E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial was a mega-hit upon it’s release back in 1982, groundbreaking for it’s tale of a non-violent alien race, and more so for it’s visual effects which were a testament to the creative team over at George Lucas‘s Industrial Light and Magic. 20 years later filmmaker Steven Spielberg saw fit to take the road traveled by the original Star Wars Trilogy and re-release the movie with enhanced visuals and new scenes that were able to be completed with digital effects. It’s re-release attracted movie goers, but the changes eroded much of the affection for the film and generated something of a fan backlash.
Much of the innovative animatronics that brought E.T to life were almost entirely revised with CGI, and due to Spielberg’s concern over the inclusion of firearms in certain scenes, the weapons were digitally removed and replaced with walkies talkies. This however changed much of the threat faced by the main characters, and altered the pacing of the climatic chase scene.
Listen to Steven Spielberg discussing the changes to E.T. at the LA Time Hero Complex 30th Anniversary screening of Raiders of the Lost Ark on 9/12/11.
[audio:http://www.fmtaccess.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Spielberg+on+Star+Wars+and+E.T.+Revisions.mp3|titles=Spielberg+on+Star+Wars+and+E.T.+Revisions]
Now Universal has announced that E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial will be hitting Blu-ray for the first time this October with a digitally remastered version of the original 1982 theatrical movie. Spielberg had previously said that the untouched 1982 version would be included along with the revised edition, however the only traces of the Lucas ‘enhancements’ are said to be the two deleted scenes. Also included is an all-new interview with Spielberg looking back on the film, never-before-seen footage from the set, and a brand new 7.1 surround sound mix of the movie.
Check out the announcement trailer here:
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