Search - E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial [Widescreen Limited Collector's Edition] on DVD

MPAA Rating: PG Content Advisory: Child Classic, Adult Language, Alcohol Consumption, Watch With Your Kids, Scary Moments Movie Release: 1982 DVD Release: 10/22/2002 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV - Closed Captioned Edition: Dual Layered Audio Tracks: English, French, Spanish Subtitles: French, Spanish SwapaDVD Credits: 2 Number of Discs: 2 Run Time: 2 hrs 1 mins Studio: Universal Studios Members Wishing: 34 Genres: Science Fiction, Children's/Family, Children's Fantasy, Sci-Fi Adventure See Also: E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial [Fullscreen Limited Collector's Edition], E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial [Ultimate Gift Set], E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial [Fullscreen], E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial [Widescreen], E.T. the Extra Terrestrial [Limited Edition], E.T. the Extra Terrestrial [Widescreen] [Limited Edition]

Both a classic movie for kids and a remarkable portrait of childhood, E.T. is a sci-fi adventure that captures that strange moment in youth when the world is a place of mysterious possibilities (some wonderful, some awful), and the universe seems somehow separate from the one inhabited by grown-ups. Henry Thomas plays Elliott, a young boy living with his single mother (Dee Wallace), his older brother Michael (Robert MacNaughton), and his younger sister Gertie (Drew Barrymore). Elliott often seems lonely and out of sorts, lost in his own world. One day, while looking for something in the back yard, he senses something mysterious in the woods watching him. And he's right: an alien spacecraft on a scientific mission mistakenly left behind an aging botanist who isn't sure how to get home. Eventually Elliott puts his fears aside and makes contact with the "little squashy guy," perhaps the least threatening alien invader ever to hit a movie screen. As Elliott tries to keep the alien under wraps and help him figure out a way to get home, he discovers that the creature can communicate with him telepathically. Soon they begin to learn from each other, and Elliott becomes braver and less threatened by life. E.T. rigs up a communication device from junk he finds around the house, but no one knows if he'll be rescued before a group of government scientists gets hold of him. In 2002, Steven Spielberg re-released E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial in a revised edition, with several deleted scenes restored and digitally refurbished special effects. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Henry Thomas - Elliott
Dee Wallace - Mary
Peter Coyote - Keys
Robert MacNaughton - Michael
Drew Barrymore - Gertie
Debra Winger - E.T. [uncredited]

Twenty years, and numerous video releases later, Steven Spielberg's much loved and enormously successful E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial arrives on DVD. And in a smart move, much to the unexpected surprise of fans, both the original 1982 version and the 2002 "20th Anniversary Edition" are included on this two-disc set (a three-disc set is also available, with more supplements, and a higher price). Universal has done an amazing job all around. It would be demanding to expect the image to look outstanding, but that is certainly what it is in every way. The 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer (a seperate full-frame version is also available separately) has well-saturated colors, darks that are solid, and distinct detail throughout the film. It's obvious a great deal of time was taken for this DVD release. Sound is equally impressive. Both Dolby Digital and DTS tracks grace both versions of the film (a point of interest is the three-disc set, which strangely enough doesn't have a DTS track for the 1982 version); especially impressive are the design of the audio tracks, the dialogue, and the wonderful John Williams score. Though this set is lacking a few supplements of the three-disc set, in particular a more lengthy documentary, what is included is nothing to sneeze at. The first disc, with the 20th Anniversary version of the film, offers an introduction by Spielberg, but far more important is a fine featurette on the challenge of presenting the premiere of this version with a live orchestra. Also included is the full film with a 5.1 recording of the live music accompaniment from that premiere. Finally on this disc, and the most annoying element, is a look at the solar system, narrated by "E.T." The voice may be appropriate for the movie, but here it becomes grating. The second disc, which has the 1982 version (it's not listed on the packaging), also has some fine features, such as a 25-minute documentary on the making of the film, extensive interviews, and behind-the-scenes shots; there is also a fine reunion featurette as the cast and Spielberg discuss their recollections of making the film. Drew Barrymore offers the most touching insight, since her youthful age brought out more emotions than anyone could have expected. Finally (if that wasn't enough), along with the trailer for the re-release, a DVD trailer for Back to the Future, cast and crew biographies, and production notes, there is an extensive gallery of production sketches, photographs, paintings, marketing materials, and promotional items. If you aren't looking to spend the extra money for the three-disc set, then you can not, in any way, go wrong with this one. ~ Trent Fordham, All Movie Guide