With E.T. - The Extra-Terrestrial finally due to land on DVD today, it is not hyperbole to say that this just may be the most frustrating release ever in DVD history. Due out in not one but three different versions - separate widescreen and pan & scan 2-disc set and 3-disc Gift Set editions - the specs have changed so many times most fans have just about lost count.

Now, to add even more confusion into the mix, we've received numerous reports of copies of the 3-disc set version featuring the the same sound formats and features as the 2-disc set version, and missing the "Spielberg: A Look Back" retrospective that should be included on disc two of the Gift Set. To help figure it all out, we received word from Universal Studios Home Video on just what should be included on the correct versions of both releases, whatever the packaging might indicate otherwise:

2-Disc Set

Disc one
- 2002 cut of the film
- English DTS 6.1 ES, English and French Dolby Digital Surround EX
- John Williams' "Live" score in Dolby Digital 5.1
- John Williams Live Premiere featurette
- Space Exploration interactive map

Disc Two
- 1982 cut of the film
- English
- English DTS 6.1 ES, English Dolby Digital Surround EX, Spanish 2.0 surround
- 24-Minute "Making of E.T." and "The Reunion " featurettes
- Production notes and Filmographies
- 2002 re-release theatrical trailer and E.T. charity TV spots

3-Disc Set

Disc one - Same as above

Disc two
- 1982 cut of the film
- English, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Surround EX tracks
- "Spielberg: A Look Back" 38-minute documentary

Disc three
- "Evolution of E.T." 50-minute documentary
- "Creating E.T.", "The Reunion" and "The Music of John Williams" featurettes
- 1982 and 2002 trailers

According to a Universal spokesperson, due to a "last minute decision," the DTS track was dropped from the 1982 cut of the film in the 3-disc Gift Set in favor of full 5.1 French and Spanish Dolby Digital tracks. However, some of the gift sets (such as the one we originally reviewed) featured the second disc from the 2-disc set included in the 3-disc set in error. But as both the 2-disc and 3-disc editions are of the limited variety and due to be discontinued early next year, there will be no "recalling" of any mislabeled releases. Any future repressings of the discs will feature corrected packaging, but in the meantime, be sure to keep those receipts handy. We also updated our review of the Gift Set (http://www.dvdfile.com/software/review/dvd-video_5/et_ugs.html) with this information. Good luck!

From the creepy old house department comes the epic 1998 miniseries remake of Stephen King's The Shining, at last making its DVD debut on January 7th from Warner Home Video. While its ratings were not the through-the-roof numbers a King miniseries usually gets, and few preferred it over the Kubrick big-screen classic (even if King himself did), this has remained one of the most requested miniseries still unavailable on DVD. This two-disc set is presented in its original 4:3 full screen broadcast aspect ratio and 2.0 surround, and extras include an audio commentary and making-of featurette. Retail is $24.95.

Deciding less scary fare coming this winter from Warner is the animated The Adventures Of Pinocchio, which debuts on December 3rd. This $14.95 cheapie release includes a full frame transfer and no extras aside from promos.

Who is Tim Allen? - 12:17am

After a blink-or-you'll-miss-it theatrical run, on January 7th Paramount will release the Tim Allen comedy Who is Cletis Trout?. Devoid of extras, the DVD will include an anamorphic widescreen transfer and English and French 5.1 Dolby surround tracks and the film's theatrical trailer. Retail is $29.95. More comedy is also on the way from Paramount on the 7th, with separate anamorphic widescreen and pan & scan versions of Martin Lawrence: Live, which includes an audio commentary with director David Raynr, producer Michael Hubbard and executive producer Robert Lawrence, the "Backstage Pass: The making of "Runteldat" featurette, a deleted scene, and a trailer. Retail is $29.95.

More January titles from Paramount include the family favorite Rugrats: Mysteries, which features five bonus episodes and is presented in full frame and English 2.0 surround, and for the teen viewers comes The Real World You Never Saw: Las Vegas, also presented in full frame and 2.0. Retail is $24.95 a pop and street date January 28th.

More than meets the eye - 12:17am

After scoring big with fans last with its hit first season collection, on November 28th Rhino Home Video will release The Transformers: Season Two. This four-disc set features all second season episodes presented in full frame and newly-remixed 5.1 Dolby surround, plus a host of extras: 2 limited edition cels of Transformer characters, the "A taste of Botcon 2002" featurette including interviews with The Transformers creators, voice talent and footage from the convention, a reel of "Animation Mistakes" complete with commentary by a Transformers advisor, and an Interview with scriptwriter Earl Kress. Retail is $59.95 for the set.