To coincide with the Blue-ray Combo Pack release of the tale directed by Academy Award-winner Steven Spielberg about the friendship that develops between a boy and a creature from outer space, HarperCollins has published the 30th Anniversary Edition of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial: From Concept to Classic.
The publication opens with a new introduction by Steven Spielberg who writes, “This book will take you on the journey we took to make E.T. You will meet the people who turned our simple story into a special place in movie history. It’s our family album, and we welcome you to share it with us.” True to the words of the filmmaker the reader is treated with loads of images taken behind the scenes as well as production stills in sections titled Part One: From Concept to Casting, Part Two: A Boy’s Life: The Annotated, Illustrated Screenplay, and Part Three: Postproduction and Beyond. Rather than utilize a traditional narrative populated with quotes, the interviews conducted by Laurent Bouzereau with key players such as Spielberg, Producer Kathleen Kennedy, Visual Effects Supervisor Dennis Muren, and lead actor Henry Thomas are given the centre stage treatment; accompanying their insights are subject headings, archival documents, and script notes which delve into the production trivia.
Added treats are the inclusion of the Oscar-nominated script by Melissa Mathison, the two-page spread of the cast and film crew posing with the charming alien star, and a photo taken of the principle cast with the director and Kennedy to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the original theatrical release. Much like the film it commemorates, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial: From Concept to Classic is a family friendly affair which provides enjoyment whether simply looking at the images or indulging in the text.
Trevor Hogg is a freelance video editor and writer who currently resides in Canada.
Originally published October 26, 2012. Updated November 6, 2019.
