To celebrate the movie’s 30th anniversary, Universal has announced the October Blu-ray release of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial as a combo pack with DVD, digital copy (iTunes-compatible), and UltraViolet version.
I’m curious to see the film again — I don’t think I’ve watched it since the summer it came out. The Blu-ray promises all-new digital restoration with 7.1 surround sound. There’s also a new feature, an interview with director Steven Spielberg, as well as newly released set footage.
The press release notes how different movie-going was back then, pointing out that E.T. was #1 at the box office over 16 different weekends. It’s the fourth-highest domestic grosser when adjusted for inflation (it’s the 8th unadjusted).
The bonus features, per press release, are as follows:
- The E.T. Journals (Blu-ray only) — 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 the 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. (Blu-ray only) — From idea to screenplay, through casting and making the film.
- The Music of E.T.: A Discussion With John Williams (Blu-ray only) — Interviews and footage focused on the long-standing relationship between John Williams and Steven Spielberg.
- The 20th Anniversary Premiere (Blu-ray only) — 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.
- Plus trailer, ads, marketing material, and design illustrations.
There will also be a DVD release, without the features noted above.
 Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, and Robert MacNaughton in E.T. |
 Peter Coyote and Dee Wallace in E.T. |
In conjunction with the release, Universal will also be putting out an iTunes app, a game created by Chillingo. “E.T.: The Green Planet” is inspired by the novel and allows players to travel back to E.T.’s home planet, where they create botanical gardens.
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