E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial was released into theaters on June 11th, 1982. Filming locations include Porter Ranch and Tujunga, Ca. It was directed by Steven Spielberg. If there was a Mt. Rushmore of film directors, Spielberg would be on it. He's responsible for some of the biggest blockbusters in cinema history. A few of which include E.T. The Extra Terrestrial, Jaws, Jurassic Park, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Schindler's List. The film stars an eleven year old Henry Thomas and a seven year old Drew Barrymore. It was nominated for nine Academy Awards, winning four. It won Best Original Score, Best Sound, Best Sound Effects Editing and Best Visual Effects. It was inducted into the National Film Registry in 1994. The award-winning score was composed by the legendary John Williams. The films first DVD release was on October 22nd, 2002. John Carpenter's The Thing, a film which also revolved around an extra terrestrial, was released two weeks after E.T. and it's speculated that the reason it bombed so bad during it's theatrical run is because the majority of the public was glamorized by Spielberg's kid friendly interpretation of an alien being, rather than the dark and graphic content presented by Carpenter in his film. It's interesting to think about how the tables may have been turned if The Thing had been released first.
Taylor house - 7121 Lonzo St. Tujunga, Ca. 91042
The 2,800 square foot house was built in 1980. As is often the case, houses that were featured in movies generally have a higher market value than surrounding houses that weren't. This house is no exception, having an estimated value that's 57% greater than the median listing for the area. The house also sits at an elevation exceeding 2000 feet.
2020
Caterpillar park - Muirkirk Dr. and Kinbrace St. Porter Ranch, Ca. 91326
(Porter Ridge Park)
Although it's had some minor changes made, the caterpillar is still highly recognizable and appears to be in the same spot it was at the time of filming. The park and surrounding area have grown considerably since filming took place. One day while visiting filming locations I noticed what looked to be an almost identical caterpillar to the one seen in the movie, located on the playground at Germain Elementary School located at 20730 Germain St. in Chatsworth, Ca.
All "Now" pictures taken in 2020.
Riding bikes past house under construction - Eddleston Dr. and Celtic Way Porter Ranch, Ca. 91326
The 3,213 square foot house seen in the background was built in 1981 and is located at 11860 Eddleston Dr. Porter Ranch, Ca. 91326.
2021
