Best Version Of ET On Home Media

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Introduction

This article is part of a series where we investigate which is the best version of particular movies on home media. In this article, we will look at the different releases of E.T. the Extra Terrestrial (1982) on Blu Ray, UHD Blu Ray – and streaming if available – and look at the specs and quality of each release to determine the best way to watch E.T. the Extra Terrestrial (1982).

E.T. the Extra Terrestrial (1982) Summary

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) is a science fiction film directed by Steven Spielberg. The story revolves around a young boy named Elliott, who discovers a stranded alien in his backyard after the creature has been accidentally left behind by its spaceship. Elliott, along with his siblings, Gertie and Michael, befriends the alien, whom they name “E.T.”

As the children work to help E.T. return to his home planet, they form a deep bond with the extraterrestrial being. At the same time, the government becomes aware of the alien’s presence and begins to search for it. The film explores themes of friendship, empathy, and the innocence of childhood while portraying the challenges E.T. and the children face as they try to protect him. The story is set in suburban America during the early 1980s and contrasts childlike wonder with the looming presence of adult authority.

E.T. the Extra Terrestrial (1982) Cast Summary

Actor’s Name	Character’s Name	Character Summary
Henry Thomas	Elliott	A young boy who discovers E.T. and becomes his closest friend, leading the effort to help him return home.
Dee Wallace	Mary	Elliott’s mother, who is unaware of her children’s involvement with the alien but is concerned for her family.
Drew Barrymore	Gertie	Elliott’s younger sister, who quickly grows fond of E.T. and helps in keeping him hidden.
Robert MacNaughton	Michael	Elliott’s older brother, who eventually assists in helping E.T. while balancing his role in protecting his family.
Peter Coyote	Keys	A government agent searching for E.T., recognizable by his keys, who becomes involved in the alien’s capture.
K.C. Martel	Greg	One of Michael’s friends, who develops an interest in E.T. as the story unfolds.
Sean Frye	Steve	Another of Michael’s friends, who also becomes part of the group that assists with E.T.
C. Thomas Howell	Tyler	Michael’s friend and part of the group of kids who eventually help Elliott in protecting E.T.
Pat Welsh	Voice of E.T.	Provided the voice of E.T., the creature from another planet who forms a deep connection with Elliott and his family.

E.T. the Extra Terrestrial (1982) Home Media Releases (Blu Ray and Streaming)

E.T. the Extra Terrestrial (1982) was published on the following contemporary home formats.

Table 1: Blu-ray and UHD Blu-ray Releases – General Info

Release Name / Format	Release Date	Video Codec	Audio Codec	Video Bitrate	Audio Bitrate	Director’s Cut
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial: Blu-ray (30th Anniversary)	October 9, 2012	AVC / MPEG-4	DTS-HD MA 7.1	30 Mbps	Lossless	No
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial: UHD Blu-ray	September 12, 2017	HEVC (H.265)	DTS:X / DTS-HD MA 7.1	57 Mbps	Lossless	No
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial: Blu-ray (35th Anniversary)	September 12, 2017	AVC / MPEG-4	DTS-HD MA 7.1	30 Mbps	Lossless	No
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial: Ultimate Gift Set (UHD & Blu-ray)	October 29, 2012	HEVC / AVC	DTS-HD MA 7.1	57 Mbps	Lossless	Yes (Special Edition)*
E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial iTunes (4K Ultra HD)	September 26, 2013	HEVC / H.265	HDR10+	25 Mbps	256 Kbps	No

*The Special Edition included in this set contains digital alterations made in 2002, known as the 2002 version (often debated as a “director’s cut” due to CGI enhancements of certain scenes, but is typically just referred to as the Special Edition).

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Table 2: Video & Audio Scores and Mastering Info

Release Name / Format	V Score	A Score	DI Res	DNR	AI Used
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial: Blu-ray (30th Anniversary)	5.0/5	5.0/5	4K	Minimal	No
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial: UHD Blu-ray	5.0/5	5.0/5	4K	No	No
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial: Blu-ray (35th Anniversary)	4.5/5	5.0/5	4K	Minimal	No
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial: Ultimate Gift Set (UHD & Blu-ray)	5.0/5	5.0/5	4K	Minimal	No

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Summary and Key Points:

Video and Audio Scores:

• V Score = Video score from Blu-ray.com (reflecting image clarity, color correction, depth, etc.).
• A Score = Audio score from Blu-ray.com (assessing audio mix, quality, surround effect, clarity).

DI Res:

• All major releases of E.T. since the 2012 Blu-ray have been based on a 4K Digital Intermediate, enhancing detail in both Blu-ray and UHD formats.

DNR (Digital Noise Reduction):

• Minimal DNR was used in the Blu-ray restorations (especially on the 2012 and 2017 releases), preserving the natural grain of Spielberg’s beloved film. However, the application was carefully controlled to avoid excessive smoothing.

AI Used:

• The restoration process for E.T. did not involve AI-enhanced techniques, as manual methods were used to handle color grading, restoration, and detail enhancement.

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Further Insights:

Some box sets include the 2002 Special Edition, which featured CGI alterations (such as the replacement of guns with walkie-talkies in certain scenes). Though originally marketed as a special attraction, this version has largely been phased out in favor of Spielberg’s preferred theatrical cut.

2012 Blu-ray (30th Anniversary):

This Blu-ray release, based on the first 4K restoration, provides excellent picture quality, with minimal DNR. The DTS-HD MA 7.1 audio track received high praise for clear, wide-ranging sound reproduction.

2017 UHD Blu-ray:

The UHD version offers the best picture quality due to HDR (High Dynamic Range), providing deeper blacks and more vibrant colors while maintaining the original film texture. With DTS:X audio, it is often considered the best available version for most collectors, aligning with forum discussions on Blu-ray.com and AVSForum.

Special Edition (2002):

Please note that we have tried to make sure as much as possible that this information is correct by referencing multiple sources but still keeping it simple and accurate across release regions. Please let us know in the comments if you find any errors.

E.T. the Extra Terrestrial (1982) Legacy Formats

E.T. the Extra Terrestrial (1982) was also published on the following legacy formats:

Table: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) on VHS, Laserdisc, DVD, D-Theatre

Format	Release Date	Widescreen / Pan & Scan	Director’s Cut
VHS (USA)	October 27, 1988	Pan & Scan	No
VHS (USA, Special Edition)	2002	Pan & Scan	Yes*
VHS (USA, Widescreen Collector’s Edition)	1996	Widescreen	No
Laserdisc (USA, Standard Edition)	December 1988	Pan & Scan	No
Laserdisc (USA, Widescreen Edition)	1996	Widescreen	No
Laserdisc (USA, Special Edition)	2002	Widescreen	Yes*
DVD (USA, Standard Release)	October 22, 2002	Widescreen & Pan & Scan (two versions included)	Yes*
DVD (2-Disc Limited Collector’s Edition)	October 22, 2002	Widescreen only	Yes*
DVD (E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial: Anniversary Edition)	October 9, 2012	Widescreen	No
D-Theatre	N/A	M	M

* = Special Edition (2002 re-release): This version, sometimes considered a “director’s cut,” includes digital alterations such as CGI improvements, additional scenes, and the notable replacement of guns with walkie-talkies carried by federal agents during certain scenes. Spielberg later preferred the original theatrical version.

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Explanation of the Column Data:

• Widescreen / Pan & Scan:
  • Widescreen indicates that the film maintained its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, preserving the theatrical visual experience.
  • Pan & Scan reduces the image to 4:3 for early television screens, often cropping parts of the image for standard definition (SD) view.
• Director’s Cut: The “Special Edition” (2002) is often labeled as a director’s cut due to Spielberg’s involvement in the changes, although Spielberg has since expressed his preference for the theatrical cut.

Key Points & Highlights:

1. 1988 VHS release:
   The first home video edition, released in Pan & Scan, was initially a major event given E.T.‘s box-office success but only included the original theatrical version.
2. 1996 VHS and Laserdisc Widescreen Editions:
   These editions allowed collectors and film enthusiasts to enjoy E.T. in widescreen, making it closer to the movie theater experience.
3. 2002 DVD and VHS “Special Edition”:
   Marking the 20th anniversary, this release included both the original theatrical version and a digitally altered version with new CGI and minor scene adjustments. This version stirred commentary, especially due to the changes made to iconic scenes (like the walkie-talkies replacing the guns). It was available in both Pan & Scan and widescreen formats, and was the first time E.T. received a widescreen DVD release.
4. 2012 DVD (30th Anniversary):
   This version celebrated the milestone with a definitive, theatrical-cut-only re-release, using a then-new digital restoration.
5. D-Theatre:
   No known records indicate an E.T. D-Theatre format release (D-Theatre was a short-lived high-definition tape format). Therefore, it is marked as M for missing.

Conclusion:

For the definitive version with the original theatrical cut, the 2012 DVD (or later Blu-ray and UHD versions) is the one to seek. For those interested in the digitally-altered Special Edition (2002 Version), the 2002 DVD/VHS is the go-to, though Spielberg later shifted away from that alteration.

Which version of E.T. the Extra Terrestrial (1982) should you watch?

Based on review scores and discussions across forums such as Blu-ray.com, AVSForum, and other home theater communities, the best disc version of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) is widely considered to be the 2017 UHD Blu-ray (4K Ultra HD) release. This version offers the highest quality in terms of both picture and sound, restored using modern technologies while remaining true to the original film’s aesthetic.

Recommended Version:

⚫ E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (2017 UHD Blu-ray 4K Ultra HD)

Key Reasons to Choose This Version:

1. Best Video Quality (4K with HDR):
   • The 2017 UHD Blu-ray release of E.T. is sourced from a 4K digital intermediate and utilizes HEVC (H.265) encoding.
   • It features HDR (High Dynamic Range) and Dolby Vision, which greatly improves color accuracy, contrast, and depth of shadows. The vibrant alien and spaceship sequences, as well as nighttime scenes, benefit significantly from HDR’s wider color gamut.
   • Compared to previous Blu-ray releases, this version offers a more naturalistic and filmic appearance with no excessive digital noise reduction (DNR), retaining a healthy amount of original grain without sacrificing sharpness or detail.
2. Best Audio Quality (Dolby Atmos & DTS-HD MA 7.1):
   • The Dolby Atmos track on the 2017 UHD disc delivers an immersive audio experience, enhancing sound effects such as E.T.’s spaceship’s liftoff, Elliott’s bike ride, and the iconic score by John Williams.
   • The accompanying DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track is universally praised as clear and dynamic, with balanced dialogue, effects, and music.
   • Both audio mixes remain faithful to the original audio design, expanding the experience particularly for home theater setups with surround or object-based audio systems.
3. **Faithful to the Original Theatrical Version:
   • The theatrical cut of E.T. is presented in this version, free from the CGI alterations and adjustments made in the 2002 special edition (i.e., guns replaced with walkie-talkies). Director Steven Spielberg opted to leave the film in its original state following fan reactions to the special edition.
4. Review Consensus:
   • Blu-ray.com and AVSForum reviewers heavily recommend this UHD release due to stellar video and audio quality. It has a perfect video score (5/5) and audio score (5/5) on Blu-ray.com, making it the definitive version according to both technical review metrics and viewer comments.
   • Forum discussions often mention how well this scan preserves film grain, dynamic range, and detail, providing the closest experience to watching the original film in theaters.

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Alternative Choices:

1. Don’t Have a 4K Setup?
   • E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial: Blu-ray 35th Anniversary (2017):
     • If you don’t have a 4K Blu-ray player or a 4K TV, the 2017 Blu-ray (included in the same set or sold separately) is a very strong alternative. It uses the same 4K master but limited to 1080p resolution. You won’t get the benefit of HDR, but the picture remains excellent in terms of detail and color balance.
     • The 7.1 DTS-HD MA audio track is also identical to the UHD disc version, making it a solid choice for Blu-ray users.
2. Collecting Older Versions?
   • E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial: Blu-ray (30th Anniversary, 2012 Collection):
     • If you only own a Blu-ray player, the 2012 Blu-ray release is still highly regarded, featuring one of the first proper restorations with Steven Spielberg’s direct involvement. The DTS-HD MA 7.1 track is excellent, and while missing the latest improvements of HDR and 4K resolution, it was previously considered one of the best available Blu-ray versions before the 4K restoration.
     • This version also comes in Ultimate Gift Sets that may include extras like books and models if you’re a collector.

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Versions to Avoid:

1. 2002 Special Edition (VHS/DVD/LaserDisc):
   • The “Special Edition” (2002) introduced several CGI alterations that many fans and Spielberg himself later regretted. These changes, especially the replacement of guns with walkie-talkies, detract from the original film’s tone and feel.
   • While this version includes some interesting behind-the-scenes content, its digital enhancements are considered inferior to the original theatrical version. Avoid this cut unless you’re specifically interested in seeing these comparisons.
2. Older Standard-Definition Formats:
   • The VHS and Laserdisc formats offer far inferior video and audio quality due to their standard-definition limitations. These are generally not recommended for modern audiences unless purely for collectible purposes, as they exhibit muted colors, poor contrast, and letterboxed formats.

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Conclusion:

For most viewers today, the 2017 UHD Blu-ray Release of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (4K Ultra HD) is the definitive version that balances visual fidelity, immersive audio, and alignment with the original theatrical experience. It offers the highest-quality viewing experience on modern 4K setups, combining true-to-original restorations without digital alterations. For those without 4K equipment, the 2017 1080p Blu-ray Edition (35th Anniversary) is an excellent alternative.

Why Audio and Video Calibration is Important?

Movies only play accurately on home systems if both the display and audio system are calibrated to reference. Here at Simple Home Cinema, we are fanatic about accurate playback to the way the director intended. This is why we created both free and premium calibration guides, so you can calibrate your audio and video for optimal playback.

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