It’s taken a few years but Steven Spielberg’s classic ”E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” is finally getting a high-def upgrade. The 30th anniversary edition of the film, which hits stores this October, will feature an all-new digitally remastered transfer of the original 1982 theatrical cut. That’s right kids, the much-maligned 20th anniversary 2002 reissue won’t be making appearance on the disc other than in the form of two deleted scenes, so you don’t need to worry about seeing any walkie-talkies.
For those of you might not remember, the DVD release a decade back swapped out the guns used by the federal agents for more family friendly and less threatning walkie talkies, much to the dismay of fans (though the original theatrical cut was included as well). Why Spielberg bothered with the tinkering is unclear, but last year he made it known which version he preferred and wanted people to see. "There's going to be no more digital enhancements or digital additions to anything based on any film I direct," he told AICN." When people ask me which E.T. they should look at, I always tell them to look at the original 1982 E.T. If you notice, when we did put out E.T. we put out two E.T.s. We put out the digitally enhanced version with the additional scenes and for no extra money, in the same package, we put out the original ‘82 version. I always tell people to go back to the ’82 version."
Spielberg has always been precious with his home video releases, making sure that they’re the best they can be, look no further than the Blu-ray release of “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” which features every incarnation of the film ever released. The Blu-ray release of “E.T.” will feature never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage shot by legendary cinematographer John Toll, all new interviews with the cast and crew, production designs and photographs, and DVD and digital copies of the film.
It’s a great time to be a Steven Spielberg fan as this year will not only see the debut of some of his other classic work on Blu-ray (“Jaws” and the “Indiana Jones” trilogy), but also the release of his long-in-development biopic “Lincoln” which hits theaters in December. In the meantime, check out the announcement trailer for the 30th anniversary edition of “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” below along with full details on the extras.
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.
BONUS FEATURES ON THE DVD:
· Steven Spielberg & E.T.
· Deleted Scenes
· A Look Back
· The E.T. Reunion