As does the later ET the Extra-Terrestrial, this brilliantly realised suburban sci-fi saga reverses years of flying saucer attacks with the notion that visitors from outer space might just be friendly. Richard Dreyfuss strikes the perfect note of childlike inquisitiveness as the electrical engineer "chosen" to make contact with alien lifeforms, despite obstruction by family and government. Director Steven Spielberg confirmed his genius for painting a convincing picture of mundane domestic life, subsequently shattered by extraordinary events (notably the terrifying kidnap of a young boy and Dreyfuss's slide into apparent insanity). The special effects are spectacular, John Williams's score is emotionally charged, nouvelle vague director François Truffaut makes an elegant UFO expert and it's impossible not to get caught up in the protracted climax. This Collector's Edition is considered by many to be the definitive version of the movie. It restores the ending that was in the original theatrical release, brings back some of the cuts from 1980's Special Edition, and has visual and audio enhancement.

After an encounter with UFOs, an electricity linesman feels undeniably drawn to an isolated area in the wilderness where something spectacular is about to happen.