E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial





E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial was released into theaters on June 11th, 1982. Filming locations include Granada Hills, 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


Bus stop - Vista Grande Way and Capistrano Ln. Porter Ranch, Ca. 91326

The bus stop is located at the northwest corner of the intersection.


2022


Trick or treating - Killimore Ave. and Granada Cir. Porter Ranch, Ca. 91326

They're walking south along Granada Circle and cross over Killimore Avenue.


All "Now" pictures taken in 2022.



Elliott riding to the forest - between* Stewarton Dr. and Brasilia Dr. Porter Ranch, Ca. 91326

The curved street visible below is Brasilia Drive. The exact spot where the shot was taken from is accessible from Stewarton Drive.


2023


Michael being followed #1 - Viking Ave. and Killimore Ave. Porter Ranch, Ca. 91326

They travel south along Killimore Avenue and turn left onto Viking Avenue.


2023


Michael being followed #2 - between* Rinaldi St. and Wilbur Ave. Porter Ranch, Ca. 91326

They're traveling northwest along an alley that connects Rinaldi Street and Wilbur Avenue.


All "Now" pictures taken in 2023.



The bubble breaks off - Killimore Ave. and Granada Cir. Porter Ranch, Ca. 91326

This intersection is also where they're first seen riding their bicycles, just shot in a different direction.


2022


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.



Bicycle chase #1Killimore Ave. and Granada Cir. Porter Ranch, Ca. 91326

They're riding south along Killimore Avenue, toward Granada Circle.


2022


Bicycle chase #2 - Calle Vista Circle and Killimore Ave. Porter Ranch, Ca. 91326

They're riding south along Calle Vista Circle and turn right onto Killimore Avenue.


2022


Bicycle chase #3 - Darby Ave. and Beaufait Ave. Porter Ranch, Ca. 91326

They're riding east along Darby Avenue and turn left onto Beaufait Avenue.


2022


Bicycle chase #4 - Beaufait Ave. Porter Ranch, Ca. 91326

They're riding north along Beaufait Avenue, toward Eddleston Drive.


2022


Bicycle chase #5 - Eddleston Dr. and Celtic Way Porter Ranch, Ca. 91326

They're riding southeast along Eddleston Drive and turn left onto Celtic Way. The 3,213 square foot house they ride behind was built in 1981 and is located at 11860 Eddleston Dr. Porter Ranch, Ca. 91326.


2022


Bicycles take flight - White Oak Ave. and Tulsa St. Granada Hills, Ca. 91344

They're riding north along White Oak Avenue and the bicycles start flying as they reach Tulsa Street.


All "Now" pictures taken in 2022.


9 comments:

  1. I remember a few years ago the location from the poster was supposedly found. I looked at it back then on Street View and it was convincing. It was a smaller neighborhood street (similar to Porter Ridge) with the pine trees lining the left side.

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  2. dude you're retarded. movie released in '82 there's no way those trees look the same at this point. even assuming street view had an archived photo it STILL wouldn't be the same, as street view wasn't even a thing until May 25, 2007!

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    1. I drive down that street now because the Reseda exit ramp has been closed and I enjoy this route getting to work. Balboa..to San Fernando Mission...to White Oak

      I can assure you the trees look the same.

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    2. i love that this was filmed in Porter ranch right next to my cal state baby - CSUN !!!!

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  3. street view wasn't even a thing until 2007. there's zero chance you saw those trees as they were in the movie. from 1982. trees grow my dude.

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    1. Young trees grow but established ones don't grow so quickly, it all looks to be right in my eyes. By your less than coherent language I will take a shot in the dark and guess you're and under educated high as a kite fat Red neck yank.. Love from England.

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  4. I heard the interior shots of E.T. were actually fimed inside that house. Does anyone know for sure if that is true or not?

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    Replies
    1. no, the interiors were all filmed on soundstages, sorry

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  5. Very cool! Thanks for sharing. It's neat that some of the same trees are even visible.

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