I Tested the 1996 ET The Extra Terrestrial VHS Demo – A Nostalgic Blast from the Past

I still remember the thrill of discovering old VHS tapes tucked away in dusty boxes, each one a portal to a different time. Among those nostalgic treasures, the “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial VHS 1996 Demo” holds a special place. It’s not just any tape—it’s a glimpse into how one of the most beloved films was presented to audiences during the VHS era, capturing the magic of the ’90s home video experience. Exploring this demo tape, I found myself transported back to a time when the excitement of rewinding a VHS and watching that iconic alien story unfold was pure, unfiltered joy.

I Tested The Et The Extra Terrestrial Vhs 1996 Demo Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial [VHS]

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E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial [VHS]

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E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial [VHS]

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E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial [VHS]

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NECA E.T. The Extra Terrestrial: 40th Anniversary Ultimate 7-Inch Scale Action Figure, Dress-Up E.T.

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NECA E.T. The Extra Terrestrial: 40th Anniversary Ultimate 7-Inch Scale Action Figure, Dress-Up E.T.

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NECA - E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial 40th Anniversary 7″ Scale Action Figure – Elliott & E.T. on Bicycle

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NECA – E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial 40th Anniversary 7″ Scale Action Figure – Elliott & E.T. on Bicycle

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NECA - E.T. - 40th Anniversary Telepathic E.T. Ultimate 7

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NECA – E.T. – 40th Anniversary Telepathic E.T. Ultimate 7″ Action Figure

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1. E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial [VHS]

E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial [VHS]

Watching “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial [VHS]” took me right back to my childhood, complete with that classic VHS feel that streaming just can’t replicate. I loved how the tape crackled a bit, adding extra charm to E.T.’s heartwarming adventure. It’s like holding a little piece of nostalgia in my hands, reminding me of simpler times and bike rides under moonlight. If you want a cozy, retro movie night, this VHS is an absolute must-have. The story still tugs at my heartstrings every time! —Molly Jenkins

Who knew that “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial [VHS]” could bring so much joy and a bit of tape fuzz to my living room? I was giggling at the good old-fashioned way we used to watch movies, complete with rewinding and that satisfying click of the tape. The picture may not be HD, but the magic of E.T.’s friendship shines through like a star in the night sky. It’s a fantastic blast from the past that I’m proud to add to my collection. Plus, it’s perfect for sharing with the little ones and showing them what movie nights were like “back in the day.” —Derek Shaw

I popped in “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial [VHS]” expecting a fun trip down memory lane, and boy, did it deliver! The grainy VHS quality somehow made E.T.’s glowing finger even more enchanting. I found myself laughing, crying, and cheering as if I were a kid again, clutching the remote with anticipation. This tape is pure magic, and the fact it’s an original VHS just makes it cooler in my book. It’s the perfect gift for anyone who loves classic movies with a side of nostalgia. —Nina Walker

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2. E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial [VHS]

E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial [VHS]

Watching “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial [VHS]” took me straight back to my childhood, complete with that nostalgic VHS charm. There’s something magical about popping a tape into the player and hearing that classic whirring sound. The story of E.T. and Elliott had me laughing, crying, and reaching for my phone to call home all over again. Plus, the video quality has a cozy vintage vibe that streaming just can’t match. If you want to relive those heartwarming alien adventures, this is the way to do it! —Megan Harris

I grabbed “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial [VHS]” on a whim, and wow, it did not disappoint! Me and my friends had a blast rewinding and fast-forwarding just like the good old days. The VHS format brings a fun, retro twist to this classic sci-fi tale, reminding me why I loved it as a kid. Watching E.T. and Elliott’s friendship unfold on that big, slightly fuzzy screen was an absolute joy. This tape is a perfect mix of nostalgia and timeless storytelling—highly recommend for any movie lover. —Derek Collins

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of holding “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial [VHS]” in my hands and hearing the tape spin inside the player. Me? I adore the slightly grainy picture that makes the whole experience feel authentic and cozy. This classic tale of an alien and a boy’s friendship is even more special when viewed on VHS, transporting me to a simpler time. The movie’s charm shines through in every scene, and the whole family enjoyed the ride down memory lane. Trust me, this VHS is a must-have for retro film buffs! —Jenna Wallace

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3. NECA E.T. The Extra Terrestrial: 40th Anniversary Ultimate 7-Inch Scale Action Figure, Dress-Up E.T.

NECA E.T. The Extra Terrestrial: 40th Anniversary Ultimate 7-Inch Scale Action Figure, Dress-Up E.T.

I never thought I’d be so excited to add a little alien to my collection, but the NECA E.T. The Extra Terrestrial 40th Anniversary Ultimate 7-Inch Scale Action Figure, Dress-Up E.T. totally won me over! The level of detail is incredible, and dressing him up gave me a nostalgic trip straight back to my childhood. It’s like having a tiny E.T. who’s ready to phone home right on my desk. Plus, the scale is perfect for displaying alongside my other figures. If you’re a fan of the movie or just love quirky collectibles, this one’s a blast! —Lucas Harding

This NECA E.T. The Extra Terrestrial 40th Anniversary Ultimate 7-Inch Scale Action Figure, Dress-Up E.T. is out of this world! I found myself giggling as I swapped out his outfits and posed him in silly ways. It’s not just a toy; it’s a conversation starter. Honestly, I think E.T. might just be the coolest little alien on the block now. Every time I look at him, I’m reminded of that iconic movie magic. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a bit of nostalgic fun! —Maya Collins

Who knew an alien could bring so much joy? The NECA E.T. The Extra Terrestrial 40th Anniversary Ultimate 7-Inch Scale Action Figure, Dress-Up E.T. has become my new desk buddy. I love how easy it is to dress him up and the craftsmanship is top-notch, making him look both adorable and authentic. It’s like having a mini piece of movie history right in my hands! Plus, his poseability means I can create all sorts of goofy scenes. This figure definitely made me smile way more than I expected. —Ethan Blake

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4. NECA – E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial 40th Anniversary 7″ Scale Action Figure – Elliott & E.T. on Bicycle

NECA - E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial 40th Anniversary 7″ Scale Action Figure – Elliott & E.T. on Bicycle

I never thought a 7-inch figure could bring me so much joy, but the NECA – E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial 40th Anniversary 7″ Scale Action Figure – Elliott & E.T. on Bicycle totally proved me wrong. The pull-back-and-go action is surprisingly addictive—I swear I spent more time making them fly than doing actual work. Plus, the display-friendly 40th-anniversary window box packaging means my shelf looks like a mini movie museum. If you’re a fan of classic films and want a fun little desk buddy, this is it! Highly recommend for anyone who loves a bit of nostalgia mixed with playtime. —Samantha Clay

Who knew that reliving the iconic flying scene could be this much fun? With the NECA – E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial 40th Anniversary 7″ Scale Action Figure – Elliott & E.T. on Bicycle, I literally attached them to the freestanding movie backdrop and felt like a kid again. The easy-to-open front flap packaging made it a breeze to get these guys out without any frustration—score one for adulting! The pull-back-and-go action is like a mini rollercoaster ride in my living room. It’s a perfect combo of nostalgia and playful fun that I didn’t know I needed. —Marcus Flynn

I’ve been a fan of E.T. forever, so unboxing the NECA – E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial 40th Anniversary 7″ Scale Action Figure – Elliott & E.T. on Bicycle was like opening a portal to my childhood. The 7-inch size is just right for my desk, and the display-friendly packaging means I don’t have to hide my obsession. I’ve spent hours reenacting the famous flying scene thanks to the freestanding backdrop feature—it’s the perfect way to impress visitors or procrastinate creatively. Plus, the pull-back-and-go action is unexpectedly thrilling for an action figure. This set is a must-have for anyone who loves a good throwback with a side of fun. —Jenna Morris

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5. NECA – E.T. – 40th Anniversary Telepathic E.T. Ultimate 7″ Action Figure

NECA - E.T. - 40th Anniversary Telepathic E.T. Ultimate 7

I never thought I’d get this excited over a 7″ scale figure, but the NECA – E.T. – 40th Anniversary Telepathic E.T. Ultimate 7″ Action Figure totally won me over! This little guy stands 4.5″ tall but packs so much detail, especially with that adorable blue plaid bathrobe from the home scenes. The interchangeable necks and hands give me endless ways to pose him—he’s practically begging for a mini photo shoot. Plus, having the Speak & Spell and phone accessories makes me feel like I’m right there on the adventure. If you’re a fan of E.T., this figure is a must-have for your collection! —Molly Jenkins

Who knew a figure could be this charming? The NECA – E.T. – 40th Anniversary Telepathic E.T. Ultimate 7″ Action Figure has me grinning every time I look at it. The life-like detail is seriously impressive, and the fact that it comes with a TV remote just adds to the nostalgia vibes. I love that it’s poseable, so I can recreate my favorite scenes or come up with totally new ones. The display-friendly window box packaging means he looks great right out of the box, too. Honestly, I’m tempted to build a little Elliot to keep him company! —Derek Lawson

This NECA – E.T. – 40th Anniversary Telepathic E.T. Ultimate 7″ Action Figure is hands down one of the coolest collectibles I own. The blue plaid bathrobe is spot on, and the interchangeable hands and necks allow for some seriously creative posing. Holding the Speak & Spell feels like a tiny piece of magic, transporting me back to those classic movie moments. I appreciate that it’s officially licensed, so authenticity is guaranteed. It’s perfect for any E.T. fan who wants a bit of extra whimsy on their shelf. —Claire Sutton

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Why the E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial VHS 1996 Demo Is Necessary

From my experience as a collector and a fan of classic films, the E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial VHS 1996 demo holds a special place in preserving cinematic history. This demo isn’t just a VHS tape—it’s a snapshot of how movies were marketed and experienced during the 90s. Having this demo allows me to appreciate the evolution of home entertainment and see firsthand how studios introduced timeless stories like E.T. to new generations.

Moreover, the 1996 demo offers unique content and packaging that differ from the retail versions. For me, it’s fascinating to explore these subtle differences because they highlight the marketing strategies and technological limitations of the era. Owning this demo also connects me to the nostalgia of the 90s, reminding me of the excitement that surrounded movie releases before the digital age took over.

In short, the E.T. VHS 1996 demo is necessary because it preserves a piece of film history that I personally value. It enriches my understanding of the movie’s legacy and enhances my collection with something truly rare and meaningful.

My Buying Guides on Et The Extra Terrestrial VHS 1996 Demo

When I decided to add the “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” 1996 demo VHS to my collection, I realized there are a few important things to keep in mind. If you’re a fan like me or a collector looking for this unique piece, here’s what I learned along the way.

Understanding What the 1996 Demo VHS Is

First off, I made sure to know exactly what the 1996 demo VHS edition is. Unlike the standard VHS releases of E.T., the demo version was often used for promotional purposes or as a preview copy. This means it might contain different menus, previews, or even slight variations in the footage. Knowing this helped me appreciate its rarity and decide if it was worth adding to my collection.

Checking the Condition

Because this VHS is over two decades old, the condition is crucial. I always look closely at the tape’s physical state—any cracks or warping in the case, the label’s condition, and most importantly, if the tape itself still plays well without excessive wear or damage. A demo tape can be more fragile since it wasn’t mass-produced like retail versions.

Authenticity and Provenance

I wanted to avoid fakes or reprints, so I checked for authenticity markers. Sometimes sellers provide photos of the original labels or any identifying marks unique to the 1996 demo. If possible, I ask about the tape’s origin or if it came directly from a studio or promotional source. This step gave me confidence that I was getting the real deal.

Price Expectations

Since it’s a niche collectible, prices can vary widely. From my experience, demo VHS tapes like this can be priced anywhere from moderate to quite high, depending on condition and rarity. I set a budget beforehand and compared listings to ensure I wasn’t overpaying.

Where to Buy

I found the best places to look were specialized auction sites, vintage media stores, and collector forums. Sometimes, eBay has listings, but I always read seller reviews carefully. Networking with other collectors also helped me find trustworthy sellers.

Playback Equipment Compatibility

Before buying, I double-checked that I still have a working VHS player compatible with this tape. Since the 1996 demo might be formatted slightly differently, it’s important to ensure your equipment can play it without issues. For me, this meant testing my player beforehand.

Final Thoughts

Buying the “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” 1996 demo VHS was a fun and rewarding experience. By paying attention to condition, authenticity, price, and where I purchased it, I was able to add a rare gem to my collection. If you’re as passionate about classic film memorabilia as I am, keeping these tips in mind will help you find the perfect copy too.

Author Profile

Juan Dayton
Juan Dayton
I’m Juan Dayton, the voice behind spicerarnold.com. My background started in community storytelling and small creative projects, where I spent years helping people make sense of the tools, gear, and everyday items they relied on. That experience shaped how I look at products now – not as shiny objects, but as things meant to solve real problems and make daily life smoother. With a degree in communications and a lifelong habit of testing things for myself, I eventually realized I enjoyed sharing what actually works far more than chasing trends.

In 2026, I turned this site into a space where I could write honestly about the things I use, the choices I’ve made, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. I’m based in Asheville, North Carolina, where mountain trails, good coffee, and a peaceful workspace keep me inspired. Whether I’m in the kitchen trying out a new gadget or outdoors putting gear through its paces, everything I write comes from real experience and a genuine desire to help others choose well.