1980s to Now

Steven Spielberg's timeless tearjerking tale of a young boy's friendship with a stranded extraterrestrial was both widely critically acclaimed and enormously commercially successful, outperforming Star Wars to become the highest-grossing film of all time until Spielberg surpassed himself with Jurassic Park in 1993. The silhouetted image of Elliot and E.T. cycling through the night sky in front of the gleaming moon is instantly recognisable, afterwards becoming the logo for Spielberg's production company Amblin Entertainment.

Original US One Sheet posters featuring the "bike over the moon" artwork are extremely rare, and there are differing opinions as to why they were printed, however it is generally believed that Spielberg himself commissioned B.D. Fox & Friends to design the poster, which would be distributed to cast, crew and other associates of the production at the time the movie was released. Two original printings are known to exist, with differing dimensions. The incredibly rare first printing posters measure 41x27in. and are generally found signed and dedicated. The second printing is believed to measure approximately 40½x26¾in. Various reprints and bootlegs were created over the years, with differing dimensions. This copy cannot be authenticated entirely based on dimensions, as the dimensions have altered slightly due to the linen backing process, however we are certain it is authentic due to the sharpness of the print and the 'light' that can be seen through the trees. The reproductions are slightly darker with loss of detail - most notably fewer light spots are seen through the trees. The alternate poster designs for the theatrical release One Sheet feature, on the advance teaser, a spaceship in the clouds, and for the wide release, the more commonly seen 'fingers touching' artwork.

Condition

Very good (B+)

Unfolded, backed on linen. Light creasing/wrinkling to glossy paper in places. A few minute dots of colour touching to blue ground. Minor bubble to left of bicycle. Image and colours otherwise excellent.