Comparison between the theatrical version (R-Rated) and the Unrated version, both included on the UK 4K UHD from Arrow Video.

- 17 cuts, incl. 2x alternative material
- Difference: 76.7 sec (= 1:17 min)

In many countries, e.g. in Germany and Great Britain, only the R-rated theatrical version of David Cronenberg's cult film Videodrome was released on VHS and DVD by Universal. In America, there was also the Unrated or "complete uncut version" on VHS even back then, and also released on DVD within the Criterion Collection. Since October 24, 2022, the worldwide 4K UHD premiere is also available from the enthusiast label Arrow Video in the UK. Both versions are on board here, and we've given our old comparison another fresh lease of life with it.

For the American release, a few brief bits of violence were censored, which, as is often the case with the MPA(A), was mainly in the form of minor cuts without the shots being completely removed right away. However, the film is already significantly toned down this way. In addition, as expected, the scissors were applied to some scenes with a sexual context. Naked skin in the form of exposed buttocks and genital area was apparently also the focus of the censors. Unsurprisingly, the Unrated version is clearly preferable.

Running time details are according to the scheme
Theatrical version on Arrow Video's 4K UHD / Unrated on Arrow Video's 4K UHD

04:24 / 04:24-04:28

When Max watches the video "Samurai Dreams", the R-Rated misses the part in which the asian woman unwraps the dildo that is dressed as a figurine. That can be seen completely in the Unrated Version.

4.2 sec

04:32 / 04:36-04:37

No censorship background visible: The following exterior shot of the cottage is 10 frames longer in the Unrated version.

0.4 sec

07:25 / 07:29-07:31

When Max and Harlan tap into the transmitter, a captured woman can be seen with her tormentors for a longer time. What is striking here is that her dress is pulled up a bit at this moment, so that her genital area can be seen.

1.6 sec

07:30 / 07:36-07:37

The next shot from the screen also starts a little earlier.

0.9 sec

07:43 / 07:50-08:03

The broadcast is longer. First one shot each of Max and Harlan is missing, then the woman is strangled.

13.1 sec

07:45 / 08:05-08:06

When the connection breaks off, she can briefly be seen dead in closer view between further flickering.

1.1 sec

Alternativ
11:29-11:33 / 11:50-11:58

After the talk show appearance, there is an alternate take of the next torture scene on TV. The variant from the Unrated is both longer and more explicit - which is mainly because the theatrical version has more sizzle effects over the image. It's interesting that the guy's naked butt is also covered up during the whipping.

Unrated 3.4 sec longer

Theatrical Cut	Unrated

15:43 / 16:07-16:26

Max and Nicki lie longer in front of the TV, on which you can just see how a woman is whipped. Max strokes her body with a needle.
When the needle reaches the ear, the theatrical version starts again.

18.2 sec

15:45 / 16:28-16:32

Max pulls the needle out of the earlobe a little earlier.

3.6 sec

16:17 / 17:03-17:06

He pierces her ear again. This can be seen in close-up.

2.4 sec

Alternativ
17:08-17:10 / 17:57-18:15

The following sex scene is faded out to a distant view in the theatrical version. Actually, the camera zooms away from the two much longer.

Unrated 15.6 sec longer

Kinofassung	Unrated

17:14 / 18:19-18:21

In addition, the distant shot is even longer: Max thrusts again.

2.7 sec

63:52 / 64:59-65:01

The spikes from the weapon grow longer out of the hand.

2.4 sec

66:11 / 67:21-67:22

When Max shoots the second employee, he can be seen a little longer. More blood runs from his bullet holes.

1 sec

79:24 / 80:35-80:36

A shot of the slowly decaying Barry Convex starts a little earlier.

1.3 sec

79:27 / 80:39-80:42

Another detailed shot of Barry's insides.

2.6 sec

79:29 / 80:43-80:46

The next shot from above also starts much earlier.

2.2 sec

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Slipcase and reverse cover of the 4K UHD by Arrow Video: