In June of 1982, an alien was left stranded on Earth but found a place in the hearts of millions of moviegoers. Twenty years later, “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” makes its return to the big screen this weekend.
The movie tells the story of E.T., an alien who is left stranded on Earth after his spaceship leaves without him. While on this planet, he befriends a young boy named Elliot, who takes E.T. into the house. The two share many adventures, including a night of trick-or-treating, flying bicycles and Reeces” Pieces candy.
The film was a huge hit that year. According to a July 1982 New York Times article, the movie had passed the $80 million mark by the Fourth of July weekend. When the nominees for the 1983 Oscars were announced, “E.T.” had earned nine nominations, including best picture, best original screenplay, best director and best visual effects.
(“Gandhi” would beat “E.T.” in all those categories except for best visual effects, which “E.T.” would win.) The film also made a star of a young Drew Barrymore and made Steven Speilberg an almost household name.
So why re-release a movie 20 years after its initial release?
“It’s one of those classic movies,” said Charles Coletta, a professor in the popular culture department . “It’s like ‘The Wizard of Oz’ for some people.”
“This is a time of interstellar interest and hope,” said Ray Browne, professor emeritus in the popular culture department. “It is a very timely re-release.”
While sentimental memories may be one reason, there is another reason why this film is hitting the big screen again.
“He (Speilberg) hopes to make money,” Browne said.
According Jack Nachbar, professor emeritus in the popular culture department, the film was the largest grossing film of all time until recent years. Now it has slid down the list of money-making movies. “I think there is a little competitive spirit in it,” he said.
Nachbar also points to the fact that the movie is being re-released during a slow period at the box office. “You’re not going against any blockbusters,” he said.
“It looks like a money thing,” Coletta said. Coletta, who is currently teaching a class about popular film, pointed to the success that that the re-release of the “Star Wars” trilogy had a few years ago.
Like those “Star Wars” re-releases, “E.T.” will come back to theaters with some changes. This time around, never before seen footage has been added along with remastered sound and new special effects.
There have been other changes made as well. In one part of the movie, policemen chase children with their guns drawn. According to the Los Angeles Times, this was something that Spielberg was uncomfortable with when he saw the movie. This time around, the guns are gone, and walkie-talkies will take their place.
“They might want to make the government look less evil,” Nachbar said. He added that the film came out at a time when there was still some distrust in the government.
“I don’t know how different it could be,” Coletta said. “I don’t think that they can just leave it alone. The original thing will still be out there somewhere on video.”
For those looking for the original on video, Video Spectrum has that version of the movie. According to store co-owner Bill Wilkins, the movie is rented often, and with the re-release, he expects the video to be rented out more often. According to the Los Angeles Times, the original will still be available even after this new special edition has been released.
Filmmakers are hoping the changes won’t affect the appeal that the film has had for 20 years. There are different reasons why this film and characters have held up over the years.
“Maybe it’s because he’s a friendly alien,” Coletta said, “It’s not ‘Aliens.'”
Browne said that the film touches on several themes and values in our culture. “It applies to home, to children, to mother. … It appeals to everyone.”
Nachbar said, “It hits all those themes of family values.”
