2022 marks the 40th anniversary of the Steven Spielberg classic E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (watch it HERE), and earlier this year Universal celebrated the anniversary by giving the film a re-release on IMAX screens. Next up, they’re going to be giving E.T. a 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and Digital release on October 18th (pre-order HERE). In anticipation of that release, we’ve gotten our hands on an EXCLUSIVE clip that gives a glimpse behind-the-scenes of E.T. and shows Spielberg working with E.T. himself while Chris Columbus discusses the film’s practical special effects. Check it out in the embed above!
Scripted by Melissa Mathison, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial has the following synopsis:
After a gentle alien becomes stranded on Earth, the being is discovered and befriended by a young boy named Elliott. Bringing the extraterrestrial into his suburban California house, Elliott introduces E.T., as the alien is dubbed, to his brother and his little sister, Gertie, and the children decide to keep its existence a secret. Soon, however, E.T. falls ill, resulting in government intervention and a dire situation for both Elliott and the alien.
Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Dee Wallace, Peter Coyote, and Robert MacNaughton star.
This 40th anniversary home video release “showcases over 45 minutes of all-new bonus features including a retrospective of the film and its lasting legacy and a featurette with Steven Spielberg reflecting on his career and the making of E.T. 40 years later. This release also includes all the original bonus features including deleted scenes, cast and filmmaker reunion, a discussion with John Williams about the iconic music from the film, and more.“
For a limited time only, there will be three premium limited editions of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial available at select retrailers. The limited editions are:
• E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL 40TH ANNIVERSARY LIMITED EDITION GIFT SET (4K UHD + Blu-ray + Digital): Includes movie, collectible tin tote, thermos, booklet and certificate of authenticity (Amazon Exclusive)
• E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL 40TH ANNIVERSARY LIMITED EDITION (4K UHD + Blu-ray + Digital): Includes movie and collectible BendyFigs figurine (Walmart.com Exclusive)
• E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL 40TH ANNIVERSARY LIMITED EDITION STEELBOOK (4K UHD + Blu-ray + Digital): Includes a newly designed steelbook (Target Exclusive)
The bonus features on the 4K UHD and Blu-ray discs include:
• 40 YEARS OF E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL – An all-new retrospective of the film and its lasting legacy.
• TCM CLASSIC FILM FESTIVAL: AN EVENING WITH STEVEN SPIELBERG – The acclaimed director reflects on his career and the making of E.T. 40 years later.
• THE E.T. JOURNALS- 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.
• DELETED SCENES
• STEVEN SPIELBERG & E.T. – Watch an 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.
• 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 EVOLUTION AND CREATION OF E.T.
• 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.
• 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.
• DESIGNS, PHOTOGRAPHS, AND MARKETING
◦ E.T. Designs by Production Illustrator Ed Verreaux
◦ E.T. Designs by Carlo Rambaldi
◦ Spaceship Designs by Ralph Mcquarrie
◦ Designs by Production Illustrator Ed Verreaux
◦ Production Photographs
◦ Marketing E.T.
• THEATRICAL TRAILER
• SPECIAL OLYMPICS TV SPOT
Will you be picking up a copy of the 40th anniversary home video release of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial? Let us know by leaving a comment below.