To celebrate the Blu-ray release and the 30th anniversary of Steven Spielberg’s beloved classic film, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, Sydney’s Madame Tussauds today unveiled their astonishing wax figure of the iconic hero.
Whilst Sydney was the first to unveil E.T., The Extra Terrestrial star will also be appearing in Berlin, Amsterdam, London and Hollywood today as part of the global launch.
Helping E.T. into his new home was a troupe of local riders from Sydney BMX Club. Lachlan Stewart (11 years old, from Manly), led the group by taking the place of Elliott (Henry Thomas) in the film, bringing the classic bike scene to life.
From today, guests who visit the exhibit will also have the chance to take Elliott’s place in the scene that saw E.T. and Elliott soaring on a BMX against the stunning backdrop of a full moon. The figure was first perfectly sculpted in clay and then moulded in wax, with a team of expert colourists then using oil paints to perfectly recreate E.T.’s unique complexion. The entire process took around two months and cost £50,000 (over $75,000) to produce.
E.T. fans will also be able to relive many others classic scenes with the first ever release of the film on Blu-ray, featuring never-before-seen footage from the film set including an interview with director Steven Spielberg.
“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 will be out for first time on Blu-ray on October 31, 2012.
About Universal Pictures International Entertainment
Universal Pictures International Entertainment (UPIE) is the international home entertainment division of Universal Pictures, headquartered in London and headed by President, Eddie Cunningham. UPIE markets and distributes all Universal new releases, catalogue, special interest and local content titles, as well as some third party product, via direct operations in the UK, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, New Zealand and Japan. UPIE also has distribution partnerships in Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Spain and Russia, and sells and distributes home entertainment product via licensees covering another 55 territories.
LISTINGS INFORMATION
When: From October 22, 2012
Where: Madame Tussauds Sydney, Aquarium Wharf, Darling Harbour (right next door to WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo)
Hours: 9am to 8pm Daily
What: E.T. The Extra Terrestrial – Madame Tussauds and Universal Pictures presents E.T. The Extra Terrestrial Wax Exhibit
Box office: For more info and to purchase tickets please visit:
www.madametussauds.com/sydney
www.facebook.com/madametussaudssydney
UPIE is part of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Comcast Corporation owns a controlling 51% interest in NBCUniversal, with GE holding a 49% stake.
