The mystery still exists

Press, 26 February 1981, Page 14

The mystery still exists

i “Close Encounters of : die Third Kind” was a dazzling first time experience and for everyone who wanted more . . . now there is more. “The Special Edition of Close Encounters of the Third Kind” starts at the Odeon Theatre tomorrow and for anyone in doubt, it is not in any way a reissue of the original. It represents a ■whole new concept designed to take the cinema-goer to the outer limits of their imagination. The concept of exploring a mysterious and awe-, some moment of contact with extraterrestrial life became one of the most exceptionally spectacular film experiences ever made.- The motion picture’s title, “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” seemed cryptic. at first, at least until it was discovered the "encounters” came in three degrees, the third being actual contact .with the occupants of a U.F.O. In “The Special Edition of Close Encounters of the Third Kind” directed by Steven Spielberg for Columbia Pictures, Richard Dreyfuss as Roy Neary shares with audiences the ultimate experience of being inside. In order to create this special edition, Spielberg has taken the original pic-

tore, totally re-edited if and added additional scenes designed to expand and further the experience. It ■ was filmed under elaborate security in order to protect is dramatic impact, the details of the expanded ending and other surprises. “The new footage takes Richard Dreyfuss one step further.” says the director, but the mystery still exists in The Special Edition. “Film making should never be a dry-cement process. You can often have different ideas or feelings about a film months or years later and there are points that can be added to. improve the story’s impact. But it’s not often that' 'you get a chance to change the work to match year vision.” Additional material for “The Special Edition of Close Encounters of the Third Kind” was filmed at The Burbank Studios and against the stark desert beauty of Death Valley, California. Robert Swarthe, who worked on die original motiion picture and was I recently in charge of spe- i cial effects on “Star Trek, the Motion Picture,” was the supervisor of all special effects for The Special Edition, and.-Alan Davian was. the-director, of photography. ' . •