Universal Studios Home Entertainment and Madame Tussauds Immortalize E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- To celebrate the Blu-ray release and the 30^th anniversary of Steven Spielberg's beloved family film E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, six Madame Tussauds locations including Hollywood, London, Berlin, Amsterdam, Sydney, and Tokyo are set to bring to life one of films' most iconic characters. The Extra-Terrestrial star will be immortalized in Madame Tussauds' signature wax form and unveiled on October 22^nd, 2012.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121012/NY91914 )

All six E.T. figures are being worked on simultaneously by a huge creative team at Merlin Studios in West London, using a raft of reference photographs and footage from the film to capture a perfect likeness.

Guests will be able to take Elliott's place in the scene that saw E.T. and Elliott soaring on a BMX against the backdrop of a stunning full moon, which was recently voted by fans as Universal Pictures' most memorable movie moment.

E.T. fans will be able to relive this classic scene and many others, 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

"We are honored that Madame Tussauds has chosen to mark this historic occasion in a way that only it can do," said Craig Kornblau, President, Universal Studios Home Entertainment. "In celebration of this beloved film's 30^th anniversary, legions of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial fans will have the opportunity to relive film history, both through the film's historic Blu-ray debut and at Madame Tussauds museums in Hollywood and around the world." 

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. Featuring an all-new, digitally remastered picture that delivers six times the resolution of DVD, as well as all-new 7.1 surround sound, the E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Anniversary Edition Blu-ray™ Combo Pack includes the 1982 theatrical movie, an all-new interview with director Steven Spielberg, and "The E.T. Journals" featuring never-before-seen footage from the set of the film. The Blu-ray^™ Combo Pack also includes UltraViolet^™, a DVD and a Digital Copy of the film, offering fans a chance to relive the mystery, laughter and wonder of the iconic movie anytime, anywhere on the platform of their choice.

About Universal Studios Home Entertainment

In honor of its Centennial anniversary, Universal Pictures proudly salutes 100 years of unforgettable films that have entertained audiences and touched the hearts of millions around the globe. In celebration of our first 100 years, Universal Studios Home Entertainment is proud to present a selection of our many beloved movies as part of an extensive year-long program that underscores the studio's rich cinematic history and indelible cultural impact.

Universal Studios Home Entertainment is a unit of Universal Pictures, a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios is a 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. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment television networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks. Comcast Corporation owns a controlling 51% interest in NBCUniversal, with GE holding a 49% stake.

About Madame Tussauds

Madame Tussauds has attractions in London, Hollywood, New York, Las Vegas, Washington D.C., Amsterdam, Berlin, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Bangkok, Vienna, Blackpool UK, Sydney 2012 and Florida in 2013, with interactive figures and experiences built around fame and celebrity. In London, guests can get up close and personal with incredibly lifelike replicas of 21st century stars like Kate Moss, Johnny Depp and Amy Winehouse, brave the scariest Chamber Of Horrors yet, complete with actors as bloodthirsty serial killers and take a time-travelling taxi ride through 400 years of amazing London history.

MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS is the leading name in location-based, family entertainment, and has seen the most successful and dynamic growth of any company in the sector over the last five years. Europe's Number 1 and the world's second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin now operates over 74 attractions, six hotels/two holiday villages in 17 countries and across four continents. The company aims to deliver memorable and rewarding experiences to its 43.6 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its managers and more than 16,000 employees. Merlin Entertainments operates the following attractions - SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND, The EDF Energy London Eye, Dungeons, Gardaland, LEGOLAND Discovery Centres, Alton Towers Resort, Warwick Castle, Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Heide Park, Earth Explorer, Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Wildlife World, Sydney Tower Observatory and Skywalk, Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter Underwater World, Oceanworld Manly and Hamilton Island Koala Gallery. All brands which are distinctive, challenging and innovative – and which have great potential for growth in the future. Visit www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information.

SOURCE Madame Tussauds Hollywood