'E.T.' Changed To Relate To Times

Posted Tuesday, March 19, 2002 at 8:27 AM Central

by Heather Koehler

The little alien who just wanted to get home 20 years ago became so many children's new friend. This weekend E.T. will touch the hearts of a completely new generation and bring back memories to those who've grown up eating Reese Pieces with a big smile.

It may be the 20th Anniversary edition, but the movie has gone under the knife...er editing machine, and has a few new looks.

The updated version will include a digitally manipulated E.T. so the alien looks more lifelike. The cover has new look too. The picture of Elliot riding his bike in front of the moon was reshot and a real boy was used instead of a figurine.

Changes like that are being welcomed by fans but director Steven Spielberg is catching some heat for changes like the gun-toting townsmen during the alien hunt. "What worked in 1982 doesn't quite hold up," said Bill George, who supervised the updating.

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, 20th Anniversary Edition opens at theaters this Friday.