Before this week, I had never seen the movie E.T. Sure, I knew of it and that it was about a little boy who eats Reese’s Pieces and turns into a googl-y eyed monster with a glowing finger that scares Drew Barrymore. Then through the kindness of others and the determination to win, he eventually wins the big game and the heart of the head cheerleader and they ride off in the sunset together.
Okay, maybe I didn’t know what it was about at all, but I did have the Reese’s and Drew Barrymore parts right.
After seeing E.T. for the first time this week in stunning Blu-ray, I’m actually quite sad I didn’t see it as a child. It’s one of those great movies from the 80s where the kids work together to solve a problem that’s bigger than them and find out a lot about themselves along the way. You know, the kind of heartwarming and empowering stuff every kid loves.
But, watching the film now with my kids on my lap was almost as good as enjoying it in my youth as I was able to see it through their eyes as well. Seeing how they would light up at the funny parts and were really quite scared that E.T. was going to be captured by “the bad men” was really cute and it was fun to watch it the first time with them.
While I can’t speak to the film quality differences between the original VHS/DVD to the new remastered Blu-ray high definition version, I can say that the film quality was amazing. I love it when I hear of classic films being rereleased with the newest technology, thus preserving them for the next generation of kids {and those who *ahem* missed it the first time around}.
And, the image quality was truly amazing. The nighttime scenes had a beautiful almost glowing effect and were made even more beautiful with John Williams’ famous score.
Need more motivation to check out this classic on Blu-ray? Check out all these awesome bonus features:
• 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
• 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.
o 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.
o Video Timeline: Users can easily bring up the video timeline, allowing them to instantly access any point in the film.
o 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.
o 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.
o 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!
Get Social with E.T. on Facebook, Twitter {hashtag #ETPhoneHome}, Pinterest and YouTube
A big thank you to Universal Studios for sending a copy of the film to facilitate this review. As always, all opinions are 100% ours.
I can’t believe you waited so long to see this movie!?! It’s one of my all time favorites, just picked up the Blu Ray earlier this week myself.
My mom’s group was just talking about this movie. One of us watched it with her 3.5 year old and he had hysterical tears. I SO remember crying in the bathroom as a child- too embarassed to let my parents know how sad the movie made me!!!! Glad you’ve seen it now- but wow- can’t believe you never saw it back then!
You never saw ET before this? It’s okay ;-), I’m sure you’re not the only one.
I only recently saw Pirates of the Caribbean. I always cry at sad movies or sad scenes in happy movies and this one was no different. I don’t think I’ll be getting the DVD, Blu-ray or anything else, just because it made me cry.
I hope all the viewers who decide to get it stock up on lots of tissues and prepare for the tears.
Nope 20 years later and still have nightmares.