Rating: 
Summary: Simply wonderful
Review: 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!
Rating: 
Summary: E.T.'s Adventures On DVD...
Review: There is little doubt that Steven Spielberg's, E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL, remains one of the best films of his career. For the 2 folks out there who have never seen the movie, an alien is accidentally left behind on Earth, by a survey team. Soon, the visitor is discoved by a young boy, named Elliott (Henry Thomas), who finds the creature hiding in a shed, in his back yard. The two quickly form a special friendship. With the help of his older brother Mike, (Robert MacNaughton) and his little sister Gertie (Drew Barrymore), the trio try to keep ET a secret from their mom (Dee Wallace), long enough to help him get back home. I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical when I found out that Spielberg would be making digital changes to the film for its 20th anniversary reissue. However, when I saw the movie again in March 2002, I was happy to discover that the one additional scene and minor effects shots that were added, in no way detracted from the film. The effects remain just a small element of the overall experience. At its core, the story, is what makes this work. The performances by all three of the kids still hold up and they never seem too "cute" or annoying for their own good. You can really see them as brothers and sister in the movie. I did have a little trouble, with the changes that were made to the picture, for the sake of pollitical correctness, though. fortunately the 2 disc DVD set addresses those concerns. After looking at the three different DVD sets that are available for ET, I settled on the widescreen 2 disc set, which breaks down this way: Disc One features the 2002 20th Anniversary version of the film. There is one added scene incorporated into the picture. Numerous effects shots have been given a digital face lift as well. Spielberg provides an introduction to the film. There's also a featurette that takes viewers inside composer John Williams preparing to conduct a live performance of the entire score as the film played at the 2002 premiere. As an extension of that feature, you can choose to watch ET, complete with that live performance of the score. Rounding out disc one is a rather silly interactve tour of our solar system given by ET and the 2002 theatrical trailer Disc Two features the 1982 theatrical version of ET. Bravo. As much as liked the new version, I also think that its nice to be able to have the original vision of the film preserved. I was a bit disappointed with the features, "The Making Of ET", and "The Reunion". Both use a lot of the same recollections and footage. Heck, even portions of Speiberg's "special" introduction from disc one are used again--what's that all about? A huge photo gallery, production notes, DVD-ROM (Total Axess) material. and cast/crew information make up the "much more" promised by the packaging I missed not seeing the theatrical trailer from "82, as well as the often talked about scene, featuring Harrison Ford as Elliott's Principal, and any other deleted footage from the film. Despite these omissions and the serious padding of the featurettes, I still recommend ET on DVD, with a **** star rating
Rating:
Summary: Extra-Terrific
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: E.T
Review: Both versions of Steven Spielberg's masterpiece are available on this limited edition DVD of E.T- THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL. The original 1982 and the 2002 re-mastered version are equally impressive. The minor cuts and restored footage doesn't add much. Sure, the CG E.T is impressive and there are some great moments put back in that make the film feel more complete. But the heart of the film stays the same. Differing from Spielberg's more strident films (JAWS, the INDIANA JONES films and JURASSIC PARK), E.T is the simple story of Elliot (Henry Thomas) who finds a friend from space and helps him to find his way home, hence the oft-quoted line "E.T phone home!". The iconic image of Elliot riding past the moon is one of the most memorable movie moments in cinema history, accompanied by John William's whimsical score (Another coup-de-grace par-excellence). The film itself is still emotionally involving and the peformances of the principal actors, especially Henry Thomas and Drew Barrymore are fantastic. Regardless of the film's 2002 theatrical dissapointment, Spielberg's masterful storytelling holds up to this day. One of my all-time favourites, E.T will always be remembered as one of the greatest cinema experiences in film history.
The DVD extras are very impressive. Startting off with Disc One, the 2002 version has an introduction by Steven Spielberg, a live performance of John Williams conducting at the 2002 premiere and an "exciting space exploration". Disc Two has the 1982 version. the extras include a "Spotlight on Location" featurette, The Reunion: The cast and filmmakers talk sbout the film. The Evolution and Creation of ET: hundreds of production photographs, conceptual drawings and original advertising in an interactive environment. Also included are theatrical trailers and DVD-ROM features. A must have DVD.
Rating:
Summary: Spielberg's Blockbuster Fantasy For Entire Family
Review: The sale of "Reeses Pieces" suddenly surged, "E.T. phone home!" became the catch-phrase, while children and parents alike pondered the term "penis breath". -- It was the summer of '83, and the world couldn't get enough of "E.T.", another brainchild of Hollywood's Wunderkind Steven Spielberg, and the biggest blockbuster movie since "Gone With The Wind". The time was right for a sci-fi fantasy for kids that would also draw great crowds of "grown-up kids" to the theatres. The Disney Production was the very first to require a PG-Rating, quite a departure for the previously 100% family-oriented (and G-Rated) Disney Studios. Aside from a few mildly violent scenes and "no-no-vocabulary", there was nothing to keep even the youngest of viewers away from this cinematic delight. -- The story of a boy who first hides, then protects "E.T.", an adorable 3 ft. tall alien from outer space who was left on Planet Earth by accident, is a feast of laughs and touching moments, throughout the nearly 2 hours of running time. Your eyes will be misty by the time everything is worked out in the end. -- Steven Spielberg pioneered the inclusion of "sponsor messages" in video versions of films, enabling him to drop the excessive purchase price (up to this time around $100.00 per VHS tape!) to an affordable level ($29.95). As copies of the "E.T." videos flew off the shelves (setting a sales record that was not to be broken until Disney's "Lion King"), other studios followed suit, and eventually video versions of theatre releases cost less than 2 meals at McDonald's. -- "E.T." was the pioneer for many great films to come. To me, there never will be another film quite like this one. I give it my highest recommendation! *****
Rating:
Summary: Spielberg's E.T. is Still Magical After 20 Years
Review: One of my favorite films has always been Steven Spielberg's E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial, his gentle fable about the unlikely friendship between a boy and a funny-looking botanist from another planet...maybe from another galaxy. Working from a screenplay by Melissa Mathison (from a story penned by the director), Spielberg tells a very personal tale about the effects of divorce on children (a theme he explores later in 2002's Catch Me If You Can) and adds a wonderful science-fiction twist. We all know the story by heart: an alien botanist is stranded on Earth when his ship has to flee from government agents led by "Keys" (Peter Coyote). Frightened and alone, the alien is discovered hiding in an L.A. home's tool shed by Elliott (Henry Thomas), a smart 9 year old who is having a hard time coping with his parents' recent divorce. Elliott, his brother Mike (Robert McNaughton) and sister Gertie (a pre-Charlie's Angel Drew Barrymore) befriend the strange being they'll eventually name E.T. and will help him "phone home." Audiences the world over were won over by this simple yet touching film, and by the end of its theatrical run it had become the biggest box office hit of its time, surpassing Star Wars, the previous top-grosser. With its mix of comedy, suspense, and Walt Disney-like fantasy, E.T. received both popular and critical acclaim, including several Academy Award nominations, including Best Score for John Williams' wonderful music, Best Original Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Picture. Although E.T. won the best score and original screenplay awards, Sir Richard Attenborough's drama about India's most famous leader beat out Spielberg and E.T. in the latter categories. Last year, Amblin Entertainment and MCA/Universal released a 20th Anniversary Edition of E.T. in theaters. With its soundtrack digitally remastered and some scenes tweaked with computer graphic imaging, a new generation of viewers saw this family classic on the big screen. And in November of 2002, E.T. finally was released on the DVD format. The DVD 2-disc set includes both versions of the film, a rare event for DVD releases. Universal had originally planned to release the 2002 version separately and to sell the 1982 version in a more expensive boxed set. Spielberg heard of this and vetoed the plan, thereby allowing everyone to own both versions of his most personal film at a reasonable price. This is a must-get DVD for Spielberg fans...and for children of all ages.
Rating:
Summary: E.T., Phone Home
Review: It has been nearly twenty years since this movie was released; but even today, E.T.: THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL remains one of the most fascinating movies of all times. Steven Spielberg, like Hitchcock, DeMille, and John Ford before him, is no stranger to making masterpieces, and this is unquestionably one of them. Its story of a young boy named Elliott(Henry Thomas) who befriends a very benign alien accidentally left stranded on Earth and takes it upon himself to protect the alien from government agents is so well known that there is really no need to go into extensive detail anymore. But sprinkled throughout this masterpiece are individual moments that stand out among the greatest single moments ever put on film (the bicycle ride across the moon, the Elliott/E.T. emotional connection). One scene that has always stood out for me personally is the first meeting between Elliott's kid sister Gertie (Drew Barrymore) and E.T., in which Gertie screams her head off. It is one of the very few times where I've wanted to laugh and scream in the same breath. Winner of five Oscars, including John Williams' legendary music score, E.T. has grossed over $1 billion, and it's not surprising to see why. This is most assuredly a story that touched the world, as its advertising says, and it continues to be highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Steven Spieldberg's Masterpiece
Review: E.T. is one of the greatest films of all time. It takes you by surprise. You feel everything E.T. is feeling. After the movie, it shocks you that you found heart and compassion from something that looks like a mud sculpture. E.T. also has some of the greatest performances from child actors than in any other movie. In this film, we see little Drew Barrymore making a stellar breakout performance as the little sister of Elliot in the film. The new 20th Anniversary of E.T. special edition definately is better than the original cut. The effects sparkle like never before. The DVD is a wonderful thing to add to anyone's DVD collection.
Rating:
Summary: Great Movie
Review: I'm so glad this movie is fimally on DVD. I loved it when I first saw it as a child. I hadn't seen it in several years and loved watching it again when I bought the DVD. I'm glad I now have a copy to share with my children.
Rating:
Summary: E.T. a classic
Review: not many films survive the tests of time, it takes a special film to perservere through
the years and still be regarded as one of the best film of all time (rebel without a cause).
a typical film becomes just a fad, a film that is in , but after a couple of months,
becomes regarded as a bad horrible (like the remake of dawn of the dead). however,
e.t. is one of those special films that has proven itself to be just that special, regarded
as being as one of the best of all time, not just in sci fi lingo but overall one of the best
films ever. in 2002, it underwent a major rerealease in it's 20th anniversay edition,
adding in deleted scenes, a change in the film (eliminating guns from scenes)
and a special edition dvd commerating the release. so what makes e.t. special? obviously scifi fans love aliens movies,all audiences do,but
no the is another movie that deals with the idea of friendship and sacrifices between
to completely different beings. e.t. who is stranded on earth, a violent planet that loves
to disects alien species, and elliot the kind hearted human who takes in e.t. protects
him from the outside world and develops a special bond with the alien. by the
end of the film whatever misconceptions, audiences had about e.t. are are left by the curb,
e.t. shows us that e.t. while being an alien feels and hurts just like earthlings do. unlike
other aliens e.t. doesn't come to earth to conquer it, but to make new friends and get help in reaching his homeworld (like alf from planet melmac). well it took, a lot of work getting to the screen. model sets, a special effects team,
a mulitmillion dollar budget and of course steven spielberg. what other director
would have done e.t.? none probably, that's whats separates spielberg from
other directors, often doing good movies that other stupid directors pass over and
ultimately making fools of them by making great movies. The movie begins with E.T.'s spaceship landing on a forest with his friends. It seems
the spaceship has made an unexpected stop to make repairs. However when a pair
of government agents enter the scene, E.T. buddies leave him behind, leaving
the helpless E.T. to fend for himself. Eventually E.T. is rescued by Elliot
(Henry Thomas). However, he keeps his discovery of E.T. a secret from his family.
Eventually Gertie (Drew Barrymore) and Michael (Robert MacNaughton) Elliot's
brother and sister find out about E.T. but they too love E.T. and see he poses
no threat even though he is an alien. Elliot's mother , Mary (Dee Wallace Stone)
finds out about E.T. as well but it seems that the whole family loves E.T. However
, the fun doesnt last because a couple of government agents and scientists
kidnap both E.T. and Elliot. They then proceed to do scientific expirement and prepare
to disect E.T. thus kiling him. Well E.T. isn't ready to die just yet, it seems he and
Elliot now share a physical bond, whatever E.T. feels Elliot feels and vice versa. Elliot with help from his brother and sister now prepare to escape from the government
facility with E.T. and send E.T. to his own world. Elliot's other friends enter the
picture and well in one memorable scenes where it looks like they all will be captured,
E.T. unleashes one of his special powers , the ability to control fight, as scene
in that famous bicycle flying scenes. E.T. became one of the highest grossing films of all time, becoming a favorite for
both kids and adults. After the 2002 rerealease the marketing campaign for E.T came back, games, toys
and books featuring the Extra Terrestial came back and did very well. This is a must see classic especially if you haven't seen the movie for a long
time. Recommended.
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