Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #536 in DVD
• Released on: 2005-07-04
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Format: PAL
• Number of discs: 2
• Running time: 115 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
Steven Spielberg's 1982 hit about a stranded alien and his loving relationship with a fatherless boy (Henry Thomas) struck a chord with audiences everywhere, and it furthered Spielberg's reputation as a director of equally strong commercial sensibilities and classical leanings. Henry Thomas gives a strong, emotional performance as E.T.'s young friend, Robert MacNaughton and Drew Barrymore make a solid impression as his siblings, and Dee Wallace is lively as the kids' mother. The special effects almost look a bit quaint now with all the computer advancements that have occurred since, but they also have more heart behind them than a lot of what we see today. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews

Beautiful, magical and sweet
This film is excellent for a variety of reasons, but I think one of it's main areas of appeal is the fact that it taps into the fear we all have of losing someone who matters to us.

In this case, we have a young boy named Elliot who, after suspecting that an alien spacecraft has landed within his local area, discovers an Extra-terrestrial who he befriends, hides in his room and promptly names 'E.T.'

From there on out, Steven Spielberg uses a variety of successful dramatic devices to draw the viewer into the story, creating an overwhelming feeling of empathy. It is nigh on impossible not to become emotionally involved in this film, and the plight of Elliot as he struggles to come to terms with the idea of losing his new friend, who he cares about so much. The compassion which is shared by Elliot and E.T. is also shared by the viewer, and as the two main characters suffer, we as the viewers share in that, and suffer too.

But there is also great humour, innocence and poignancy here, as the viewer is forced to look at life from a child's perspective, something we could all benefit greatly from doing. Every camera shot, every scenario and every piece of dialogue is executed with sensitivity, charm and innocence, as Elliot introduces E.T. to the human world and tries, often with hilarious results, to keep E.T. as his own special secret.

Then, there is the inevitable, as Elliot is forced to face the reality of separation from his new friend, saying goodbye to the innocence of his childhood in the process. The sad scenes in this film are very sad, beautifully shot and simply mesmerising. This is almost a golden example of storytelling, and one of Spielberg's most fantastic moments.

This is everything you could possibly want it to be: a tribute to the innocence of youth and childhood, wonderful escapism, a tribute to friendship, a masterclass in funny dialogue, a heart-warming and sentimental tale, an optimistic reminder to all of us to keep believing in the good things and ultimately, a sterling example of fantastic film-making.

This film will move all except the very coldest people. Allow yourself to be charmed and moved by this beautiful film.

A MASTERPIECE
What can you say about E.T.? For those of us of a certain age it reflects childhood and a time when the U.S. was nothing but cool (BMX! Take-away Pizza!). For everyone else its a cracking adventure up there with Spielbergs best. A lot of people accuse him of cynically pushing emotional buttons in the name of entertainment, like being able to tap into peoples raw emotions is an easy thing to do. Its not. The last 20 minutes of this film are the most upsetting and uplifting in cinema history. Spielberg and Williams are geniuses. Watch and watch again

Incredible
I first watched this film at the age of 7, and was completely drawn in within the first few minutes of this film. I loved the way the simple story line, of a young boy finding a new friend and nearly loosing him forever is unreal, and I think its something that everybody who watches this film can relate to.

As for the music, I mean what can I say. John Williams has again created a masterpiece for the score of this film, which again adds to the emotion. I find myself whistling the tune over and over again!!!

Probably one of the best childrens films ever!!!