This release complately ditches the 2002 "enhanced" cut, which included digitally-altered effects shots and loads of things that fans complained about. Spielberg saw the light in a way that George Lucas never will with Star Wars and killed it. Bravo to him.
Here's the temp box art and a rundown of what's new, missing, and held over on the new Blu-ray as compared to the 2002 Limited Edition DVD:
New
The E.T. Journals: In this all-new bonus feature, retrace the day-to-day experience of creating E.T from never-before-seen, behind-the-scenes footage shot by Academy Award®-winning cinematographer John Toll. This piece will give viewers a unique feeling of being on the set and living the excitement of what it was like to make E.T.
Steven Spielberg & E.T.*: Watch an all-new interview with Steven Spielberg, as he reflects back on the film and discusses his experience working with the actors, as well as his overall and current perspective on E.T.
Deleted Scenes*: Two scenes from 2002 version of the film.
A Look Back*: A special insider’s look into the making of E.T. featuring interviews with Steven Spielberg, the cast, and others intimately involved with the film.
iTunes/Android Digital Copy (which you might actually use)
Ultraviolet Digital Copy (which I doubt you will redeem or use)
Missing
The 2002 "Enhanced" Cut: the inclusion of the above scenes from this cut is a sufficient record of it in history for me. I would never watch the do-over cut anyway.
Spielberg introduction from 2002 DVD: it auto-played on the 2002 cut disc, with the director explaining and justifying why he opted to do the digital retouching and recutting. Also not a loss.
Cast/Filmmaker Bios and Production Notes: did anyone use these after IMDb on phones came into existence?
A "Space Exploration" thing for kids: no one will miss this, especially since it erroneously listed Pluto as a planet**
Any of the Laserdisc extras not on the 2002 release: I remember a really good doc on there
Previously-Available
The E.T. Reunion: The cast and filmmaker reunite to discuss their thoughts on the impact of the film.
The Evolution and Creation of E.T.: From idea to screenplay, throughcasting and making the film.
The Music of E.T. - A Discussion with John Williams: Interviews and footage focused on the long-standing relationship between John Williams and Steven Spielberg.
The 20th Anniversary Premiere: Composer John Williams played the score of E.T. live at the Shrine Auditorium for the re-release premiere of E.T. This featurette gives us a behind the scenes look at this presentation.
Original Theatrical Trailer
Special Olympics TV spot
Designs, Photographs and Marketing: E.T. Designs by Production Illustrator Ed Verreaux, E.T. Designs by Carlo Rambaldi, Spaceship Designs by Ralph McQuarrie, Designs by Production Illustrator Ed Verreaux, Production Photographs, Marketing E.T.
*denotes extras also found on the Combo Pack DVD
**yes, I know Pluto was still a planet in long-ago 2002