On this day in 1982, one of the screen’s most enduring (and endearing)  family adventure films was released to American theaters. E.T.: THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL told the story of a stranded alien creature and the young suburban boy who makes him part of the family. Directed by STEVEN SPIELBERG from a script by MELISSA MATHISON, the cast featured HENRY THOMAS, DREW BARRYMORE, ROBERT McNAUGHTON, DEE WALLACE and PETER COYOTE.

Winner of four Academy Awards out of nine nominations, the film continues to be a crowd pleaser and audience favorite. When asked at last summer’s San Diego ComicCon to name his personal favorite of all the films he’s made, SPIELBERG didn’t skip a beat before singing the praises of E.T.. (CLICK ON THE MEDIA BAR FOR AUDIO)

E.T.: THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL is available on DVD and Blu-ray