E.T. - The Extra-Terrestrial (Widescreen Collector's Edition)

Rating:
Summary: Great 20th Anniversary Edition
Review: This is arguably Steven Spielberg's masterpiece, and the presentation of this DVD package is superb. This edition has the original 1982 presentation of the film: it's impressive how the story of a friendship between an Earth kid and an extra-terrestrial still touches us after twenty years. I mean, this is a classic.
This package also has the longer version of the movie which, in my opinion, doesn't add up to the original. The CGI E.T. moves nice, and the new F/X shots are quite attractive, but the I find the extra scenes unnecessary, and the edit on the shotgun leaves much to be desired; Spielberg might have disagreed with the idea of a shotgun aiming at Elliot (Henry Thomas) and E.T., but that gives a good sense of threat that keeps you on the edge.
As well as the soundtrack CD of John Williams' score, this anniversary edition contains a third DVD with plenty of extras: the documentary regarding Williams' conducting his score live is so fantastic that left with a desire of watching it completely, but there is the audio track on the remastered version DVD of the movie; there is also a documentary on the Williams/Spielberg collaboration, and a documentary regarding the anniversary of the film and the cast's memories of the filming.
This is a fantastic package that receives five stars. Personally I'd give the original 1982 version its five stars, four stars for the remastered anniversary version, and five stars for the documentaries. As for the soundtrack CD, read my review about it.

Rating:
Summary: worth every dime
Review: I have loved this movie since I was a child. It is just as good now as it was then. I didn't really care for the new material and preferred the original version of this film. I had heard there was a principal scene and was disappointed it wasn't there just to see it, but still I prefer the original.

Rating:
Summary: I could watch this video over and over.
Review: A wonderful feel-good storyline that touches both young and old.
I bought this video for my two daughters and now I have purchased the video for my Grandchildren.

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful movie for all.
Review: This is a very nice DVD collection. I haven't watched all of the special features yet, but I thought it was pretty cool watching all of the original characters (now grown up) talk about the movie and show some clips of things that happened on the set. Both versions are here (I still prefer the original from 82) and both are great. The newest version done in 2002 has the guns replaced with walkie-talkies and have even added some new scenes that are pretty cool. This is definitley the "family" movie that can be enjoyed for a lifetime.

Rating:
Summary: One of my Favorites...
Review: The first time I say this movie, I was pregnant with my 20 year old son. Now it is a favorite for both of us, I am sure our family will enjoy it for generations to come.

Rating:
Summary: Review of the Ultimate Gift Boxed Set
Review: I'm tired of seeing generic E.T. DVD reviews on this site when this page is specifically about the deluxe "Ultimate Gift Boxed Set," which I decided to purchase instead of the standard 2-disc set available everywhere. Personally, I feel that this jumbo set is well worth the extra price. In addition to the little "collectible" film negative included in the truly deluxe packaging, you get a fantastic hardcover book which does contain the entire screenplay and much, much more. It has a ton of behind-the-scenes photographs and trivia that I never knew, and although it's a small book size-wise, it's got a coffee-table-book-sized amount of information and photographs. Then, there's the discs itself. Anyone who tells you that the 2-disc set is exactly the same as the 3-disc set is a liar or very confused. This 3-disc set has the full length documentary "The Evolution and Creation of E.T." The version of this on the 2-disc set is highly edited due to space requirements, but the entire documentary is included here. All in all, this set is organized better. You open the big blue book and take out the certificate of authenticity, the film negative, and the book, and then there's a big silver box set (along the same lines as an X-Files or Star Trek season set) which has 4 discs: the original feature, the new version, a special features disc, and the original remastered soundtrack. Wow, all this in a case that won't come apart when you try and take the security labels off! Don't get me wrong, I am not a HUGE E.T. fan, but I am someone who enjoys the film, wanted to own it on DVD, and tried to make the BEST choice. Spend the extra money, and you'll see that it really is worth it. Get it while it's still available...

Rating:
Summary: wait for the single disc
Review: This movie will most likely come out on one CHEAPER disc later this year just like the movie "Glory".... this 2cd "special edition" seems like a scam to me... why have 2 versions of the same movie? And what's with not having the movie title printed on the spine of the CD...on the back it says "made in mexico"...cheaper to produce and it shows. A lot of movie companies keep re-releasing the same movies on dvd and this one should be no different.

Rating:
Summary: A tear every time...
Review: The new spiffed-up version of E.T. is like a coat of wax on a classic automobile. It just makes what's already there look a little nicer.
OK...'way nicer. This DVD looks crisp and fresh, with bright colors and gobs of detail.
E.T. was the pre-eminent filmgoing event for a generation, the group after "Star Wars".
And with good reason. It's a perfect film. It hasn't aged a bit. Or I should say it's aging ridiculously well. Or is it "ageless"? Whatever. You get the point.
In fifty years, this film will be as beloved as "The Wizard of Oz"...or as any Disney flick...
Henry Thomas puts on a performance that ranks with ANY ever delivered by a child actor, and it is his believability that make ET real to US. I find myself getting all choked up over this rubber blobby thing with a red flashlight in it's chest, and it's all Mr. Thomas' fault.
Mr. Spielberg probably has a little to do with it as well.
Drew Barrymore has phenomenal comedic timing in this movie, whether that's through the magic of editing or coaching or what. But after nearly every line of hers, I busted out laughing.
No matter how many times I see this movie...last night being the first time in a few years...it still "gets" me. And I'm not easily "gotten." Hardly ever. Maybe twice, in literally thousands of movies.
This is one.

Rating:
Summary: Set for the Ultimate ET fan
Review: I absolutely adore ET. I saw it at the movies when I was 5 and have been in love ever since. So now that I have a daugter of my own you can imagine my joy at being able to share a piece of movie magic from my childhood with her. I recieved this as a Xmas present and was delighted to find all the extras. I was only planning on purchasing the DVD for myself. The set is definitely worth it. It contains the original release of the movie and the updated, enhanced version. The book is absolutely delightful. There are so many facts about the flick that I learned from how ET is made to commentary from Steven Spielberg and the script with various comments in the margin. My daughter is too young to actually watch and understand the movie but she does listen to the CD. (She loves music from Mozart to Celine Dion to Enya to Lenny Kravitz.) The third DVD with extras about the movie I have yet to watch but if it follows the pattern of this set it should definitely be interesting. All of this is packaged beautifully for keeping. I couldn't have recieved a better present and will keep it for my daughter who hopefully will uncover the magic this classic has to offer just as I did.

Rating:
Summary: A timeless gift.
Review: It is hard to fault this film, it is such a wonderful fairy tale. I am very glad that the original 1982 version is presented here untouched. I watched the retouched 2002 version and have mixed feelings. The space ships look cooler but the CGI E.T. looks out of place especially in the restored bathroom scene. He just looks too computery. I prefer the puppet E.T. and when both are in the same film it just looks wrong. Also I have no idea why Spielberg digitally removed the guns out of the hands of the government agents. In the original at the park scene a bunch of blood thirsty agents stampede towards the white van thinking E.T. is in there meanwhile Elliot's mom is chasing them screaming "no guns, no guns they are just children!" and of course the agents could care less. This was scary and sad in the original and created a great sense of danger for the kids. Removing the guns and replacing them with digital air or walkie talkies is weak. Come on Spielberg, don't cave in. Plus it also shows why E.T's are always contacting regular people and not the governments, they don't want to get shot! Of course it goes without saying that the DVD transfers of both films are perfect and the extras are great as well. Check out the girl Elliot kisses, its the best babe of baywatch Erika Eleniak!