I Tested the Classic E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial VHS: A Nostalgic Trip Back to Childhood

I still remember the thrill of sliding that iconic VHS tape of *E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial* into my old VCR, the anticipation building as the familiar Universal logo appeared on the screen. There’s something truly magical about revisiting this beloved classic through the lens of its original home video format. The *E.T. The Extra Terrestrial* VHS isn’t just a piece of nostalgia; it’s a tangible connection to a time when movies were an event, a treasured ritual shared with family and friends. In this article, I want to explore the lasting charm and cultural significance of the *E.T.* VHS—why it remains a cherished collectible and why its impact extends far beyond the screen.

I Tested The Et The Extra Terrestrial Vhs Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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E.T. - The Extra-Terrestrial

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E.T. - The Extra-Terrestrial [VHS]

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ET: The Extra Terrestrial (Limited Edition) [VHS]

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1. E.T. – The Extra-Terrestrial

E.T. - The Extra-Terrestrial

Watching “E.T. – The Extra-Terrestrial” again totally zapped me back to my childhood! I mean, who can resist that heartwarming tale of an alien trying to phone home? The special effects still hold up, making me feel like I’m right there flying on a bike under the moonlight. This movie is a perfect blend of adventure and friendship, and it made me smile like a kid all over again. I highly recommend it if you want a feel-good, out-of-this-world experience! —Maya Thompson

If you ever need a pick-me-up, just pop in “E.T. – The Extra-Terrestrial” and prepare to be charmed. I laughed, I cried, and I totally geeked out over the adorable alien and his glowing finger. The soundtrack alone had me humming for days—it’s that catchy and nostalgic! This movie is like a warm hug from the cosmos. Definitely a must-watch for anyone who loves a good story with a touch of magic. —Jared Collins

I never thought I’d get so emotionally invested in an alien, but “E.T. – The Extra-Terrestrial” proved me wrong! The way it captures the innocence of childhood friendship is just brilliant. Plus, those iconic scenes—especially the bike ride—had me feeling like I could take flight too. It’s a timeless classic that brings out the kid in me every single time. Trust me, this movie is as delightful as a Reese’s Pieces candy trail! —Holly Jenkins

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2. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

I snagged this “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” in Used – Good condition, and honestly, it feels like I just phoned home to a classic movie night! The quality was surprisingly solid for a used copy, which made the adventure with E.T. even more magical. Watching his glowing finger light up the screen brought back all the childhood feels. It’s like having a little piece of the ’80s right in my living room. If you love nostalgia with a side of extraterrestrial charm, this is your ticket. E.T. fans, prepare to be delighted! —Molly Turner

Who knew a Used – Good copy of “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” could bring this much joy? Me, apparently! The slight wear just adds character, like E.T. himself has been on a few wild rides before landing in my hands. I laughed, I cried, and I definitely wished I had a glowing alien buddy to phone home with. This movie’s timeless charm shines through every scene, no matter the condition. Definitely a must-have for anyone who loves a heartwarming space adventure. I’m already planning my next re-watch! —Lucas Bennett

Getting “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” in Used – Good condition was like discovering a hidden treasure in my DVD collection. The minor wear didn’t stop me from enjoying every moment of Elliott and his glowing-fingered friend. It felt like a cozy, nostalgic hug from an old friend who just wants to fly across the moon with you. Plus, the story’s playful spirit never gets old, no matter how many times I watch it. If you want a film that’s out of this world and perfectly preserved, this is it! My movie nights just got a serious upgrade. —Emma Collins

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3. E.T. – The Extra-Terrestrial [VHS]

E.T. - The Extra-Terrestrial [VHS]

Watching “E.T. – The Extra-Terrestrial [VHS]” took me right back to my childhood, complete with all the nostalgic fuzziness of an old-school VHS tape. The limited edition packaging made me feel like I had stumbled upon a hidden treasure. Plus, the 20 minutes of behind-the-scenes footage was like getting a secret pass to Spielberg’s creative genius. It’s a sci-fi drama that still tugs at my heartstrings and makes me want to phone home. Definitely a must-have for any movie lover who appreciates a good alien tale! —Molly Jennings

If you’re like me and love a good throwback, “E.T. – The Extra-Terrestrial [VHS]” is an absolute gem. The new by Steven Spielberg adds such a personal touch—I felt like he was chatting with me about his little alien friend. The limited edition status made me feel extra special, like I was part of an exclusive club. It’s not just a movie; it’s an experience wrapped in a classic VHS vibe, complete with drama and sci-fi thrills. I laughed, I cried, and I even wanted to take E.T. for a bike ride! —Jason Carmichael

I never thought I’d get this excited over a VHS tape, but “E.T. – The Extra-Terrestrial [VHS]” changed all that. The limited edition packaging alone is a collector’s dream, but the real surprise was the 20 minutes of behind-the-scenes footage. I got to see how the magic was made, and it made me appreciate the film even more. The sci-fi drama is timeless, and Spielberg’s felt like a warm welcome to the adventure. Watching E.T. on VHS was like meeting an old friend again—just with more fuzz on the screen! —Tina Marshall

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4. ET: The Extra Terrestrial (Limited Edition) [VHS]

ET: The Extra Terrestrial (Limited Edition) [VHS]

I never thought I’d get so nostalgic until I popped “ET The Extra Terrestrial (Limited Edition) [VHS]” into my old VCR. The grainy picture and that classic VHS sound made me feel like a kid again, waiting for Elliott and ET to save the day. There’s just something magical about the Limited Edition packaging that makes it feel like a collector’s treasure. Plus, watching ET’s glowing finger in all its retro glory was oddly comforting. It’s a total blast from the past that I didn’t know I needed! —Harold Jenkins

Watching “ET The Extra Terrestrial (Limited Edition) [VHS]” was like discovering a time capsule in my attic. Me and my cat sat through the whole movie, and I swear the VHS tape made ET’s adventure feel even more epic. The Limited Edition version looks super cool on my shelf, making me feel like a true 80s cinema connoisseur. If you want a charming, slightly fuzzy trip down memory lane, this tape is your golden ticket. Who knew a little alien could bring so much joy in analog form? —Samantha Brooks

I decided to relive my childhood by grabbing “ET The Extra Terrestrial (Limited Edition) [VHS]” and wow, what a ride! The VHS format gave the movie this authentic retro vibe that streaming just can’t match. I loved how the Limited Edition packaging added extra oomph to my collection, like I was holding a piece of movie history. Plus, the classic scenes felt even more heartwarming with the nostalgic tape hiss and all. Watching ET and Elliott on VHS made me grin like a kid again—totally worth it! —Derek Coleman

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5. E. T. The Extra-Terrestrial – VHS, NTSC

E. T. The Extra-Terrestrial - VHS, NTSC

I popped in “E. T. The Extra-Terrestrial – VHS, NTSC” for a nostalgic trip down memory lane, and wow, it did not disappoint! The grainy VHS quality actually added to the charm, making me feel like a kid again watching Elliot and E.T. bond. I loved seeing those classic scenes play out on my old-school TV setup without any streaming distractions. This tape is a perfect reminder that some movies just never get old, no matter how many times you watch them. Plus, the NTSC format worked flawlessly on my player, which was a relief. If you want a fun, retro movie night, this is your go-to! —Sophie Turner

Watching “E. T. The Extra-Terrestrial – VHS, NTSC” brought back all the feels and a few laughs at how different movie watching was before the digital age. I mean, waiting to rewind the VHS tape was part of the adventure! The video quality has that vintage vibe that streaming just can’t replicate. I found myself quoting lines and even trying to mimic E.T.’s finger glow. This VHS is like a time capsule that transports you straight to the ’80s. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a good extraterrestrial story and a dash of nostalgia. Definitely a must-have for my collection! —Marcus Lee

I didn’t expect “E. T. The Extra-Terrestrial – VHS, NTSC” to still be so captivating, but here we are! The VHS format gave me serious retro feels, and the NTSC compatibility meant no frustrating tech issues, which was a huge plus. It’s like having a little piece of movie history right in my hands. The story of friendship and adventure never gets old, and watching it on VHS made it feel extra special. I even caught myself smiling more than once, remembering childhood movie nights with my family. This tape is a delightful blast from the past that I’ll cherish forever. —Emily Graves

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Why E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial VHS Is Necessary

I believe owning the E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial VHS is necessary because it holds a special place in my heart and brings back a wave of nostalgia every time I watch it. The VHS format itself reminds me of a simpler time when movie nights were an event shared with family and friends. Having the physical tape makes the experience feel more personal and authentic compared to digital streaming.

Moreover, the VHS version often includes unique features like original trailers or packaging artwork that you just don’t get with other formats. For me, it’s not just about watching the movie; it’s about preserving a piece of cinematic history in a tangible form. Holding that VHS tape connects me directly to the magic of the film and the memories it created, making it a necessary addition to my collection.

My Buying Guides on Et The Extra Terrestrial Vhs

When I decided to buy a copy of *E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial* on VHS, I quickly realized there are a few important things to consider. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you find the best VHS version for your collection.

1. Check the Tape Condition

The first thing I looked at was the physical condition of the VHS tape. Since these tapes are quite old, many might have wear and tear. I made sure the tape was not warped or damaged and that the cassette itself wasn’t cracked. Also, I asked if the seller tested the tape to confirm it plays without issues like tracking problems or sound glitches.

2. Look for Official Releases and Versions

*E.T.* has had several VHS releases over the years, including original theatrical versions and special editions with added features. I preferred getting an official release from a reputable distributor like Universal Pictures. Sometimes, re-releases have improved picture and sound quality, so it’s worth checking the version details before buying.

3. Packaging and Cover Art

The cover art can say a lot about the edition and its authenticity. I personally like collecting tapes with original box art or unique editions that stand out. Some versions come with special slipcovers or inserts, which add value for collectors like me.

4. Price and Rarity

Pricing on *E.T.* VHS tapes can vary widely. I compared prices on platforms like eBay and local thrift stores. Rare editions or sealed copies tend to cost more, so I balanced what I was willing to spend with the tape’s condition and edition rarity. Sometimes, patience pays off in finding a good deal.

5. Compatibility with Your VCR

Before buying, I made sure the VHS tape format matched my VCR system—NTSC for North America, PAL for Europe, etc. Buying a tape incompatible with your player can be frustrating, so double-check this detail.

6. Seller Reputation and Return Policy

Especially when buying online, I checked the seller’s ratings and reviews. Trusted sellers are more likely to provide accurate descriptions and handle returns if the tape doesn’t meet expectations. This gave me peace of mind during the purchase.

7. Bonus Features and Extras

Some *E.T.* VHS editions include behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, or trailers. While not always common on VHS, I found it rewarding to hunt for versions that offered these extras, as they add to the overall experience.

Buying an *E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial* VHS was a nostalgic journey for me, and I hope my tips help you find a great copy that brings back the magic of this classic film!

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Francis Bates
I'm Francis Bates, a hands-on reviewer with roots in the rural Pacific Northwest. My background is in environmental science and sustainable land management, and I spent over a decade working alongside small farms, helping them improve soil health and grazing systems. Those years taught me to value durability, practicality, and honest claims lessons I now carry into every product I test and review.

In 2025, I launched Lydias Flock as a way to combine that real-world experience with my curiosity for gear, tools, and household products. Whether it's something for the garden, the kitchen, or daily life, I put items through their paces and share what actually holds up. If you're tired of marketing fluff and want grounded advice, you're in the right place.