‘E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial’ Blu-ray Details & Trailer
Posted by BAADASSSSS! | July 27th, 2012 at 7:35 pm
While most of superstar director Steven Spielberg‘s filmography remains unavailable on Blu-ray, the next three months will herald the release of several of the Bearded One’s greatest films in high-definition for the first time. His breakthrough blockbuster Jaws hits stores next month while the four-film Indiana Jones: The Complete Adventures collection streets a month later.
Finally October will bring the long-awaited Blu-ray release of the highest-grossing and most beloved film of Spielberg’s still thriving career – E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. You can check out a complete list of special features, a gallery of high-resolution images, box art, and a trailer for the E.T. Blu-ray release here below.
Of special note to fans of the classic film is that the Blu-ray will only contain the original 1982 theatrical release version of the film and not the 2002 re-release version that featured several controversial digital alterations to the movie done out of strident, misguided political correctness in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. However, two scenes from the re-release will be included among the Blu-ray bonus features, which will include some newly-produced supplements – including an all-new interview with Spielberg – alongside features that first appeared on E.T.‘s 2002 DVD release. The film itself has been digitally remastered with a new picture that delivers six times the resolution of DVD and an all-new 7.1 surround sound audio track.
Spielberg still hasn’t gone against his long-standing rule of never recording audio commentaries for his films, but at least he goes a long way toward making up for it by assisting in the creation of substantial extra features and ensuring that those films be given video and audio transfers of the highest quality. I’m looking forward to all of the Spielberg films hitting Blu this year (even if I have to accept Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull as part of the bargain), but E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial holds a special significance for me: up until a few months ago I had never watched the movie from beginning to end before. Finally, I scored a cheap used copy of the 2002 DVD from a neighborhood thrift store and gave it a watch, and needless to say I was instantly enthralled.
BONUS FEATURES ON THE E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL ANNIVERSARY EDITION BLU-RAY™:
· 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, through casting 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
o E.T. Designs by Production Illustrator Ed Verreaux
o E.T. Designs by Carlo Rambaldi
o Spaceship Designs by Ralph McQuarrie
o Designs by Production Illustrator Ed Verreaux
o Production Photographs
o Marketing E.T.
· 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 the devices’ 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!
BONUS FEATURES ON THE DVD:
· Steven Spielberg & E.T.
· Deleted Scenes
· A Look Back
· The E.T. Reunion
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial hits Blu-ray on October 9, 2012. The title is up for pre-order now.
Students of the Unusual™ comic cover used with permission of 3BoysProductions
The Mercuri Bros.™ comic cover used with permission of Prodigal Son Press
