July 11, 2002 -- I recently saw the re-release of Steven Spielberg's classic, "E.T." 20 years after I saw it the last time. This version has been spruced up with some computer-generated graphics to make it look better. I wasn't that much of a fan of the film the first time I saw it, but now I'm convinced it is a classic that will continue to stand the test of time. It was much better than I remembered. This 20th anniversary edition of the film will be released on DVD on October 22 as part of a special boxed set that includes the original 1982 version as well.

"E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial," in case you've been living in a cave, is the story of a young boy who befriends a small alien and helps him get back home. Henry Thomas plays the young boy, Elliott, and his sister, Gertie and older brother, Michael, are played by Drew Barrymore and Robert MacNaughton, respectively. All three youngsters turn in teriffic performances, as does Dee Wallace-Stone of "The Frighteners," who plays the mother and Peter Coyote, who plays a mysterious Mulder-like government UFO investigator.

The opening sequence of the film in which the aliens are shown collecting botanical samples from earth is filmed almost like a silent movie. There is no dialog or narration. It is a very skillful bit of visual storytelling by Spielberg and cinematographer Allen Daviau of "Fearless." Daviau uses a lot of low camera angles during the film, representing a child's perspective on things. The alien and Elliot are about the same height. For most of the film, Coyote is shown only from the waist down. We see a key chain dangling at his side. At the conclusion of the film, when we finally see Coyote and some of the other adults face-on, it represents childhood's end. It seemed to me the new version of the film (it is five minutes longer than the original) does a better job of humanizing Coyote and his fellow government agents. The story revolves around a split family. Elliot's father has separated and is whooping it up in Mexico with some bimbo while the rest of the wounded family tries to cope. The alien, of course, is separated from his family and friends too. Unlike the humans, however, he depends on a psychic connection to his fellows just to survive. He gets weaker as the film goes on, despite his psychic connection to Elliot.

Spielberg's imaginitive use of light is on full display in this film. The shot of Elliot, his bicycle and the alien gliding in front of the rising moon is magical, as is the glow from the shed in the yard where the alien is hiding. Light is also used to signal the alien's healing touch and his emotional heart, which lights up when his fellow aliens are near. The movie is all about the universality of emotions regarding family and friends. It is also about how big the universe is and how we as a species are like children in relation to that vastness. It conveys these messages with few words. Much credit goes to the great screenplay by Melissa Mathison (who wrote another great kid's film screenplay with few words, "The Black Stallion"). It is an exceptionally visual film and an exceptionally emotional film, but the kind that most of us don't mind being manipulated by. This film rates an A.

Click here for links to places to buy this movie in video and/or DVD format, the soundtrack, books, even used videos, games and lots of other stuff. I suggest you shop at least two of these places before buying anything. Prices seem to vary continuously. For more information on this film, click on this link to The Internet Movie Database. Type in the name of the movie in the search box and press enter. You will be able to find background information on the film, the actors, and links to much more information.