Initially, Afro Samurai started out as a Doujinshi, a Manga/Comic created and distributed by individuals. Soon enough, however, the series found general approval which eventually lead Fuminori Kizaki to producing a five-part anime in collaboration with renowned Studio GONZO (Basilisk, Samurai 7, GANTZ). Production costs amounted to one million dollar per epidose, marking a record expense for the Japanese studio. That and the fact, that Samuel L. Jackson could be won as dubbing artist for both the main protagonist as well as his sidekick Ninja Ninja added some extra kudos among the fans.

Funimation, responsible for the distribution in North America, decided on releasing two DVD versions. For one, the normal TV-Version which was broadcast on, for instance, Spike TV or Fuji Televison in Japan. The other one being the Director's Cut, not only longer in terms of runtime yet also providing a different cast of dubbing artists. Dharman, the mad scientist, received a new voice. The DC is also supposed to offer additional scenes, with even some characters solely appearing in this release. The changes were announced to primarily focus on the story itself rather than violence - a fact that may have resulted in disappointing the odd gorehound. It was promised, though, to implement Samuel L. Jackson's infamous "Motherfucker" tagline which was proved in the very first episode.

Nevertheless, "Afro Samurai" contains a considerable amount of violence and is in now way intended for children. Therefore, the German distributor decided on a Rated-16 release right on time for AnimagiC (both US-versions saw an "Unrated" release). An uncut release is supposed to follow soon, although it still remains unclear whether it will be based upon the Tv or the DC version. According to early announcements, the cut DVD is likely to include the regular TV version making it likely for the later "uncut" release to include the DC.

Please note for all comparative footage:
Left: TV Version
Right: Director's Cut

The overall time difference amounts to 200 seconds (3minutes 20 seconds). Opening and ending credits are not taken into account.

Time measurements refer to the Director's Cut

Flashback
The TV version includes a 20-second "Last time on Afro Samurai..." cut-back. This, however, does not add up to the runtime.

opening credits
At the very beginning Afro got a new design.

no time difference

0:03:33
The TV version background is bright, Director's Cut is dark.

no time difference

0:04:33
Ninja Ninja's appearance was adapted. In the TV version he is entering the screen, delivering the line "Damn! You're one lucky dog, Afro!" and exhaling smoke. Animation has been completely revised for the DC, showing Ninja Ninja taking a drag on the cigarette.

no time difference

0:04:59
Another cut-back. The other disciples are training with picks on the field. Meanwhile, young Afro is seen mourning, staring at incense sticks. The little girl is trying to cheer him up, throwing some petals into the air.

31 seconds

0:05:59
The vanishing cloud of smoke - resulting from Ninja Ninja lighting his cigarette - was inserted in the DC.

no time difference

0:06:30
Ninja Ninja continues to speak to Afro.

Ninja Ninja: "She got a friend, maybe we can do an orgy. Y'know, huh!? Huh!? Awrightawrightawrightawrightawright, alright. So you ain't the swinging type! Alright! I still can get my sex on! You know gettin' your jimmie waxed might help you recuperate."

15 seconds

0:07:04
The master's home. The children argue over food.

Master: "You must not fight over food!"

Young Afro is sitting aside, not eating. Eventually, the children who found him are approaching him.

Boy: "Come on, Afro. We're all waiting on you, dude. We got fishing duties, down at the river. Don't you remember? Come on. We're gonna be late. You know how everyone gets when there's not enough fish to eat around here. Look, I don't mean to push. But, you really oughta wolf it down. You'll need all your strength. Tricking fish ain't easy."

Girl: "Tricking fish ain't easy. Wolf 'em down!"

Both children are leaving. Afro is starting to eat. The master looks satisfied.

49 seconds

0:09:48
The pedestrians are a bit further away in the TV version, their position has been corrected according to the previous scene in the DC.

no time difference

0:10:21
Dialogue alteration.

TV Version: "You little punk bastard!"

Director's Cut: "You little cocksucker!"

(Frame for coordination purposes only)
no time difference

0:13:29
A couple of boys and Afro are sitting close to a hut. Young Afro is spotting a demonic face in the bushes, getting frightened.

Boy: "What is this?"
Afro: "Swampwater. Just try it."

Boy: "Will it put hair on my chest?"

The boys are spitting out the swampwater, complaining over its awful taste. When one of the boys requests Afro to try it, he empties the whole bowl.

The woman skims some more off the keg.
Afro: "Can I have some more?"

Boy: "Is he for real?"

Boy 2: "Afro, you don't have to be polite."

Woman: "It's like I always say, if heaven could be bottled, it just might taste like my lemonade."

Afro heards the birds chirping and looks up to the sky. The wind, previously howling, has calmed.

Girl: "Le.. na.. mode?"

Woman: "Lemonade."

Girl: "Lemonade!"

Afro continues to drink.

60 seconds

0:16:47
The animation depicting the last man with a sickle down his throat has been changed. There is an increased amount of blood in the Dc while he is grasping the blade sticking out of his throat.

no time difference

0:18:07
A minimal extension of Okiku's tracking shot, allowing a closer look at her nipple.


1 second

0:18:11
The frame was zoomed in, hiding the nude Okiku in the background for the TV version.

no time difference

0:18:29
Brother 1 is pressing a button on his phone. The camera is zooming upwards.

Brother 2 (over the phone): "Yes, hello, Brother Two here.

7 seconds

0:19:22
Afro says: "Go on then".

3 seconds

0:19:56
The TV version shows Afro remaining in the position where he is putting down the cup, whereas he is simply taking a seat in the DC.

no time difference

0:20:33
The sex-scene between Afro and Okiku has been cut a few frames.

13 seconds

0:20:56
Yet another part of the sex-scene has been removed.

6 seconds

0:21:15
Prior Cross-fade in the TV-version, hence the lack of Okiku's overall view.

2 seconds

0:21:19
The blossom ornament on Okiku's comb is far more distinct and visible in the DC Version.

no time difference

0:21:25
Fast-paced cut-back on those Afro had previously killed. Another cut to the boy who grew up with Afro in the master's orphanage. He is covered in blood.

Boy: "It's all because of you!"

b>12 seconds

0:22:50
Alteration of dialogue.

TV Version: "You little whore!"

Director's Cut: "You fuckin' whore!"

(Frame for coordination purposes only)
no time difference

0:22:54
The scene has been revised and enriched with further details.

no time difference

0:23:00
Another shot of the dead.

no time difference

0:23:56
Alteration of dialogue.

TV Version: "Man, you really are cold-blooded."

Director's Cut: "Man, you really are a cold-blooded motherfucker."

(Frame for coordination purposes only)
no time difference

0:24:01
The scene has been revised completely. Both versions show Ninja Ninja holding Okiku's comb, stating he'll keep it as a reminder. The DC shows him tucking the comb into Afro's hair. The adjacent flight of the spark is also missing in the Tv version.

no time difference

0:24:12
Yet another "To be continued..." screen in the DC.

1 second

credits
Credits differ in both versions. Whereas the TV version shows plain text, the DC delivers some additional artwork. The credits also have an extended runtime, however, this is not taken into account for general runtime assesment.

(two exemplary screenshots)

As the credits end, another larger image of Afro.