DVD review (region 1 & 2 and Blu-ray)
Directed by Steven Spielberg
Starring Richard Dreyfuss, François Truffaut, Teri Garr, Melinda Dillon
Release date Out now

After he witnesses a dazzling UFO fly past, Roy Neary (Richard Dreyfuss) becomes obsessed with a mysterious mountain. As bizarre events happen around the world, he slowly realises that he is not alone…

Spectacular. Made during Steven Spielberg’s run of largely unbroken early successes (1941 being the only real disaster in a good seven years-worth of classics), Close Encounters is a film made with a sense of maturity and skill that he arguably never quite reached again.

This 30th Anniversary box set compiles the three different versions of the film. Put together they say a good deal about the filmmaking process and the perils of the cinematic cancer that is the ‘Special Edition.’

The original theatrical version is a fascinating discourse on obsession and, ultimately, acceptance. The effects are dazzling but they never eclipse the characters or the stunning performances that Spielberg coaxes from his unstarry cast. Richard Dreyfuss has never been better. He’s the ultimate everyman actor, regular without being dull. His reactions lend a sense of believability to the fantastical and cement the film with a strong sense of honesty.

1980’s Special Edition robs the film of much of its carefully-paced charm. Sure, we get to see the inside of the ship but, as Spielberg should have learned from the suspense-filled first half of Jaws, sometimes less is more. Thankfully, his final cut puts things right again, with much of the additional material discarded (leaving this version very similar to the original cut).

Close Encounters is a rather leisurely paced movie, especially when compared to quick-fire fare such as Star Wars (which was released in the same year). But that’s very much a part of its appeal, and unlike more recent works from the director (AI, I’m looking at you) it knows when to end. The credits even begin as it finishes, which leaves the sense of an epic story that extends far beyond the confines of what we see on screen…

Extras include a set of three ‘making of’ documentaries (both contemporary and from 1977), a lavish booklet and a helpful chart that serves as a useful guide as to what’s different about each version of the film. Jonathan Wilkins

VERDICT: 10/10
A classic that retains its strong sense of wonder 30 years on.