E.T.Directed by Steven SpielbergStarring: Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Dee Wallace, Peter CoyoteMovie B+ DVD A The real feature of this 2 disc limited collector's edition of E.T. The Extra-Teresstrial is the inclusion of the original theatrical version. For a while it looked as though the 1982 version would be abandoned for the new 2002 edition featuring "all new special effects." To give director Steven Spielberg all due credit, it turns out he insisted Universal release the original version at a reasonable price. Universal was at first only going to make this version available with the more expensive collector's edition. Some DVD features were sacrificed for this 2 disc version, but it really doesn't matter. To me it was more important to get the version I remember seeing in 1982 than an extra featurette or two. I have to admit E.T. was never one of my favorite movies, but I did enjoy seeing it again after not watching it for many years. It reminds me of the kind of director Spielberg used to be. In E.T. neither the kids or E.T. are "too cute." The movie is actually quite emotionally draining to watch, especially for a kid. There are the scary FBI agents and the lives of E.T. and Elliot are threatened. I can remember being quite terrified after Elliot's home is quarantined and only accessible by a plastic tube. After we realize E.T. will survive, we realize he must abandon Elliot to go home. The ending is very bittersweet. While the movie may not live up to everyone's memories of how great it was, it is certainly an enjoyable family film, that can be watched by any one of any age. Watching it reminds me how unnecessary the special edition was. There is nothing unbelievable about the E.T. puppet. The actors interact with him so well, it's easy to believe he is "real." This is not the case for the new digitally created E.T. He just doesn't fit with the rest of the movie, he looks animated, which is what he is. During some of the interviews with Drew Barrymore and Henry Thomas they both say they came to think of the E.T. puppet as something that is real. In some of the behind the scenes footage Barrymore can be seen crying real tears for E.T. This wouldn't have happened had E.T. always been a digital creation. There are just some things digital technology cannot replace. This DVD contains a short making of documentary (unfortunately edited down from a two hour version that appeared on the laserdisc), and a cast reunion featurette. Both provide some nice interview material and some original behind the scenes footage. As I said before having the original theatrical version makes up for any lack of DVD features. Review by Sherry |
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