Techtite's Hardcopy: Book Reviews

"Fans will want to buy [this book] right away; Joe Average Taxpayer will want to borrow theirs...then buy their own."

---from the review

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Among the coolest inclusions with the giant, "DVD Gift Set" of E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial is the included hardcover(!) book, subtitled "From Concept to Classic." True, this book has been available for half a year prior, yet its popularity is only growing now, via word of mouth from those lucky guys who bought (or, even luckier, given) the DVD gift set! However, don't fret; the book is available separately, and any owner of the "basic" DVD --or the VHS, for that matter-- will want to add this 192 page book to their collection, right now.

The book is divided in three parts, with an added prologue/introduction by Steven Spielberg. While only two pages, Spielberg's prologue is succinct, informative, and most importantly, a nice treat for fans. He even answers straight away, the most frequently asked question about E.T.: will there be a sequel? The answer is a grateful "no," for the more clear-thinking fans who wish for a classic sci-fi fantasy to remain classic, and not become a mere film franchise for a dozen other directors (not to name names, though the joke that only "even numbered" Star Trek films are good is indicative of how, in fact, only half of them are any good!).

The 32 page "Part One" of the book starts wisely at the beginning, with the concept stage of the film, and the casting. While I still am a bit miffed that the rare-to-see audition tapes of Henry Thomas and Drew Barrymore (among others) was not offered on the special edition DVD, this prose version of their casting is even better. Enhancing the conceptual phase are dozens of photographs, including early sketch work. While only a small glipse at the clearly advanced steps that must've been taken to create this film, it is clear this, unlike most "blockbusters," was no fluke, nor a "fad." It was a great film because for so many crewmembers, it was truly a labor of love.

Part Two is even more intriguing, in that the film is not merely alluded to with a "see it in theaters" comment; the whole script is included! However, even that is not enough; this is a screenplay offered via a sort of "scrapbook" format, with the occasional behind the scenes photo added for each scene, and various "production notes" as well. There are lots of great photos of scenes as they were being filmed; note a young, Erica Eleniak next to Elliot, in the frog scene that ends with a kiss. My favorite scrapbook memory would have to be on page 52 (or thereabouts, if reprinted), with 12 "deleted concepts" ranging from E.T. visiting a family of foxes in their den (!) to how E.T. was to have a pouch like a kangaroo, and collect stuff as he went along! While it appears to be an "obvious" joke, it seems as though there was indeed a theory offered, that E.T. would see the classic TV episode where J.R. is shot, and "heal" him! Clearly, these are concepts gladly abandoned, though it offers a glimpse as to how thorough this book truly is.

Part Three is, of course, the "aftermath." Everything from release day to "E.T. mania" is covered, including a whole array of quotes from well-known critics, from their original 1982 reviews. Suffixed to this 1982 slice of Americana is the 2002 Anniversary, with comments regarding the added scenes and the "reunion" of all the original cast members. As with the movie, after a worthy list of credits (preserved for all time in this book), the story is concluded.

All I can say in addition to the above is: this was clearly no easy task! How hard it must've been, to offer so much that was never seen/heard before, after 20 years time...though this book delivers. It is also offered in hardcover; a fature often unavailable when buying a book "just" about movies. This is an exceptional movie though, requiring an exception to the rule in "official movie books." Fans will want to buy it right away; Joe Average Taxpayer will want to borrow theirs...then buy their own. What a fine fan offering this is!