By Myla Hayo Torres

Two years ago, I remember watching Steven Spielberg's film ET The Extraterrestrial with my then six-year-old nephew. It was his first time to see the cult film but I have watched it as a kid and distinctively remember really loving it like that other strange-friend film Mac & Me. Anyway, my nephew and I were fascinated by the heroes' exploits and giggled at ET's mishaps, like the time when he got drunk from drinking beer.

Then came the famous farewell scene with a spaceship hovering above. I was impressed by Spielberg's ability to create a film that tested the limits of imagination yet stood close to reality not to mention the special effects, which was pretty good, considering the technology of that era. As ET finally said his goodbye, I thought I heard muffled sobs coming from my side. I looked at my nephew and saw his pink face drenched with tears. I asked him, "Anong nagyari sa'yo? (What happened to you?)" And he replied in between sniffs, "K-kase iniwan na ako ni ET. (ET has left me.)." Amazing, I thought. How a kid could really believe that he was Elliott and that his best friend was leaving him was quite hilarious to me yet I understood the feeling. Some movies have that similar effect on me.

I was too young to see ET on the big screen in 1982 that's why I got so excited when I first saw the trailer of its re-release in the cinemas this March. The digitally re-mastered version will be shown in theatres in time for the celebration of ET's 20th anniversary, which includes never-before-seen footage, computer-generated enhancements and a digitally remixed soundtrack.

E.T. The Extraterrestrial, which opened in the United States on June 11, 1982, became one of the top-grossing films in history. The final domestic box office gross on the first run totaled $359 million, with another $40.6 million coming from a 1985 re-release, along with $303 million internationally. The movie also received accolades in the 1983 Academy Awards, winning Best Original Score and Best Visual Effects, and was nominated for Best Picture (losing to GANDHI), Best Direction, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Sound, and Best Sound Effects.

   
Since their announcement in September 2000, Universal Pictures has capitalized on the much-hyped comeback of ET. Early this March, the full official website of ET was launched, containing information and updates on the film's anniversary. The movie will also be released on DVD for the first time, featuring both the original version of the film and the 20th anniversary enhanced version. A new poster and trailer were shown in October 2001 together with an enhanced re-issue of the film's musical score and E.T.-themed music compilations. A wide array of ET merchandise has reached the stores in US, expecting a clamor for ET toys and clothes. News about its premiere last March 16, 2002 at the Shrine Auditorium and the reunion of its original cast and crew last February are also found in the web site.

  But behind all these publicity is a film that has touched its viewers worldwide. The poignant story of Elliott (Henry Thomas) and his misadventures with E.T., a visitor from another planet,is truly unforgettable. Its universal theme of friendship and the magic of childhood it portrayed so well have made it one of the most significant cinematic masterpieces of all time. Like the classic film The Wizard of Oz, ET is filled with innocence, hope and humor, attracting young and adult audiences alike.

"E.T. is my most personal film, and my greatest gratification has been to see how the film and E.T. became loved all over the world," Director Steven Spielberg said in a statement.

And without a doubt, the young generation of today will truly enjoy this film. It's amazing how the movie still inspires genuine laughter and tears even after 20 years. I'm sure that my nephew will be thrilled to see it on big screen this time and will be raving about it again for weeks. I'll be happy to watch it with him. I just hope he won't cry too loud inside the cinema.