Version Shown Only in Theaters Prior to Director’s Enhancements
Now Added to Both Editions of the 2002 DVD Release

Universal City, California, October 15, 2002 — Just days before its long-awaited DVD debut, Universal Studios Home Video and director Steven Spielberg announced today that both DVD editions will contain the definitive original 1982 theatrical version of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, unseen by audiences since the film was first shown in movie theaters. The DVD will be released on Oct. 22.

The 2002 theatrical re-release of E.T. contained new computer-generated enhancements and modifications, as well as new scenes and a remastered score. Now, for the first time in nearly two decades, the original film can be seen on the DVD.

Available for a limited 10-week period, the DVD will be offered in two formats: the E.T. Limited Collector’s Edition and E.T. Ultimate Collector’s Gift Set. Previously, the 1982 theatrical version was announced to appear exclusively on the E.T. Ultimate Collector’s Gift Set.

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“This is Steven’s early holiday gift to the film’s millions of fans. He wanted everyone to have the ultimate E.T. experience, and we are ecstatic about being able to offer both versions to all consumers,” said USHV President Craig Kornblau. “We received a huge response from fans who adore E.T. and wanted to own both versions of the film but weren’t planning to buy the Ultimate Collector’s Gift Set.”

Both DVD sets will feature the original 1982 theatrical version as well as the acclaimed 2002 version of the film, which was seen nationwide beginning in March. That version includes two new scenes that were deleted from the original film and recently completed with computer graphics. In addition, enhancements were made throughout the film, including new details to E.T.’s opening sequence, the famous flying-bicycle segment, and scenes of the alien spaceship. John Williams’ Oscar®-winning score has also been remastered in DTS and Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound.

The two-disc E.T. Limited Collector’s Edition is available in either widescreen or full-frame format. In addition to the two full-length versions of E.T., the Limited Collector’s Edition boasts nearly 10 hours of special features that include a conversation with Steven Spielberg; a reunion of the film’s cast members; and a special feature on the live performance of E.T.’s classic score by conductor John Williams. The Limited Collector’s Edition also offers a host of special interactive features accessible only via DVD-ROM.

The E.T. Ultimate Collector’s Gift Set offers both versions of the film in widescreen format and a separate disc with additional bonus features, including a 50-minute documentary about the making of the film, “The Evolution of E.T.” The E.T. Ultimate Collector’s Gift Set also contains the complete film script, the remastered CD soundtrack and a collectible “senitype” that presents fans with a frame from a print of the film.

A full-frame VHS version of E.T., which will offer the 2002 theatrical version, is also available.

E.T. THE EXTRATERESSTRIAL was honored with four 1982 Academy Awards®: Best Visual Effects, Best Original Score, Best Sound Effects Editing and Best Sound. Adding to E.T.’s overwhelming popularity and success, the theatrical re-release in March brought the film’s domestic box-office gross to more than $432 million, making it the third-highest-grossing film in motion-picture history. E.T. has remained one of the most requested DVD titles since the debut of the format; it has been on home-video moratorium since May 1997.