The most notable aspect of this film may be the fact that Spielberg treats the alien visitors as benevolent, intelligent beings, something that was not only practically unheard of then, but is still an extremely rare occurrence today. So, in many regards, it is not just the special effects that one can point to in this film as groundbreaking, but the social commentary one can take away about treating the unknown with respect and facing it without fear, an idea that somehow seems more relevant today than ever. – Brandon A. DuHamel

Still a wonder movie that projects an undiminished enthusiasm for the unknown. — Glenn Erickson

— He says the sun came out last night. He says it sang to him.