Earlier this week, five Madame Tussauds locations debuted an impressive wax likeness of everyone’s favourite Reese’s Pieces-eating extra-terrestrial. Yes, you can now visit E.T. and phone home from London, Berlin, Amsterdam, Sydney, and Hollywood. He will also be flying his bicycle to Tokyo in March 2013. This new and adorable addition to the Madame Tussauds collections is due to E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial’s first ever release on Blu-Ray and is in celebration of the classic film’s 30th anniversary.
E.T. is the first Steven Spielberg film I remember seeing, and I think I can honestly say that at that moment, a lifetime fan was made. And if you want to hear from Spielberg himself, the Blu-ray features never-before-seen footage from the film set including an interview with the bespectacled director.
The Hollywood event marking the occasion led red hooded bicyclists along a mystery trail of Reese’s Pieces down Hollywood Boulevard. They were joined by E.T. as they made their way to his new home at Madame Tussauds Hollywood. As you can see in the photo, his old buddy Steven Spielberg is also there, so he won’t be lonely.
The five E.T.s were created in London using detailed information sourced by Madame Tussauds’ world renowned artists. First he was sculpted in clay and then molded in wax. Colorists used oil paints to recreate his unique complexion, and the entire process took around two months and cost $80,000 to produce.
“We are delighted to be welcoming one of the greatest movie characters of all time to the attraction. We’re also absolutely certain that our guests are going to love the unique opportunity to ‘star’ in one of the most famous films ever made.” said Nicky Marsh, Madame Tussauds Global Marketing Director.
In 1982, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial became the biggest blockbuster of the year, debuting at number one around the world. A testament to its enduring appeal, it remains one of the most successful, well-loved films for the past three decades and will continue to inspire generations to come.
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial is now available to own for the first time on Blu-ray.