The release of the E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Special Release soundtrack ended years of waiting for the fully expanded and digitally remastered score. When I first heard the score to E.T. I used to be scared to be alone and listen to it simply because it was so creepy. From the ominous sound of the opening track to the rousing finale, this score visits virtually all ends of the emotional spectrum that is music. The eerie organ cues that start the score to the melodious piano solos during the end credits, this new release is magnificent. Ten tracks have been added to the eight originally released. The difference in sound quality is quickly apparent as the score sounds the best it ever has.
While most of the best music was covered in the original release, like the newer release of Raiders of the Lost Ark, this score does include music from almost all of the movie. Spooky pieces such as Invading Elliot's House or the fast paced and excitingly tense track Searching for E.T. are now included and the soundtrack truly is a musical storyboard for the film. One minor drawback is the fact that the track, Over the Moon from the original soundtrack is not in its original form on this recording. The piano pieces featured in it are similar to those heard in the film version of the end credits (which appear on this release), but are not the same. Probably the best version of this piece is available on the Spielberg/Williams Collaboration CD performed by the Boston Pops. However, on the whole this soundtrack is a must buy for fans of Williams as this is one of his finest works.
Total time: 71:21
1: Far From Home/E.T. Alone (6:49)
2: Bait for E.T. (1:43)
3: The Beginning of a Friendship (2:50)
4: Toys (3:11)
5: "I'm Keeping Him" (2:19)
6: E.T.'s Powers (2:42)
7: E.T. and Elliott Get Drunk (2:53)
8: Frogs (2:10)
9: At Home (5:37)
10: The Magic of Halloween (2:53)
11: Sending the Signal (3:57)
12: Searching for E.T. (4:16)
13: Invading Elliott's House (2:22)
14: E.T. is Dying (2:17)
15: Losing E.T. (2:00)
16: E.T. is Alive! (4:18)
17: Escape/Chase/Saying Goodbye (15:04)
18: End Credits (3:51)