Hey folks, Harry here with the latest rumor about what may be going on with the E.T. Special Edition. We know that Spielberg has removed shotguns in favor of walkie-talkies... that he's inserted some digital E.T. stuff, spruced up the E.T. spaceship and given E.T. a digital face it seems. We have also heard that due to the insensitive nature of the "dressed as a terrorist" line, that the line was relooped. Well now comes word that the classic "Penis Breath" line has also been removed and/or changed as well it has now been deemed as inappropriate for family fare. Now, sure I understand that times have changed, that the freedoms that filmmakers had when I was a kid of the seventies and eighties... well the times and the original filmmaker has changed.
My sister is the biggest E.T. nut I have ever known. She's seen it more than any other film, and when I showed her the trailer today, she was both dismayed and excited. Dismayed at the changes, excited that at least the film in some form will be rereleased in theaters so she can take her son to see it. However, she'd love to have it be the original. I just hope when this comes to DVD that Spielberg has the courtesy to release both versions, so the consumer can have the option to see the film as they remember it.
Harry,
I am in total sympathy with you about Spielberg's vandalization of E.T. But as much as we bemoan the new walkie-talkies and CGI animation of ET himself, there is one more aspect of the film at risk: the script.
I have heard rumors that the funniest line of the movie -- Eliott's calling his brother "Penis Breath" -- may be no more. Too offensive for family viewing, you know.
What can we do to stop this rape of cinema history?
Sorrowfully yours,
Qualopec
