Monday, October 15, 2012

Now Available on Blu-Ray for the First Time -- E.T. The Extra Terrestrail 30th Anniversary Edition (Review)


In Celebration of

Universal Studios’ 100th Anniversary,

One of the Most Beloved Films of All Time Comes to

Blu-ray for the First Time Ever

 

E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL


 

"E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, AcademyAward®-winning director Steven Spielberg’s magical adventure, celebrated its 30th Anniversary with its first-ever release on Blu-ray October 9, 2012. Featuring an all-new, digitally remastered picture that delivers six times the resolution of DVD, as well as all-new 7.1 surround sound, the E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Anniversary Edition Blu-ray™ Combo Pack includes the 1982 theatrical movie, an all-new interview with director Steven Spielberg, and “The E.T. Journals” featuring never-before-seen footage from the set of the film. The Blu-ray Combo Pack also includes UltraViolet, a DVD and a Digital Copy of the film, offering fans a chance to relive the mystery, laughter and wonder of the iconic movie anytime, anywhere on the platform of their choice.

In 1982, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial became the biggest blockbuster of the year, ranking #1 over 16 different weekends. Even today, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial remains the fourth most successful movie of all-time1 in the United States. Nominated for nine Academy Awards® including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Writing and Best Screenplay, the film took home four statuettes for Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Effects Editing, Best Sound and Best Music for John Williams’ (Jaws) memorable score. The unforgettable cast includes the adorable Drew Barrymore (He’s Just Not That Into You, Charlie’s Angels), Henry Thomas (Dear JohnLegends of the Fall), Dee Wallace (10, “Sons and Daughters”) and Peter Coyote (“Law & Order: LA,” Jagged Edge)."

 “When E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial premiered in 1982, it captured the imaginations of people young, old and everyone in between in a way that was unparalleled in modernmovie history,” said Craig Kornblau, President of Universal Studios Home Entertainment. “A global cultural phenomenon—and the biggest box-office blockbuster of its day—E.T. brought out the child in all of us. We are thrilled audiences will now be able to experience the film in the astounding quality of Blu-rayTM.”

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, throughcasting 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!

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My Thoughts:


When I first heard at they would be releasing E.T. on Blu-Ray for the first time, I was excited, as this is one of my favorite movies of all time. Then, I heard the movie was also celebrating its 30th anniversary.  Boy, does this make me feel old.  I remember watching this at the drive in with my brothers and dad, and then asked Santa for it when it came out on VHS.  I can't tell you how many VHS tapes I went through growing up, from watching this film over and over again.  Who can resist E.T.?  I don't know what kid didn't grow up wishing E.T. would come visit them or wished they could fly with their bikes.  And, the saying from the movie is still popular today -- E.T. phone home.  


My favorite scene from the film as when E.T. hid amongst all the stuffed animals.  Boy, did Drew Barrymore look young in this film.  She was so innocent back them.  As I got older and continued to watch this on DVD and when it aired on television, I always knew Drew Barrymore would become a popular actress, as she did an amazing job in this film.  And, was I right -- I love all the films she is in. :-)


I am not going to bore you with a review of the movie because most of you have probably seen it a handful of times by now.  If you haven't seen it, then it is a must see.  Families will enjoy watching this film together, as my family did growing up. :-)


I think the best part besides now being available on Blu-Ray, was the bonus features, in particular the interview with Stephen Spielberg, where he discusses this film and what it was like working with the cast of characters.  I ended up watching all the bonus features first, before I watched E.T. yet again :-)  I have lost count of how many times I have seen this entertaining film.


With the holidays right around the corner, this recent release to Blu-Ray would make for a great gift for movie buffs.  Or, if you have young children, E.T. would be a great introduction to movie greatness and the ever popular director, Stephen Spielberg.



Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this film from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.

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