Vinyl pressings
by John Williams · 1982
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial - Original Theme was first pressed on vinyl in 1982. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
18 pressings came out in 1982, the album's first year, in 8 countries. Compare the label and catalog number on your copy, then the codes etched or stamped in the runout groove (the dead wax around the label): they are the surest sign of an early pressing.
MCA 800 A1 POUNDA TA1PERunout [Hand Etched] Side A, variant 1
MCA 800 B 2Runout [Hand Etched] Side B, variant 1
MCA. 800. A 2 POUNDA TA1PERunout [Hand Etched] Side A, variant 2
MCA 800 B1Runout [Hand Etched] Side B, variant 2
MCP-800-A-1Runout A
MCP-800-B-1Runout B
MCA 800 A1 POUNDA TA1PE ⋀Side A runout
MCA 800 B3 ⋀Side B runout
MPO ET port 1XA-side scribed
MPO ET port 2XB-side scribed
MCA 800 A1 POUNDA TA1PE ⋀Side A runout
MCA 800 B3 ⋀Side B runout
MC-13086-W1 ◈-P-◈Runout, side A
MC-13089-W1 ◈-P-◈Runout, side B
MC 13086Center label, side A
MC 13089Center label, side B
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Canada | MCA Records MCA-52072First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | France | MCA Records 104 797First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1982 | France | MCA Records 104 797First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | Germany | MCA Records 105 089First year7", Single, Promo · Promo | 7", Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1982 | Germany | MCA Records 104 797First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | Germany | MCA Records 104 797First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | Italy | MCA Records MCAN 800First year7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Promo |
| 1982 | Japan | MCA Records VIMX-1545First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1982 | Spain | MCA Records B 104651 / MCA Records B-104.651First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | Spain | MCA Records B-104.651First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1982 | UK | MCA Records MCAP 800First year7", 45 RPM, Picture Disc · Picture disc | 7", 45 RPM, Picture Disc · Picture disc |
| 1982 | UK | MCA Records MCA 800First year7" | 7" |
| 1982 | UK | MCA Records MCAP 800First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1982 | UK | MCA Records MCA 800First year7", Misprint | 7", Misprint |
| 1982 | US | MCA Records MCA-52072First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
18 vinyl pressings of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial - Original Theme are listed here, from 8 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1982, in UK, US, Canada, France and more. One of them is MCA Records MCA 800, released November 1982.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MCA 800, MCAP 800, MCA-52072, 104 797) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MCA 800 A1 POUNDA TA1PE and MCA 800 B 2. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
It depends on which pressing you have and on the condition of the record and its sleeve. Early pressings from the album's home country in near mint condition are usually worth the most; common later reissues are worth far less. Scan your copy with VinylLens to see its value for every grade.
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