementioned)
  2) The guns on the agents are replaced with walkie talkies or removed altogether (I'm pretty sure all kids would know that was an empty threat, or at least I did when I was younger)
  3) Two or more instances of "lavicious" dialouge, one for the speak of a supposed terrorist (this what happens when terrorism has recently happened and they say "terrorist" or refrenses to it).
  That's all I know of but I'm sure there's more.
  
  

• E.T.: The Emotional Triumph (20th Anniversary Edition)
  By A27PSZX2SE0B51 on 2002-04-03
  I first saw "E.T." when I was 7 years old. My parents took me, and after enduring a hideously long line-up, the sound conked out in the theatre ten minutes into the movie. We did make another, more successful, excursion a couple of weeks later. But my memories of the film have always been wrapped up in the failure of that first time, and my desire to participate in the positive hype surrounding the film. Which, I now see, has coloured my perception.

  With that in mind, herewith are some things I noticed, for better or for worse, upon seeing the new 20th anniversary edition of "E.T.: the Extra-Terrestrial":

  *The bad guys, whom I always thought were carrying guns, actually had walkie-talkies...

  Okay, I knew about this going in. Some people here have said that the difference is barely noticeable. I suspect that's true, unless you're looking for it. I found it quite distracting: Mr. Baddie would be standing, feet apart, hands in shotgun-holding position, but his left hand would be empty and his right would be holding a fake looking walkie-talkie. I don't think the change was necessary, especially since it wasn't realized effectively.

  *E.T. bathes...

  There's one new scene where Elliott gives E.T. a bath. A good idea ripe for comedy, it's quite funny. But what I found distracting here, and in other scenes, is the use of a new computer generated E.T. His eyebrows are animated, his neck moves with relative ease, he appears to have actual joints in his elbows and knees, and his torso is mobile if not downright agile. E.T. has been Jar-Jar'ed, and like the CGI failure referred to by that neologism, it just doesn't work.

  *The acting is hit or miss...

  The three kids are solid, if not spectacular. Henry Thomas (Elliott) does little more than look wistful, while trying to rein in his pre-pubescent falsetto. In his more emotional scenes, to his credit, he never goes over the top. Although he does get pretty close sometimes. Robert MacNaughton, as Michael, does well in showing that the older brother may be someone to look up to, but he's still also just a kid. And Drew Barrymore, as Gertie, gets by on precocious charisma and wide-eyed stares. Which, frankly, is more than enough. I don't think Drew has been this believable and funny in any role since.

  Dee Wallace, as the oblivious mom, has a few moments in which to show emotional pain. Her recent divorce from her husband, while allowing for some depth of character, also provides the movie's underlying theme: her kids just want their father, or barring that, a father figure. But her comic moments, like the bedroom-farcical scene around the refrigerator, just fall flat. Thankfully, she's not a terribly important character. Neither is Keys, aptly named, and played by Peter Coyote. He's a cipher, a faceless (for most of the movie) bad guy, who inexplicably turns out to be a big softie in the end. Which basically means this is an adventure movie without an antagonist. And yet it still works. Imagine that.

  The best acting, shockingly enough, is done by E.T. himself. Getting a giant puppet to deliver such a range of emotions (loneliness, terror, fear, joy, love, torment, anguish, not to mention inebriation) is a remarkable feat. Add to that the fact that the little guy is so damn cute, and it's no wonder this movie was a huge hit. You just can't help but fall in love with him, and rue the moment when he has to leave.

  *Elvis Costello is referenced. Twice...

  Michael comes home from school one day, goes to the fridge for a snack, and heads up to his room, where Elliott is waiting to introduce him to a new friend (guess who). All the while, he is tunelessly singing Elvis Costello's "Accidents Will Happen". Later, in Elliott's room, you can't help but miss the prominent Elvis Costello poster next to the door. So, what gives? What is my most favourite new-wave punker doing in a Steven Spielberg movie? I can't explain it, though I'm glad he's there. Maybe the line, "She says she CAN'T GO HOME without a chaperon" partially explains things.

  *It's kind of a flimsy little flick...

  So I'm listening to the John Williams score, and I think to myself, "Would this movie have any emotional weight without the music?" I dare say not nearly as much. Many deride Williams as a purveyor of simple, shlocky, and oppressive melodies. But his music here, less memorable than his other Spielberg offerings, really carries the emotional load. Screenwriter Melissa Mathison does little to let us in on the family's background (that one snippet about the absent father just doesn't cut it), and Spielberg is a little too concerned with the here-and-now to deal with the backstory. It becomes Williams' duty to tug at the heartstrings. He's up to the task, but you can't help but feel manipulated after you've left the theatre.

  *Spielberg really idolized George Lucas' success...

  Countless Star Wars references abound. From Elliott's toys, to two separate Yoda moments (MacNaughton does a spot-on Yoda impression), Lucasfilm runs rampant here in Amblin country. I can't tell if these cross-promotional references are playful or competitive. Regardless, it's interesting to see a filmmaker admit to his lofty but personal place in the cinema universe.

  *"E.T." is an over-powering emotional experience...

  Even for the most hardened cynics like myself, a certain amount of welling-up will occur sometime before the credits roll. And I guess that's the ultimate measure of this film's success. For no matter how much tinkering Spielberg has done, or how many mistakes he made the first time around, you can surely say one thing about this movie: it aims for your gut, and hits it dead-on with full force.
  
  

• Classic Family Fun...Great DVD Package....
  By A2ZSC81MXLBELX on 2003-04-01
  This review refers to the DVD 2-Disc Limited Edition(Widescreen) of "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial".....

  Universal has put together a great package deal in this limited edition of E.T. This package was supposed to be discontinued but I see it is still for sale and if you love this movie, you should grab it up while you can. There is another edition with 3 discs and even more extras(if your pocketbook can afford it and you really feel you need more extras), but this one has not only both versions of the film ,but plenty of features to peruse through on it's own(and costs alot less).

  I really only wanted the original edition at first, as I thought this film was already perfect, but buying it with the newly enhanced version seemed to be the only way to get it, and for the price of this classic, that may be enjoyed by the whole family often, and for many years to come, I have just come to realize that the second disc is icing on the cake.

  The story of a young boy who befriends a cute and friendly alien that has been accidently left behind by his ship is one that touched our hearts 20 years ago and still does today. It was directed by Steven Spielberg who says this is his most personal film. Wow.. that's really something considering all the gifts he has given us over the years. It stars a very young Henry Thomas as Elliot, the one E.T. comes to for help to get back home, and he performs so well that he has us believing this alien is real and tugs at our heartstrings throughout the film. Also starring are a really young Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote and Dee Wallace(who has since become known as "E.T.'s Mom"), all turning in outstanding performances. And of course there is that marvelous, goose-bump evoking score by John Williams that has become so familiar over the years.

  You can see all the bonus features(including a touching reunion) that you get in the technical information section on this product, but I can tell you that, although some subtle changes were made to the newer version, BOTH versions look like new. The picture is presented in widescreen(I saw a full-screen package available for sale as well, if you prefer)and has been masterfully restored. The colors are vivid, and all scenes are crystal clear. On the back of the package it only indicates that disc 1(the 2002 version) has the choice of 5.1 DTS,or Dolby, but I was pleasantly suprised to see that disc 2(1982 version) also has these choices and is beautifully remastered. The sound fills the room! It also may be viewed in French and Spanish in Stereo. There are subtitles and captions as well.

  A film to be enjoyed year after year, generation after generation. Don't miss out on this great package deal....enjoy...Laurie
  
  

• The worst sort of ploy
  By A1NNMD3MRRXMWN on 2002-06-27
  OK, I have no real problem with a director changing a movie and doing silly things like changing walkie talkies into cellphones and inserting newe incredibly obvious CGI versions of E.T. into the movie. Whatever. I didn't go see the movie because I wanted to see the original.

  Now the only way to see the original is to buy this rather idiotic {price] "Gift Set" which comes with a bunch of stuff I don't need. There's no option to just buy the original version. The ONLY WAY to see the original version of this movie, THE WAY THE MOVIE WAS MADE is to drop [price] into the lap of Universal.

  But wait it gets worse... At [price] you expect some extra features, right? Wrong! Sort of. The only real features (trailer, deleted scenes) aren't even available on the DVD. No, you need both the DVD *AND* a new expensive computer with a DVD-ROM drive *AND* a fast internet connection to see the scenes quickly *AND* it better not be a Mac. And you know that online content will only be around for a few months before the website changes and that will no longer be available.

  And finally, let's hope you're not a sound buff. The original version, eventhough it was filmed with 6 discrete sound tracks isn't even going to have surround sound --- eventhough it had it in the theatres!!!

  Thanks but no thanks. I won't spend a dime until this is all fixed.
  
  

• Simply wonderful
  By A36FH06J7C6LST on 2002-09-23
  I just do not understand all of this bitching and moaning that's been going on and on about this marvelous piece of cinematic magic. So what if they touched-up this movie? E.T. is wonderful anyway, changes or not, and I think the changes make it be that much better. I had never before seen it in the theatre until this year and I was totally blown away. It was like I was watching it for the first time. I heard and noticed things I hadn't before. Plus since this is the computer age with loads of wonderful technology at our fingertips, I say why not touch it up and make it better? Sure a sense of nostalgia comes in when you see the original version, but I think all old movies should get this sort of treatment. It just enhances them better than ever. E.T. is and always will be a classic forevermore, no matter what!
  
  
• E.T
  By A29R4FCO6RFX4K on 2002-10-23
  Both versions of Steven Spielberg's masterpiece are available on this limited edition DVD of E.T- THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL. The original 1982 and the 2002 re-mastered version are equally impressive. The minor cuts and restored footage doesn't add much. Sure, the CG E.T is impressive and there are some great moments put back in that make the film feel more complete. But the heart of the film stays the same. Differing from Spielberg's more strident films (JAWS, the INDIANA JONES films and JURASSIC PARK), E.T is the simple story of Elliot (Henry Thomas) who finds a friend from space and helps him to find his way home, hence the oft-quoted line "E.T phone home!". The iconic image of Elliot riding past the moon is one of the most memorable movie moments in cinema history, accompanied by John William's whimsical score (Another coup-de-grace par-excellence). The film itself is still emotionally involving and the peformances of the principal actors, especially Henry Thomas and Drew Barrymore are fantastic. Regardless of the film's 2002 theatrical dissapointment, Spielberg's masterful storytelling holds up to this day. One of my all-time favourites, E.T will always be remembered as one of the greatest cinema experiences in film history.
  The DVD extras are very impressive. Startting off with Disc One, the 2002 version has an introduction by Steven Spielberg, a live performance of John Williams conducting at the 2002 premiere and an "exciting space exploration". Disc Two has the 1982 version. the extras include a "Spotlight on Location" featurette, The Reunion: The cast and filmmakers talk sbout the film. The Evolution and Creation of ET: hundreds of production photographs, conceptual drawings and original advertising in an interactive environment. Also included are theatrical trailers and DVD-ROM features. A must have DVD.
  
  
• E.T. The 20th Anniversary Mess!
  By on 2002-08-14
  E.T. is one of my favorite movies of all time and when I heard that it was being re-released in movie theatres everywhere I was ecstatic. I went into the movie theatre thinking this was going to be the best re-release ever! But boy was I wrong. Spielberg ruined it by putting in a CGI-animated E.T. which frankly looked VERY VERY FAKE! I prefer seeing the flimsy E.T. from the 82 version. But there was a good thing about the 20th anniversary: the inclusion of a bath scene with E.T. and Elliot that is so funny and cute. Another thing that really ticked me off is that guns were re-placed by, get this, WALKIE TALKIES! You say, oh that's a good thing I don't want my kid to see guns pointed at E.T. Well parents somehow or another your kid is going to see the original version sometime or another. I really also don't like how I have to for out [$...] to get the original 1982 version in this ULTIMATE GIFT SET! The contents of this box are:

  A 3-disc set of the E.T. DVD Release
  The 20th Anniversary music CD (I ALREADY OWN THIS!)
  The original script
  And a senitype (whatever the heck that is, I'm guessing its a piece of film from the movie)

  I already own the soundtrack so I'll be getting 2 of something I already have. Oh well, I'll just have to fork out [$...] to get the original, but its not even in 5.1 surround. For that you have to watch the BUTCHERED 2002 release. Bad Universal Bad!
  
  

• So good it can't be put into words
  By A2QRB6L1MCJ53G on 2000-05-03
  I grew up in the 80's and E.T. was always one of my favorite movies, and it still is and always will be. Like most Steven Spielberg movies, it was a classic and broke new ground in movie genres. It's about an alien called E.T. that befriends a young boy (Henry Thomas)and for awhile, nobody else even knows anything about E.T. until Elliot tells his brother, sister, and friends about E.T. They all laugh and don't believe him until he introduces his brother to E.T. and his sister (Drew Barrymore). Both become attached to the alien just like Elliot. When the mom (Dee Wallace Stone) finds out about E.T., trouble arises and the law is out to find E.T. That's when Elliot's and his brother's friends find out about E.T. and try to keep the alien away from the law. In the end, E.T. goes back home and leaves the family with a sense of friendship and belonging.

  E.T. is one of the best classics of all time and it has its mark on movie history. Not because it brought in tons of money at the theatres, but because it was a revolutionary drama and a movie that anybody could enjoy. It probably has more memorable scenes and lines than any other movie of the 80's. Some are when E.T. makes the bicycles fly through the air to make getting away from the police a breeze, Elliot and the gang trying to find E.T. by laying a bunch of Reese's pieces on the ground, and the all-famous line "E.T. phone home." I'm 19 now and I haven't even looked at my toys for years, but some of the ones I remember most are a E.T. light that my mom used to keep glowing in my room and a phone with E.T. on it. E.T. brings back many memories from when I was a kid and I can't wait to show it to my kids and tell them about it when I get married and have them one day.

  Even if you don't like drama movies, this is one movie you can't miss no matter who you are. I don't know too many people that don't like this movie.
  
  

• Includes both versions of film!
  By A3E9WLZWIKDGWP on 2002-10-17
  This isn't reflected in the press release or above in the disc specs, but both the 2-disc and 3-disc sets include both the 1982 and 2002 versions of the film! This has been confirmed by Steven Spielberg on the Today show on NBC.
  
  
• The only way to get the "original" version of this film
  By A16GGCDUETTTDB on 2006-06-20
  This product is limited and is no longer being made by Universal studios. Steven Spielberg prefers that you buy his new "enhanced" version of E.T.
  
  I, like most reviewers here, prefer the original version of this movie. What Spielberg did in 2002 for this movie was he computer-animated E.T., enhanced a few scenery shots, added two extra scenes, and digitally removed all hand guns.
  
  Now I don't mind him adding extra scenes, but all the other things basically changed the film. I liked E.T. the puppet. He was more real. Speilberg basically just threw away all the work that the puppeteers did (which was made up of little people, a boy with no legs, and a lady doing E.T.'s arms). Yes Spielberg, I understand that this is what you WOULD HAVE done if given the technology back 1982, but you don't have to change anything.
  
  And digitally removing the handguns and replacing them with walkie-talkies was stupid too. Government agents will use guns to stop anyone who tries to stop them. Spielberg's philosophy behind doing this was that he regretted having the government agents using the guns to apprehend kids. But that's what agents do. How are they going to stop the kids with walkie-talkies, say, "Hey, I have a walkie-talkie and I'm not afraid to use it." Spielberg was also upset about having guns in a family film. Well, he didn't really make this a "family film" when he allowed cussing in it, such as the "b" word, the "s" word, and somebody calling someone else "pen*s breath." How come you didn't edit that Spielberg?
  
  So if you can, try to buy this product, because this is the only way to find this film in its original version (unfortunately this product has the 2002 version but it's all worth it). Every director should have the freedom to do what they want to the films, but keep the original versions for fans please! That goes for you too George Lucas.
  
  
• Censorship?
  By on 2002-07-08
  I am not pro gun or anything, but altering the movie so that the crooks have walkie talkies instead of guns is just stupid. Why do Lucas and Spielberg insist on editing the classics. I wouldn't take this DVD if you gave it to me.
  
  
• Where is the REAL "E.T.", as seen in 1982??
  By ANIUT55MO49TI on 2002-07-20
  Why on earth is the ORIGINAL version of thi film not on this DVD? I was greatly dismayed by the absurd changes made to this brilliant and unforgettable film for its recent theatrical reissue--I would have hoped that all the negative audience response would have at least ensured a first-class release of the original theatrical cut on this new DVD...WRONG! Bad choice by Universal, and one which I hope will be quickly rectified.
  
  
• Universal Gets It Right!
  By A364KHCYH7P6UW on 2002-10-17
  Universal announced on October 15th that the ORIGINAL 1982 VERSION of the film WILL BE INCLUDED on this edition, rather than only on the more expensive "Ultimate Collector's Edition." It looks like the cries of fans and consumers have finally been heard and Universal is doing the right thing. Now, YOU DON'T HAVE TO FORK OVER [X] FOR THE ULTIMATE EDITION TO GET THE ORIGINAL VERSION OF THE FILM WE ALL LOVE.
  
  
• An acceptable caricature
  By A3HHGCM4L7XEDU on 2005-10-05
  My kids bought me this dvd for my birthday. I ripped it open and popped it in the player, eagerly anticipating old childhood memories to resurface. I own the VHS original, but I haven't watched it for quite some time, so I was a bit excited to get the 'new and improved' version. I also proceeded with a bit of trepidation because I had heard that there were changes made to the movie that many don't appreciate. After watching, I can understand and share much of their displeasure. Spielberg traversed dangerous ground and almost made a classic movie into a cartoonish travesty. Almost.
  
  First, the scene in the beginning where ET is running from men in the woods was redone so that ET is now Computer Generated, and you actually see him running through the forest. In the old version you see ET moving through the woods, and admittedly he doesn't seem to be running, as he smothly coasts over the forest floor. In my chilhood imagination, I always attributed this to the fact that ET had special powers. Heck, ET could fly - so obviously he used his powers to glide seamlessly over the forested carpet. But nooooo... Spielberg took all imagination away by creating an ET that looks like Kermit the Frog leaping on lilly pads. It was truly silly. Next, in the original scene where ET is walking over the hill towards the town, you only catch a glimpse of him as he goes over the crest of the hill - but in the new and "improved" scene, you see the entire ET walk off and over the crest, stealing all of the mystique and wonder of the moment. The whole beginning of the movie was pretty much ruined. It gets a little better from there, but throughout most of the movie the old ET is replaced by computer generated images. Sometimes the old ET is still there, but you can always clearly see when the old ET is there versus the new ET. ET was not ET anymore. It was truly distracting and disappointing. There were also a couple of deleted scenes added. They weren't bad, but it was pretty evident why these scenes were deleted in the first place. They didn't seem to quite fit.
  
  Still, even with all of the nonsense, I admit that it was still enjoyable. My little kids liked it, they laughed; and were sad when ET "died", and sad again at the end when he went home. There was still enough of the old magic left to make it worthwile. The movie was decent, but the extra features are probably the best thing about this release. If you have the original, I'd say don't bother with this one. Why mess with a masterpiece?
  
  
• REVIEW FOR BOX SET ONLY! GREAT FILM DEFACED!
  By A1ER6IYOMM8VCT on 2007-09-03
  I bought the E.T. Box set at a reduced price recently because I refused to buy the altered version of the film! THIS HAS GOT TO STOP AND STOP NOW! Where do we draw the line? Are we gong to do CGI over the original "King Kong"? Are we going to color Hattie McDaniels's skin color white in "Gone With The Wind"? It is getting ridiculous what we are putting up with! People need to get over themselvies and stop being so sensitive. I just watched the Godfather trilogy and I'm Italian American! Am I complaining that Italians are protrayed as Gangsters? No! We could go back and forth all day talking about this, but in short....let things stay intact! No altering films or art etc., whether its a classic or not! It is what it is! OK?????? Ahhhh I feel slightly better now! The original film E.T is a wonderful film that seemed even better than I remembered. The DVD transfer looks great and the audio was really surprisingly good! The is an excellent film, but look for the gift set cheap. AVOID THE SINGLE DISC LIKE THE PLAGUE!
  
  
• An Old Favorite Experienced Through Young Eyes
  By A28OB1QLXN5BM6 on 2008-05-17
  I remember when Steven Speilberg's "E.T. The Extra Terrestrial" was first released, being touched and awed by such a beautiful and unique film. Everyone I knew was talking about this film; it struck an emotional cord in young and old alike. It, along with "Close Encounters of the Third Kind", was one of the first films with aliens where the aliens were NOT portrayed as invading monsters, and we, the people of Earth, didn't immediately shoot first and ask questions later. Even in the classic "The Day the Earth Stood Still", a soldier shoots at Klatu in one of the earliest scenes.
  
  This story of a boy named Elliot who develops a deep and lasting friendship with a young space alien accidentally left behind on Earth teaches lessons of friendship, devotion, and love. Elliot and his new friend ET show us the power of wonder, innocence, acceptance, curiosity, and communication. The scene where Elliot begins to attempt to teach ET to talk via a stream of consciousness naming of everything in sight is wonderful, so typically childlike and real. It always brings a huge smile to my face.
  
  I watched ET again last night with my newly 3-year old daughter. I was amazed. It immediately captured her attention; she watched it with huge, wide, interested eyes. As she sat in my lap, she whispered various questions - "What's happening, Mommy?" or "Why are the kids screaming?" I explained that a young ET had been accidentally left on Earth by his mommy and daddy, that Elliot was searching for ET to bring him back to his house, that the little girl and ET were scared of each other at first, etc. She took it all in, absorbed it, and clearly thought about it. When Elliot brought food for ET, and when Drew Barrymore started smiling at ET, my daughter exclaimed, "Oh look, Mama, now they are friends!" with a happy, satisfied smile on her face. Near the end she said, "He misses his mommy. ET phoned home." Her sweet, insightful, innocent comments once again brought tears to my eyes.
  
  This film continues to be pure magic. "E.T." has earned itself a place in movie history, and deserves the highest praise and more. Introducing it to a young child improves even the best experience, bringing to mind memories of that first time and surpassing them. It truly is a film for the ages, for all generations, and will be for years to come.
  
  
  
• One of Spielberg's best films
  By A2WDSO1DQZ7J03 on 1999-12-02
  The first time I saw Steven Spielberg's great film "E.T." was in 1983 in a cinema in my home town. I was six years old. I was totally captivated by it. This is not surprising since youngsters of that age are quite easily captivated. But today, 16 years later, my opinion on "E.T." did not change. It is impossible to resist the charm and the ingeniuity of the film. The creature is utterly convincing and a triumph of imagination. The term "movie magic" was never more jusified than here. Perhaps "E.T." is even the film this term was invented for. I'm really looking forward to the re-release in 2002. Until then, watch it on the biggest TV set you can get (and the best sound system to enjoy John Williams' superior score). I do not need to mention that it is absolutely necessary to rent (better buy) a widescreen edition to see it in its original 1:1,85 ratio.
  
  
• Botched Up DVD Job
  By ADXB98Q9UOJY0 on 2002-06-30
  The movie itself is above average and quite entertaining for young children, but this dvd package is outragous and full of gimmicks, not to mention that it's the only way to own the original E.T. Universal really messed up this time.
  
  
• Try again in 5 years
  By A29QA79VLQGHY6 on 2002-12-04
  In a lot of ways, the two DVD sets that mark the 20th anniversary of the warm-and-fuzzy classic "E.T." feel like family albums. Most of the on-the-set footage plays like home movies. The cast clearly considers "E.T." one of their own. "He was one of the kids," "E.T." mom Dee Wallace says. Charming and nostalgic to be sure, but the material probably resonates best with those connected to the production.

  Universal Home Video has released "E.T." in two handsome sets, marking the film's debut on DVD. (Some of the material appeared on laserdisc.) Both have the heft of an event release, with fine art direction on the packages, discs and menus. Audio and video have been spit-polished; the list of extras seems mighty enough. Clearly, the money was spent.

  Still, it all feels a bit thin. Put simply, the sets are not in the same league with well-organized, highly informative titles like "The Phantom Menace," Spielberg's own "A.I." or "Singin' in the Rain."

  At times, the extras for "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" play like "E.T." the celebrity news show. Spielberg and his actors stay in pure promotion mode as they reminisce. The populist approach should suit fans looking to catch up with the "E.T." stars, but it probably won't sit well with those seeking insight into one of the last century's most successful movies.

  Both sets feature the original theatrical version of "E.T." and the updated director's cut that was released to cinemas in March. Universal says Spielberg gave in to consumer demand at the last minute, agreeing to include the original film on the smaller set. This may explain some of the DVD sets' problems with clunky navigation and skimpy direct access of extras. Both sets include a second unspooling of the new film as it was accompanied live by John Williams' orchestra.

  The "Limited Collector's Edition" has a half-hour version of the new making-of docu "The Evolution and Creation of E.T." that runs almost an hour on the larger set. Also missing is the larger set's thoughtful documentary on John Williams, who won an Oscar for his "E.T." score. These cuts removed some of the more informative material, making the full box set the necessary (and more costly) acquisition for those with a serious interest in the film. Both sets are to be discontinued at the end of the year, returning "E.T." to the suspended animation of "video moratorium."

  "The Ultimate Gift Boxed Set" adds a remastered CD soundtrack, the colorful hardcover book "E.T. From Concept to Classic" (which threads Melissa Mathison's script around some decent feature material) and a "collectible senitype" (reproduction of a film frame). A certificate of authenticity makes it all official. The review copy's box suffered significant tearing at the corners not long after it was removed from the shrinkwrap. The smaller package is quite sturdy.

  The new cut of "E.T." looks fine, much as it did during its theatrical run last spring. Image quality has its highs and a few lows, but this appears to be the best possible rendering of "E.T." The older film looks so-so, with night scenes on the muddy side.

  The DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 sound strong for the most part, providing sufficient vistas for John Williams' sweeping score. The DTS provides more depth and bottom than the Dolby, but the difference won't be dramatic on most systems. In an oddity, the original "E.T." on the two-disc edition has DTS encoding, but not on the more extensive set (this is not reflected on the packaging). Universal says this was a disc-space issue. No matter -- the old sound can't touch the new sound regardless of how it's processed. Limited surround effects on the updated film won't test the outer limits of many systems: It all sounds kind of Pro Logic, probably a creative decision.

  Buyers of the larger set get a breakdown of scenes that were changed or added, but you have to go deep into the making-of to find the comparisons. (Users should be able to access features like these quickly via menus).
  
  

• Okay, NOW all the film purists can calm down.........
  By A3OMDSHIGTFY84 on 2002-03-17
  For all of you who are complaining about the edits and "tweaking" of several elements in this film, you can relax now. In the 20th Anniversary TV special broadcast on NBC, Spielberg himself, said that when the Special Edition is released on DVD, it will contain BOTH the revised edition that is coming soon to theaters, AND the original 1982 version. At least he's giving us a choice.
  
  
• An incredibly overrated movie.
  By A3JFI6DEI91GG3 on 2002-10-04
  Being born in the E.T. generation, one might expect me to be more nostalgic about this film. The problem is that E.T. is one of the most boring, emotionally shallow movies of the last 30 years. It's only point is to make the viewer depressed over the terrible treatment of an alien being. The creature E.T. is completely unlovable and unbelievable. Spielburg is very good at pushing the viewers emotional buttons, but little else. This movie lacks substance and direction, and I've never felt more bored than when watching this movie.
  
  
• Wow! Its STILL that good!
  By AQ75S7221N12Z on 2002-11-01
  Parents with children..REJOICE! E.T. is on DVD in all its glory. By demand, both versions are in this set, the original and the adapted one.

  The sound is upgraded and truly spectacular. Maestro John Williams' score still packs the punch it did before, but now in DTS and 5.1 surround. The trademark bicycle screen finds me in greater appreciation as the sound lifts you up, the the music moves you seemlessly through the movie.

  The picture itself is legendary, so I will not go into that detail, except to say I completely forgot the age Drew Barrymore was at that time, and the excellent job Dee Wallace did in this film.

  The quality of the video is mesmerizing. Spielberg's use of light and shadow, and the use of movement with sound are even better now in this DVD, and the wider your screen, and more enveloped in this story you will be. Twenty years ago?

  The newly computerized E.T. and ship in the new version you soon forget as you get into the movie, but its much smoother than the new STAR WARS re-issues. It does NOT affect the storyline, and may actually enhance it since much more can be done.

  The original version still packs its punch. Yes, its a guy in a suit, but the kids LOVE it. Both are good, with the new version is a lttle more intense since it looks more real and that is all.

  As an adult, I was quite surprised that I was getting a little "misty" eyed at the last 20 minutes. The children were virtually mesmerized, never seeing the movie until then so this story wsas like seeing "Peter Pan" for the first time. The adults were , lets say, very silent until the end. (err..excuse me..got to get water and such)

  This version, with its special features, sound, quality, and BOTH versions of the movie is almost mandatory for any family with children, and the child in the rest of us will treasure it to.

  This may be his best work, and definitely is one of the best of the last 30 years. This is highly recommended.

  Oh yes..NOT ONE CELL PHONE IN THE WHOLE MOVIE! YEA!
  
  

• An inspiring and ultimately tear-jerking masterpiece
  By AE0E6UII0VSZA on 2001-02-28
  As if seeing the little boy Elliot hug his new best friend E.T. at the end wasn't enough to make your tear ducts burn with the desire to let a few drip down your face, E.T.'s magically illuminated finger ignites with life and casts a warm glow onto the tearful face of the friend he's about to leave behind and says the words that warmed hearts around the world: "I'll be right here." The music soars, E.T. picks up his plant, and the tears proceed to trickle down my face and land with a nice little plop on my pants before they are absorbed by the denim fabric. But they aren't tears of sadness, like they are when E.T. is defibrilated; they are tears of joy and happiness. This little creature whom I, as a viewer, have become so attached to, is finally getting what he wants: To go home, but at the cost of the first best friend he ever had. No one is good at goodbyes, and everyone knows this, which is what makes the ending to "E.T.--The Extra-Terrestrial" so wonderful. The movie makes your heart glad. It is wonderful, charming, scary, funny, realistic, visually stunning, and exciting as hell. How many times can you truly say that a single movie embodies all of those qualities, plus a lot more that I haven't even mentioned? A handful at most. "E.T." is one of the few masterpieces I can claim to have seen. It is right up there on my list of all-time favorites with "American Beauty" and "Magnolia," and it is the only movie to ever make me cry in front of company. You make poke fun at me if you will, but I'm no less of a man for admitting it, so keep your testosterone-seething jabs at my psyche to yourself. Thanks.
  
  
• Censorship and Revisionism Ruin a Classic
  By on 2001-11-01
  The fact that they went back into the movie and changed all the guns the officers were carrying (when chasing the kids) to walkie-talkies is bad enough. The fact that they actually edited out the line the mother tells her son ( "No, you're
  not going as a terrorist." ) just ruins it for me. When I buy a special edition DVD I get it to get the original shots, not something that has been hacked and slashed to approval of censors. Definitely Thumbs Down.
  
  
• What's the problem??
  By A3PG9U42EN2MW5 on 2002-07-26
  How can people write bad reviews before the product is even released? I have no idea. Or even before reading the product especifications!!
  This wonderful collection (according to what I have read) will have both the 2002 and the 1982 versions of E.T., which I think is wonderful.
  As a musician, though, I had the privilige to see the premiere of the 2002 version in L.A., with maestro Williams conducting a 100-piece orchestra and synchronizing the whole soundtrack to the complete movie! Now, I think this is the first time this was done with a whole movie. It was personal the most gratifying musical experience I've ever had, even though I wasn't the one conudctin! :)
  In any case, I hear that this new DVD collection will have the choice of seeing the movie with the original 1982 soundtrack or with the life Williams performance from March 16th 2002. I think that only fact will make this collectiona 5-star one...
  Enjoy!!
  
  
• E.T.P. (T.P.-too many tears, had to wipe eyes 200X)
  By A1QNC3E0ZD9J1 on 2002-10-02
  Where do I even start? E.T. is probably the best movie to have ever been created. The night I saw E.T., my perspective on life was changed forever. Before the 'T' Man (That's what I like to call my bud E.T.) I used to collect barbie dolls and watch moths mate in my windowsills. (Of course that isn't a very good way for a 47 year old man like myself to pick up women. Nights would pass, I would ponder the meaning of life as I lined up my barbies for a tea party. I was always devastated when Ken showed up, I got so jealous. He always stole Barbie from me. One night I set his corvette on fire to get even.
  Anyway, back to 'T'. He has inspired me so. During the lowest times in my life when I about hit rock bottom, T lifted me up.
  T overcame his struggles as a young street tough from the projects. He used to sell lemonade by the spoonful to the chimney sweepers. If that is not enough to inspire you, there must be something wrong. Buy ET.
  
  

• Gremlins
• The Goonies
• Close Encounters of the Third Kind (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)
• Jaws (30th Anniversary Edition)
• Jurassic Park (Widescreen Collector's Edition)