At long last, the Steven Spielberg opus E.T. The Extra Terrestrial is coming to DVD with a few nice surprises and a few catches. Three versions of one of the highest grossing films of all time are coming home this fall, but only for a limited time.
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial is the heart-warming family classic from director Steven Spielberg. When an alien is inadvertently left behind on earth, he finds refuge with youngster Elliot. As Elliot and E.T. bond as friends, it soon becomes clear that E.T. must find his way home before government officials capture him for study. Together, E.T, Elliot, and Elliot’s family and friends help reunite E.T. with his spaceship.Two regular versions of the film will be available, one in fullscreen and one in anamorphic widescreen. Both DVDs will feature only the 2002 enhanced version of the film. Other features will include an introduction by Steven Spielberg, new cast interviews and deleted scenes. Also 20 Years Later with Steven Spielberg featurette, John Williams Live Orchestra Segment an isolated score, Space Exploration – A high-tech 3-D interactive journey into space to learn about the planets in our solar system, The Evolution of E.T. documentary, a reunion featurette, and the E.T. archives. DVD-ROM features are also included.For more die-hard fans, or just those who want the original version of the film, will be a special two-disc set which includes both the original theatrical cut and the new directors cut as well as a bonus soundtrack CD, a script from the original feature and a collectible senitype.Like all previous releases of E.T. on VHS and laserdisc however, there is a catch. While the DVD will be available on October 22nd, the film will only be available for a ten week period, after which the disc will be pulled from the market. The regular edition will be priced at $22.95 while the special edition is $69.98.