National Film Vault

FILM NOTES

Universal Pictures released E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in June 1982, with Steven Spielberg directing at the height of his creative powers. The film became the highest-grossing release of its era, displacing Star Wars, and remains a defining work of American cinema — a story of childhood, longing, and connection that resonated across generations. Shot by Allen Daviau, its warm, practical lighting and suburban setting gave the fantasy an uncommon emotional grounding.

This 35mm cell, titled E.T., captures the film's beloved alien visitor in a warmly lit interior, consistent with the domestic spaces of Elliott's home where much of the story unfolds. Across three nearly continuous frames, E.T. is held in quiet close proximity to the camera, offering collectors a rare and intimate look at one of cinema's most recognizable figures.