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E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
Steven Spielberg’s classic film, ET; The Extra-Terrestrial, has been re-released on DVD for the viewing of millions who were not here for the original blockbuster’s release, as well as the many who would love to own this classic for themselves. This version includes never before seen segments, has been enhanced visually, and the sound has been digitally re-mixed. Children around the world are discovering this thrilling tale for the first time, and parents are basking in the memories of days gone by and their first viewing of this brilliant story.
Who can forget the first time they watched this story and got engrossed in the magical tale of a little alien who’s become lost on earth? The story follows the life of ten year old Elliot and the developing friendship between the child and the alien, as he attempts to hide the odd creature from not only his own family, but the government as well. Underlying in the classic fairy tale is the story of the boy. Elliot is sad and lonely, not unlike other ten year olds going through family upheaval and the trauma of growing pains. His friendship with this lost alien, who is wise and caring, becomes central to the theme of the movie.
Though the tale is fantastical, there are so many human elements which are easily recognizable and honest, that viewers immediately fell in love and empathize with the little alien’s plight. The character of the alien is so original to what was standard thought for alien representation at the time in 1982. This alien was not scary, out to take over the world, or to kill human kind. This alien was not pretty, but through the course of the story, the kindness and amazing bond between the characters and this entity, the world saw ET’s likeness as ‘cute’. Children snuggled little dolls that looked like this fantastical creature, rather than the cute and cuddle teddy bears they were accustomed to before.
At first the only one who knows about the alien is Elliot, slowly but surely, his siblings and then friends find out about the lost little alien as they all enter the conspiracy to hide him from adults. Eventually the government is on to them, culminating in a daring attempt to keep ET safe from the agents chasing them and an adventure to see the being back home.
Enchanting and riveting, children are not the only ones who love this story. From the amazing performances of the children, now adults, who were in this production, the astounding visuals and special effects, enhanced on this DVD, the tale plays out like a mythical love song. As with any fairy tale, morals are high in the theme. Loyalty and friendship, kindness of course, those are a few of the themes running so strongly through this piece. The fun, of course is that these children are in charge of such a monumental task, not only without the aid of adults, but actively behind their backs. The adults here unwittingly serve as the villain, and the adventure culminates with the oft played scene of the alien levitating the boys’ bicycles as they attempt their harried escape, to ensure ET’s chance to go home.
If you loved the original version in 1982, or if you’ve never gotten the chance to see it, this DVD is a must have for any collection. Brilliant and sweeping, it is undoubtedly one of Spielberg’s most amazing film achievements.
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