E.T. The ExtraTerrestrial (as if there’s any other E.T.!) is probably the most sentimental movie in existence for those of us who grew up in the 80s. I still remember seeing it with my aunt Donna in the movie theater…then with just about everyone else in my family because I couldn’t get enough. Years later, when it first came out on video, I remember my mom driving to every video store in like a 50 mile radius looking for it. We had a Betamax back then, and it wasn’t easy finding it in that format. We did finally find it about 20 miles from our house in a tiny video store off the beaten path. I watched it every day after school for weeks. All together, I’m pretty sure I’ve seen it a good 50-75 times. Guess what? I STILL cried every time that lovable alien told Elliot to “be good,” hopped on his spaceship, and took off into the great beyond. Now, E.T. The ExtraTerrestrial is releasing on BluRay/DVD tomorrow, Oct 9th, so you can bring it home to a whole new generation!
Jacob’s First E.T. Experience
I am pretty sure that just about everyone on our planet knows about the title adorable visitor from another planet in E.T. The ExtraTerrestrial. My generation grew up with the movie, and most of us at some point managed to expose our children to it. Jacob had actually never seen it. I know, I’m a horrible parent! We didn’t have it on DVD until I received the review copy, and I was so excited to share my favorite childhood movie with him. He’s watched it twice since it arrived. He keeps calling E.T. “the alien.” Apparently E.T. is all the rage in school right now, and one of his friends insists it means “alien that goes home.” Jake told him that’s just silly because “alien that goes home” doesn’t even begin with an “E.”
While Jacob was watching the movie, he paused it and came running out to my mom. He said “Grams, I’m at the part where he’s sick! Does the alien make it?” My mom assured him that E.T. did in fact make it, and he was able to finish watching. He didn’t cry at the end. The child cries over potentially dead flowers, but an alien saying goodbye to the little boy who saved him didn’t even jerk a tear out of his little eyes! I guess he looks at things differently. To him, it was a happy ending because E.T. got to go home to his family. To me, it was a movie about losing your super-cool best friend. We all see things differently. My kid is apparently more optimistic than I am!
What’s New on E.T. The ExtraTerrestrial BluRay/DVD Combo Pack
Aside from a digitally remastered version of the movie, the combo pack is overflowing with bonus features, including:
- The E.T. Journals: The day-to-day experience of creating E.T from never-before-seen, behind-the-scenes footage shot by cinematographer John Toll.
- Steven Spielberg & E.T.: Brand 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 closely involved with the film.
- The E.T. Reunion: The cast and filmmaker reunite to discuss their thoughts on the impact of 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.
- Special Olympics TV spot
- Designs, Photographs and Marketing
- Digital Copy: Take the movie with you anywhere!
- plus tons more
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial – E.T. Phone Home
Don’t forget to check out these fun E.T. activities, printables, and recipes to get your child in the E.T. spirit!
