When Roy Neary (Richard Dreyfuss) witnesses the arrival of alien ships from a distant world, an incredible series of events begins - planes which disappeared during the Second World War are found intact in Mexico, long lost ships mysteriously re-appear in the middle of the desert, and people from all around the world, including Neary, are convinced that someone is trying to communicate with them. Neary's search to find an answer leads him to take part in the ultimate encounter with the extra terrestrials and to board the vast, beautiful mothership. This is neither the theatrical release version nor the director's cut of the film, but a special edition combining elements of both.