Director: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote, Dee Wallace, Robert McNaughton
Running Time: 118 minutes
Certificate: PG
E.T: THE EXTRA TERRESTRIAL needs no introduction (apart from this paragraph). It is – according to the studio – ‘everyone’s favourite movie’. The question you have to ask is why? With a 30th Anniversary Blu-ray edition released this week, perhaps it’s time to discuss the answer.
So, what exactly does Universal have up its sleeve? Along with the film – beautifully scrubbed and presented – you get a raft of extras; admittedly many previously appeared on 2002’s DVD release but there is some new stuff: Spielberg and E.T. which – not a sordid sex tape – is a lovely interview with Steve about how E.T. came about, as well as a 53-minute documentary ‘The E.T. Journals’, chronicling the making of the movie using archive interviews and behind the scenes footage. The passion, love, commitment, and beauty on show in the archive footage will make you act like a giddy child watching the movie for the first time again – no-one forgets their first time after all. The recycled extras – deleted scenes, featurettes, stills, and trailers – are all very welcome and you shouldn’t feel ripped off having spent your cash on the Blu-ray.
But enough about the bonus material. Let’s get back to the question… just why is E.T. everyone’s favourite movie?
As with much of Spielberg’s best work, the foundation of E.T. is a big ol’ blood-pumping ticker that makes you feel (insert favourite innocent age) again. Alien aside, the film’s true heart is the central family – Elliott, Michael, Gertie, and mother Mary – troubled, broken, and struggling without a father figure, reflecting what Spielberg went through himself. E.T. is the piece that completes the family – the inspiration, the love, and the dependant that Elliott needs to feel whole. None of this would work without performances to match and Spielberg struck gold: Henry Thomas is perfect as Elliott, Drew Barrymore – pre-drugs/playboy – gives a performance not befitting a six year old, and Robert MacNaughton manages to impress despite playing devil’s advocate for much of the first two acts as Michael. E.T. of course has an antagonist in the form of conniving, vindictive Keys (Coyote) who heads up the task of investigating E.T. and Elliott, the scumbag. NB: in hindsight the investigation is quite sensible. You won’t think that when you’re crying for the last twenty minutes though.
Back to the question of why E.T. is everyones favourite movie? In truth it’s not, but it is a tremendous feast: an emotionally deep, family film that will make you cry, a little bit angry, and laugh a lot… Oh bugger it, maybe it is everyone’s favourite film – even for those who try to deny it!
E.T: THE EXTRA TERRESTRIAL is available on Blu-Ray now
Check out Brit favourite Simon Pegg talking E.T. below!
