UNIVERSAL PICTURES INTERNATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT AND MADAME TUSSAUDS IMMORTALISE E.T. THE EXTRA TERRESTRIAL - IN CELEBRATION OF ITS FIRST EVER RELEASE ON BLU-RAY AND TO COINCIDE WITH THE FILM’S 30TH ANNIVERSARY

STOCKHOLM, 22nd October, 2012 – To celebrate the Blu-ray release and the 30th anniversary of Steven Spielberg’s beloved classic film E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, five Madame Tussauds locations including London, Berlin, Amsterdam, Sydney and Hollywood today launched an astonishing wax likeness of the eponymous hero in his own set bringing to life one of the movie’s most iconic scenes.

Guests took 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. All of the figures were created in London by using detailed information sourced by Madame Tussauds’ world renowned artists.

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

Eddie Cunningham, President, Universal Pictures International Entertainment commented, “E.T. is one of Universal’s most iconic and beloved characters, and in this our 100^th Anniversary year, it is fitting that he is brought to life by Madame Tussauds in their attractions around the world this October. The interactive experience at Madame Tussauds, together with the first ever Blu-ray release of the film, will truly capture E.T. and bring to life this unforgettable character.”

The figure was first perfectly sculpted in clay and then moulded in wax. A team of expert colourists then used oil paints to perfectly recreate E.T’s unique complexion. The entire process took around two months and cost £50,000 to produce.   

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 to own for the first time on Blu-ray on October 31, 2012.

For further information please contact:

Anna K Hagnefur, PR Manager Universal Pictures Nordic

annakarolina.hagnefur@nbcuni.com or 0046 736 567732

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. 

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.

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.