Rating: 
Summary: I'm not stupid, You know
Review: This is a timeless classic and a must have for every family. After viewing everything on this 3 disc Special Edition, I really learned alot of how the movie was developed and thought of. For people that have not seen the movie, it is about an Extra Terrestrial left behind on Earth that finds friendship with a boy struggling with his parents divorce. Eliott the Boy helps E.T. contact his planet so they can come back and take E.T. home. What's in the Box:
The Special Edition comes with 3 DVDs, a book about the movie, and a senitype. Also included is the complete soundtrack on CD.
DVD1
Has the extended version of the film along with some extra features
DVD2
Has the original 1982 version untouched and unedited along with some extra features.
DVD3
Packed full with extra features, mostly concentrating on the reunion and editing of the extended version of the film. How is the Extended Version?
Many people have complained about this version of the film. Why was it untouched. I personally feel that it was very well done. They movie was not altered really in anyway and was very close to the original. Spielberg even noted that he did not put in the cameo of Harrison Ford because he did not want to alter the original film. Most of the enhancements were on E.T.'s face due to facial constraints with the original. If you notice the Eyes are a bit brighter that the original and really bring E.T. to life. I was afraid of the whole walkie talkie idea but when I saw the scene, it was done superbly. Not even noticable at all and if you are watching the film for the first time. You will not even know the difference. The film transfer is also excellent and compression flaws are kept to a minimum. 1982 version
For you die hard fans out there this version has been untouched. The digital tranfer is just as good as the enhanced version. Worth the extra money?
Don't be fooled. Even though the 2 disc version doesn't say it has the 1982 version included it does. Spielberg found out that many people were complaining about having to fork over extra cash to get both versions and stepped in making the production company include both version with the 2 disc set. If you are a fan of this movie, I would defenitly say get the Gift box set. You get an extensive amount of extras which you don't with the 2 disc set as well as some collector items. If you just like watching the movie the stick with the cheaper version. ...I am glad it is finally available on DVD because my VHS was deteriorating.
Rating:
Summary: Wow! Its STILL that good!
Review: Parents with children..REJOICE! E.T. is on DVD in all its glory. By demand, both versions are in this set, the original and the adapted one. The sound is upgraded and truly spectacular. Maestro John Williams' score still packs the punch it did before, but now in DTS and 5.1 surround. The trademark bicycle screen finds me in greater appreciation as the sound lifts you up, the the music moves you seemlessly through the movie. The picture itself is legendary, so I will not go into that detail, except to say I completely forgot the age Drew Barrymore was at that time, and the excellent job Dee Wallace did in this film. The quality of the video is mesmerizing. Spielberg's use of light and shadow, and the use of movement with sound are even better now in this DVD, and the wider your screen, and more enveloped in this story you will be. Twenty years ago? The newly computerized E.T. and ship in the new version you soon forget as you get into the movie, but its much smoother than the new STAR WARS re-issues. It does NOT affect the storyline, and may actually enhance it since much more can be done. The original version still packs its punch. Yes, its a guy in a suit, but the kids LOVE it. Both are good, with the new version is a lttle more intense since it looks more real and that is all. As an adult, I was quite surprised that I was getting a little "misty" eyed at the last 20 minutes. The children were virtually mesmerized, never seeing the movie until then so this story wsas like seeing "Peter Pan" for the first time. The adults were , lets say, very silent until the end. (err..excuse me..got to get water and such) This version, with its special features, sound, quality, and BOTH versions of the movie is almost mandatory for any family with children, and the child in the rest of us will treasure it to. This may be his best work, and definitely is one of the best of the last 30 years. This is highly recommended. Oh yes..NOT ONE CELL PHONE IN THE WHOLE MOVIE! YEA!
Rating:
Summary: The Magic is Back!
Review: 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!
Rating:
Summary: The only way to go is ultimate!!
Review: When I heard that there was an "ultimate edition" of E.T. being released, there was no single doubt in my mind that I would be purchasing that edition. . . even after I saw the price. I read somewhere that someone called this edition over-priced, but after just seeing the extras on the third DVD, I couldn't believe it was so [inexpensive]! The first DVD contains the 2002 release edition with all the amazing special effects. One of the most fascinating aspects of this version is that for the premere of the movie, they had a large full piece orchestra play the soundtrack live conducted by Master John Williams while the movie was shown to the audience. On the DVD you can choose the option to watch the movie with that incredible live mix, complete with audience reaction that, through the magic of surround sound, really makes you feel like you were there. This is an absolutely amazing way to watch the film. If you are a fan of John Williams, this feature alone is worth the price of the set. The second DVD contains the original 1982 version as it was first introduced to the world. It offers a really fun way to compare the enhancements made with the original footage and allows you to capture the nostalgic feelings you get about this old alien friend. The third DVD special features offer a behind the scenes look at the magic that Speilberg and his creative team. The reunion documentary gives you a fun look at the people as they are today reflecting back on their experience of making the movie. Also included is a special documentary showcasing the incredible effort made for the 2002 premiere with the live orchestra. This DVD is only available through this edition and it is very much worth the price you pay. There is a book included with the set that offers a myriade of photos and reflections. You are taken from the first creation of the idea, through the beautiful screenplay, the making and finally the restoration. You also get a piece of an actual frame from the movie, John Williams award-winning, masterful soundtrack, and a certificate of authenticity for the whole package. I have loved the movie E.T. since I first saw it at the age of six. Back then, I was a lot like Drew Barrymore in how I viewed that odd little alien. As I've grown, I've caught more of the [$] DVD edition and still enjoyed the magic of this film. But I have absolutely no regrets in buying this edition. It may seem like a lot of money to pay, but once you start experiencing all this edition has to offer, you begin to realize that it should have cost much more than what you actually paid. This ultimate edition is the only way to go!
Rating: 
Summary: great movie, good features, flimsy package
Review: E.T is one of the best family films ever made and one of the highest grossing films of all time, Universal really botched this dvd release on many levels, First off there is no audio commentery by anyone, i know speliburg will not do commenteries...Enough complaining let me complaiment on the few things universal got Right the Galleries on disc two are nice photos of memborillia and production photos, drawings of E.T etc, The sound is great and I like the option of Having both versions of the film, The only other dvds I own and am aware of that feature movies on both discs are Sherk and Glory which are only formatted differently on each disc. Bottom Line this Dvd is far from what i would have liked for E.T , but it's better then nothing if your a die hard fan. Please note the two star rating is for the dvd release the movie itself is a five.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent classic either way you watch it
Review: I never saw the cgi enhanced version of ET until I bought the Ultimate Gift Boxed Set because I was stubborn and believed that ET should have been left alone in it's original theatrical format-I was wrong. I am one of many who is tired of Hollywood trying to make everything politically correct nowadays and was sick to hear that ET was going to fall victim to it's influence. While it is true that the government officials firearms were cgi replaced with radios, I didn't really notice because the film's magic worked anyway. In the 2002 version we find ET much more agile than we were led to believe in the opening sequence when he is trying to escape the authorities, running and jumping like a forest animal. There is an added scene with ET in the bathroom and cgi enhanced effects are added to the starship's engines when it takes off. All in all, the cgi effects were perfectly executed and looked as real as you can get.
The Ultimate Box set also includes the original version which was the only way to get it, unfortunately. But it also includes a fourth disc (CD) of John Williams soundtrack and a bonus DVD full of extras. There is a hard cover book of ET, from concept to classic, with extras in it as well as a collectible senitype from a scene in the film. Considering all this the price wasn't bad at all, especially since I got it for about [$] less than the suggested retail price! But if you don't want to spend the money or if you feel that you may be missing something if you don't get the original version, put your fears to rest. MY family and I enjoyed the remastered version as much as the original and I wouldn't have missed a thing if I didn't purchase the box set only for the 1982 version. The film is still a beautifully put together work of art no matter which version you watch. 1982 or 2002, go ahead and get either one!
Rating: 
Summary: Wonderful DVD issue of a classic...
Review: I would have rated this release five stars if only there were some sort of running audio commentary. There really is no excuse not to have this feature these days on a release of a film of this magnitude. The DVD presentation is first-class in every other respect. Although it is novel to be able to hear John Williams perform live with the movie in Dolby Digital 5.1, with accompanying audience reactions to the film as it is played, the original score in 5.1 is much more dynamic. The CG touchup of E.T. running towards his departing spacecraft does nothing but add to the realism of his movements, while detracting nothing from the original. A superfluous bathroom scene is added, and there is only one other scene in which it is clearly a CG E.T. instead of the original. If you are a purist, and you really dig the look of E.T. being pulled along a track in the opening scene, you are in luck, because the second disc has the original unaltered 1982 film release in Dolby Digital 5.1 also. A recommended disc at a reasonable price, especially at Wal-Mart.
Rating:
Summary: Sense of Wonder Revisited
Review: After much waiting, ET finally comes "home" on DVD ! I have to say that I was really looking forward for this much loved movie to come on DVD so I can add it to my collection. Growing up, ET has always had a special place in my heart and mind as being one of the very first films that touched me deeply. I have to admit that the first time I revisited the movie after 20 years, I still tear up at the same scenes as I did when I was 10 watching the original release in the local cinema. The DVD itself is a real value buy. Having both the 2002 and original release in the same package is brilliant! The picture and sound quality is astounding for a film that is 20 years old. I didn't really think that the new additions in the 2002 release made ET any less enjoyable than the original. To me, they just added a little more detail to the viewing experience. In truth, I'm just happy that ET finally is on DVD. The extras included in this package are appropriate enough for this movie. Most telling are the mini featurettes on the ET 20th Anniversary Premier and the cast reunion. I have yet to go through the production slide show but from little I've seen of it, it was a very comprehensive collection. I didn't see any menu link for a commentary track so I assume that it wasn't included. I wished that it was as such a significant movie like ET deserves one ... especially one from the cast and director. We are only given a little bit of the thought process that went into the creation of the movie from the featurettes that would really be well recieved if it was expended into a commetary track. On the minus side, I thought that the DVD case design was a bit ill concieved. It felt flimsy and may even fall apart after a few years. I wished that they had made a better DVD case for this package that would not only look good on the shelves but also able to protect this precious movie for a long time. In fact, I would mind paying a bit more if they released this package in a metal DVD case like the one that Akira Special Edition (ASIN: B00005MAM2) came in. All in all, this is one DVD that is well worth the wait. After 20 years, we can now return to the same sense of wonder that we experience watching how simple things was for a boy and his new best "friend". Uncluttered by the difference that divide them, the two characters manage to bridge the gap and form a lasting bond. I wished that more people would take this lesson to heart in this day and age. As a conclusion, this DVD package is a real good value for money purchase to add to your collection.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best DVDs out there.
Review: Yesterday i bought the DVD to this epic classic adventure and it's a Phenomenal DVD set. This set includes both the Special Edition version and 1982 original version, plus tons of extras including Merchandise gallery, Photo Gallery, Live premire party, Interviews with the original cast, Space Exploration, Trailer, and more. I would like to say the movie is a classic, a important piece of our culture that has touched the hearts of everyone since it's release, so if you own a DVD player you must own this DVD.
Rating: 
Summary: The Package is less than Ultimate.
Review: First Universal pulled a fast one and included the original version of the film in the regular edition after suckering people into believing it was only available in this Boxed set.I didn't already have the included book, so I'm not feeling totally ripped off but it wasn't the reason I went for the extra bucks.Considering the price they could have at least designed a Box that actually closed. Or provided the velcro stickers I had to purchase to prevent the contents from falling out once the shrink wrap is removed.
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