Cheap E.T. - The Extra-Terrestrial (Full Screen Collector's Edition) (DVD) (Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote) (Steven Spielberg) Price

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Customer Reviews of E.T. - The Extra-Terrestrial (Full Screen Collector's Edition)

Simply wonderful
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!

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The Magic is Back!
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of E.T. - The Extra-Terrestrial's release (has it been 20 years???), Steven Spielberg made some cosmetic changes to the film (a la George Lucas with the Star Wars Trilogy), and returned it to theatres; now, in a beautiful package, BOTH versions of the film, plus an array of terrific special features, are available to buy for under $25, and it's a GREAT investment!

While only a few minor scenes were reinserted, the new version offers an E.T. with more expression and movement (thanks to C.G.I.), more colorful and magical night skies and alien spacecraft, and, as was widely publicized, the agents' guns have been all digitally changed to walkie-talkies (as Spielberg felt the weapons were too threatening). The best part of the package are the extras, including a 'Making-of' documentary, outtakes from the original film (did you know Harrison Ford originally had a cameo?), a concert version of the theme, performed by John Williams and orchestra, interviews with the artists who created the creature, and, best of all, a reunion of the original leads (they all look WONDERFUL!), with Spielberg. (No, B-movie star C. Thomas Howell, and Playmate/Actress Erika Eleniak, both of whom were in the original, are included in the reunion!)

The only disappointment in the Special Edition is that they DON'T address what has become the great unanswered controversy of E.T. ...who actually provided the voice of the creature? Debra Winger is the person most frequently mentioned, but the question is never even asked. I guess SOME mystery has to be maintained!

Definitely a keeper!

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Extra-Terrific
Universal did a good job on the E.T. DVD release. The film doesn't need too much in-depth exploration since the whole movie's believability rests on your willing disbelief that E.T. is actually an alien from outer space. I must admit that some of the behind-the-scenes clips showing little people in the E.T. suit are a bit shocking! I know he's only a special effect, but seeing those scenes is a bit like learning the truth about Santa Clause -- I suggest *not* viewing the behind-the-scenes featurettes until *after* you watch the movie (if this is your first E.T. experience).

The digital makeover was probably needed and doesn't bother me that much. For those who are purists, Universal has included the original 1982 version of the film. I think Spielberg went a bit too far when he digitally removed the guns -- I can understand why he made the decision though.

I really enjoyed the preproduction designs of E.T. and his spaceship. It is very nice to see the Ralph McQuarrie (of STAR WARS fame) spaceship designs.

The Harrison Ford scene (cut from the film ... he played Elliot's principal) is still missing, however there are some black and white stills from the scene -- Elliot's chair levitated, apparantly. Hmmmm. Interesting.

E.T. is a classic film. The new DVD set (in attractive packaging) is nice to add to my collection.