42 Years Later: The Exact Date E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Came Out And Why It Still Matters
The question of "when did E.T. come out" is simple, but the answer opens a portal to one of the most significant moments in cinematic history. The film wasn't just a blockbuster; it was a cultural phenomenon that defined a generation and cemented director Steven Spielberg's legacy as a master storyteller. Knowing the exact date helps frame its monumental impact on the summer movie season and the film industry as a whole.
The original, heartwarming story of a lost alien and a lonely boy named Elliott first touched the hearts of American audiences on June 11, 1982. This release date, coming just weeks after its premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, launched a run that would see the film dominate the box office for over a year and become the highest-grossing film of all time for over a decade. The story of E.T.'s enduring relevance, however, is far more complex than a single date.
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial: Key Biography and Release Milestones
The film's journey from an idea called *Night Skies* to a beloved classic involved a legendary team of creatives and a massive cultural footprint. This timeline and list of key figures provides context for its enduring legacy.
- Original U.S. Theatrical Release: June 11, 1982
- Director: Steven Spielberg
- Writer: Melissa Mathison
- Composer: John Williams (Won an Academy Award for Best Original Score)
- Producers: Steven Spielberg and Kathleen Kennedy
- Starring: Henry Thomas (Elliott), Drew Barrymore (Gertie), Dee Wallace (Mary), Peter Coyote (Keys), Robert MacNaughton (Michael)
- Special Effects/E.T. Design: Carlo Rambaldi
- Production Company: Amblin Entertainment
- Box Office Success: Surpassed *Star Wars* to become the highest-grossing film globally at the time, earning over $797 million worldwide.
- Awards: Nominated for nine Academy Awards, winning four (Best Original Score, Best Sound, Best Sound Effects Editing, and Best Visual Effects).
The Fresh Update: E.T.'s Recent Re-Releases and Special Editions
For a film that is over four decades old, *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial* continues to be a fresh topic of discussion, primarily due to its significant anniversaries and re-releases. This is where the "current" information becomes vital for any film enthusiast.
The film celebrated its major 40th anniversary in 2022, bringing the classic back to the big screen for a new generation.
- 40th Anniversary IMAX Theatrical Re-Release: August 12, 2022. This limited-time engagement allowed fans to experience the magic of the famous bicycle flight scene on the largest possible screens.
- 40th Anniversary 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Release: October 18, 2022. This definitive home media release ensured the film's visual and audio quality was preserved and enhanced for modern displays.
The film has been re-released multiple times over the years, including a 20th Anniversary "Special Edition" in 2002. This edition, however, became a point of controversy among fans and even the director himself.
In the 2002 version, director Steven Spielberg made several digital alterations to reflect modern sensitivities, most notably replacing the guns held by federal agents with walkie-talkies and changing a line of dialogue. Spielberg has since expressed regret for these changes, stating that "no film should be altered" to reflect contemporary standards, and the original 1982 version is now considered the canonical edition.
Behind the Scenes: 5 Amazing Facts That Fuel Curiosity
The making of *E.T.* is as fascinating as the film itself, full of unique production choices and little-known facts that demonstrate the genius of its creators. These details are essential for establishing topical authority and satisfying reader curiosity.
1. The Famous Candy Was a Second Choice
The alien’s favorite treat was originally intended to be M&M's. However, the manufacturer, Mars, Inc., declined the product placement opportunity. Hershey's, the manufacturer of Reese's Pieces, accepted the offer, which led to a massive 65% increase in the candy’s profits after the film's release.
2. The Alien Was a Logistical Nightmare
The E.T. puppet, designed by special effects master Carlo Rambaldi, cost a staggering $1.5 million to create. The complex creature was operated by a combination of animatronics, little people, and even a 10-year-old boy who was born without legs, which allowed for the unique, shuffling walk seen in some scenes.
3. The Film Was Shot Chronologically
Spielberg made the unusual decision to film the entire movie in chronological order. This was done specifically to help the young actors, particularly Henry Thomas (Elliott) and Drew Barrymore (Gertie), develop authentic emotional connections to the E.T. puppet as their characters' bond with the alien grew throughout the story.
4. The Director Deceived Drew Barrymore
To elicit a genuinely emotional reaction from the then seven-year-old Drew Barrymore during the scene where E.T. is "dying," Spielberg told the young actress that the puppet was a real, living alien who was actually sick. This method helped create the authentic, heartbreaking performance seen in the final film.
5. A Sequel Was Written, Then Scrapped
Following the film's monumental success, a treatment for a sequel titled *E.T. II: Nocturnal Fears* was written by Spielberg and Mathison. The sequel would have featured Elliott and his friends being abducted by evil, carnivorous aliens. Spielberg ultimately decided against it, believing a sequel would "rob the original of its virginity," ensuring the first film remained a standalone masterpiece.
The Undeniable Cultural and Cinematic Impact
The success of *E.T.* was not just financial; it fundamentally shifted the landscape of Hollywood and popular culture. It proved that a science fiction film could be driven by pure emotion and character development rather than just special effects, a departure from the action-heavy blockbusters of the time.
The film’s incredible run at the box office, holding the top spot for a record 16 nonconsecutive weekends, is a feat that no other movie has ever managed to repeat. Adjusted for inflation, its gross remains one of the highest of all time, solidifying its status as a timeless cinematic treasure.
The iconic imagery—the bicycle silhouette against the moon, the glowing finger, the famous phrase "E.T. phone home"—are instantly recognizable global entities. The film’s themes of childhood loneliness, friendship, and the fear of the unknown resonated universally, turning the friendly alien into a symbol of hope and innocent connection. The masterful score by John Williams is often cited as one of the greatest film scores ever, perfectly elevating the emotional beats of the story.
In short, while *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial* officially came out on June 11, 1982, its story and impact are continuously refreshed through anniversaries, re-releases, and the ongoing fascination with its behind-the-scenes magic. It remains a powerful reminder of the simple, universal power of a great story told with heart.
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