National Film Vault

FILM NOTES

Universal Pictures released E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in June 1982, directed by Steven Spielberg at the height of his early creative period. The film became the highest-grossing release of its time and remains a defining work of American cinema, blending suburban family drama with science fiction in a way that resonated across generations. Its score by John Williams and its visual storytelling set a standard that influenced blockbuster filmmaking for decades to follow.

This cell, titled E.T. and Elliott Flying, captures the film's most enduring image: Elliott and E.T. silhouetted against a glowing full moon over an orange-amber sky, with Michael and additional riders visible in silhouette as the group takes flight together. Drawn from the bicycle flight sequence, it is the frame that became synonymous with the film itself.