A long time ago, in a San Francisco far, far away...

When George Walton Lucas, Jr. was a 23-year-old film student at the University of Southern California (USC) he recieved the "Samuel-Warner-Memorial-scholarship 1967/68" for his fifth students- and, at the time, final exam film "THX 1138.4EB". This price helped him working on the movie "Finian's Rainbow". During this time, he made friends with director Francis Ford Coppola. Wanting to finally make his own movie, Coppola advised him to first write a screenplay. With the financial support of Warner Bros. Coppola found his own movie production company "American Zoetrope", of which Lucas became deputy general manager. With a budget of USD 777.777,77 (Coppola's lucky number is 7), the company's first production was Lucas' directing-debut "THX 1138". The title originated from Lucas' then-phone number in San Francisco (849) 1138. His request to shoot the movie in Japan was declined due to financial reasons. Shooting took place in September/October 1969. His friend and then-fellow student Walter Murch not only helped writing the screenplay (George Lucas hated writing screenplays), but also helped with editing and sound; Ben Burtt would later do the same thing with the Star Wars-prequels.
The preview with the Warner Bros.-CEO was a catastrophe: They hated the movie and didn't seem to understand it, as well. They demanded their USD 300.000 credit back from Coppola, because the original screenplay differed a lot from the final film. Thus, Coppola was broke and looking for work. Paramount asked him out of nowhere to direct the film version of Mario Puzo's bestseller-novel "The Godfather"; an offer, he couldn't refuse. Lucas was discharged from "THX 1138" and a studio-cutter removed five minutes. Furthermore, the marketing budget was cut down. At the US-Start on March 11th 1971 the movie bombed at the box offices; the "Easy Rider"-generation just wasn't ready for a movie like this.

Critics were very pleased with "THX 1138".

In the year 2004, Lucas gave the fans of his movie two special "presents": For the first time, on September 20th, the original Star Wars-trilogy was released on DVD. Also, one week earlier, his first work "THX 1138" was released on DVD... also for the first time.

For this "Director's Cut", Lucas has had the film restored lavishly by Lowry Digital Images and many scenes were digitally revamped with the help of his special effects company Industrial Light & Magic. Some scenes were also changed a little and have different dialogue.

This report compares the UK-VHS-version to the German Director´s Cut-DVD-version.

Runtime UK-VHS 1:21:35
Runtime DC-DVD 1:24:53

0:00:00-0:01:01
additional scene:
Before the film begins, the Director's Cut shows a trailer to S/F-series "Buck Rogers" episode "Tragedy on Saturn Chapter Two" (1939). According to imdb, the theatrical version had a segment from the S/F-film "Things to Come" (1936).
Trailer-voiceover: <Buck Rogers in the 20th century! Buck Rogers, now adventuring in the amazing world of the 20th century. By turning the dial to project us ahead in time we´re able to be with Buck and friends in the wonderful world of the future. A world that sees a lot of our scientific and mechanical dreams come true. You know, there´s nothing supernatural or mystic about Buck. He´s just an ordinary, normal human being who keeps his wits about him.
60.8 sec.

0:01:01-0:01:10
alternative scene:
The Warner-logo in the beginning of the main film is different and a little shorter in the DC.
-3 sec.
UK-VHS <-> DC-DVD

0:01:15-0:02:52
changed scene:
The font colour in the opening credits were changed from white to green in the DC.
no time difference

0:03:37-0:03:49
changed scene:
The tessellated images were changed so they look like little monitor-images in the DC.
no time difference

0:04:10-0:04:19
alternative scene:
Shots of the factory were replaced by new, digital takes in the DC.
-1 sec.

0:04:19-0:04:24
changed scene:
In the DC, the robot was altered digitally.
no time difference

0:04:45-0:04:49
changed scene:
The control room was altered digitally in the DC: a zoom-out from the original scene took place, the room was extended, monitors and workers replaced/added.
no time difference

0:04:53
removed scene:
The DC misses a shot of SEN (Donald Pleasence).
-1,4 sec.

0:04:57-0:05:26
additional scene:
The DC features additional shots of the control room.
29,2 sec.

0:05:26-0:05:32
changed scene:
The front- and background have been digitally altered in the DC.
no time difference

0:05:42-0:05:49
changed scene:
In the DC, the worker on the right has been "swapped".
no time difference

0:05:59
removed scene:
The DC misses a shot of SEN, who is discovering an "illegal sexual activity".
-14 sec.

[thx0051.jpg

0:05:59-0:06:10
alternative scene / changed scene:
There is a new shot of the factory in the DC and some of the backgrounds have been altered digitally.
no time difference

0:06:30
changed scene:
In the UK-version, LUH (Maggie McOmie) looks to the side; the DC misses this.
-1.6 sec.

0:06:30-0:06:56
alternative shot / changed scene + time:
During the factory's explosion, there were parts of the scene, in which SEN discovers an "illegal, sexual activity", edited in between, and SEN was replaced with LUH.
Several other shots were replaced.
15,5 sec.

0:06:56-0:07:10
changed scene:
The monitors in the DC were changed; show a.o. Additionaly the explosion. The background in the factory was extended digitally.
no time difference

0:07:24
removed scene:
The DC misses a shot of SEN.
-1,7 sec.

0:07:24-0:07:27
additional scene:
The monitors in the DC show the explosion victims and THX (Robert Duvall).
3 sec.

0:07:27-0:07:38
changed scene:
The backgrounds were digitally extended/changed in the DC.
no time difference

0:07:52-0:07:58
changed scene:
Zoom-out in the DC and the parking block was extended digitally. The scene is a little shorter in the DC.
-0.9 sec.

0:08:06-0:08:10
changed scene:
Zoom-out in the DC and the hall was extended digitally. Some people were implemented.
no time difference

0:08:24-0:08:40
changed scene:
The writing on the door was changed digitally in the DC.
no time difference

0:11:02-0:11:09
changed scene:
In the DC, there were antenna and wings added to the lizard.
no time difference

0:11:38-0:11:44
additional scene / veränderter Zeitpunkt:
A short scene depicting LUH calling THX was implemented. Here, the DC misses THX turning on the light in the room.
The LUH-scene begins at 0:24:41 in the UK-version and is 1.5 sec. shorter at that point.
4.2 sec.

0:11:51-0:12:08
additional scene:
The DC shows another scene showing LUH calling THX.
17.2 sec.

0:12:08-0:12:35
veränderter Zeitpunkt:
The DC shows THX disposing of the red consumptioncube.This scene takes place in the UK-version at 0:10:38.
no time difference.

0:12:35-0:12:47
veränderter Zeitpunkt:
In the DC you see THX standing in some sort of dry-shower. This scene takes place in the UK-version at 0:10:25.
no time difference.

0:12:56-0:12:58
additional scene:
An additional shot of SEN in the DC.
1.7 sec.

0:13:06-0:13:09
changed scene:
The holograph and the background were changed digitally in the DC. The point in time of the holograph differs a little.
no time difference

0:13:12-0:13:16
changed scene:
The holograph and the background were changed digitally in the DC. The point in time of the holograph differs a little.
no time difference

0:13:26-0:13:28
changed scene:
The holograph and the background were changed digitally in the DC.
no time difference

0:13:32-0:13:40
changed scene:
The holograph and the background were changed digitally in the DC. THX was put in the foreground. Additionally, there is a "masturbation-robot".
no time difference

0:13:42-0:13:51
changed scene:
The entire holograph-program was changed digitally in the DC, including the background.
no time difference

0:14:02-0:14:05
changed scene:
The holograph and the background were changed digitally in the DC.
no time difference

0:14:13-0:14:18
changed scene:
The holograph is different in the DC and the background was also relocated a little.
no time difference

0:14:35-0:14:37
changed scene:
The holograph was changed digitally in the DC.
no time difference

0:14:43-0:14:48
changed scene:
The holograph was changed digitally in the DC.
no time difference

0:14:58-0:15:08
changed scene:
The entire holograph-program was changed digitally in the DC, including the background.
no time difference

0:15:29-0:15:31
additional scene:
A shot of LUH was edited into the DC as she says "Take your sedation."
no time difference

0:17:34-0:15:31
additional scene:
Another shot of SEH and monitors in the DC.
5 sec.

0:17:49-0:17:51
additional scene:
Another shot of SEH and monitors in the DC.
2 sec.

0:20:14-0:20:46
changed scene:
The accusation-scene has been changed in the DC. There are additional shots of the court and control room. Shots of THX entering and leaving the room were removed.
-2,2 sec.

0:21:19-0:21:31
changed scene:
A bright spot in the background has been retouched in the DC.
no time difference

0:21:38-0:23:23
veränderter Zeitpunkt / scene:
A conversation between THX and LUH. This scene takes place in the UK-version at 0:25:01.
The holograph has been altered.
no time difference.

0:23:28-0:07:32
changed scene:
Zoom-out in the DC and the parking block has been extended digitally.
no time difference.

0:24:55-0:27:36
veränderter Zeitpunkt / Szene:
THX visits SEN. This scene takes place in the UK-version at0:22:02.
It was changed a lot. Both different text as well as different shots.
14.1 sec.

UK-version:

SEH: Come in, come in.

SEH: You know, this is really odd. I was just thinking about you.

SEH: What in the world are you doing here?

SEH: I must apologize for all this chaos. They materialized this morning and it's been going on all day.

SEH: My roommate was destroyed, you know. Terrible inconvenience.

SEH: You know you're expiring? It's not very warm in here. You're sick!

SEH: I´m sure it´s warm in here.
THX: Where is LUH?

SEH: What?
Nurse: Your card, please. Thank you.

SEH takes his medicine and offers some to THX as well, who refuses, though.
Offscreen-speakers: This monitor is to be used for emergencies or special requests only. All routine information can easily be obtained through the bulletin panels installed at...(SEN locks up the medicine cabinet).

THX: Why did you have her come here?
SEH: Why are you so concerned?
THX: What´s going on?

SEH: I want you for my roommate. We'll be very good for one another. I had it all arranged.

THX: I don't understand. Living... living selection is computed. What have you done to LUH? She was here.

SEH: We... had a long talk. And erm... she agreed that it would be better for both of you to switch.

SEH: She seemed to think that you weren't accurately mated with her in the first place.

SEH: I´ll never have another mate like ONA. You rate very high in sanitation. I've checked.

THX: I don't feel well. (leaves the room)
SEH: We'll be happy.

DVD-version:

SEH: It's you. Come in, come in. Sit down.

SEH: You know, this is really odd. I was just thinking about you.

SEH: I must apologize for all this chaos. They moved in this morning and it's been going on all day.

SEH: The roommate was destroyed, you know. Terrible inconvenience.

SEH: Have to try to see things in perspective, do what you can... to make things... fit.

SEH: I can accept things up to a point. But if you get a chance to... to make... adjustments... you're very foolish to pass them up.

THX: Where is LUH?

SEH: What?
Nurse: Your card, please. Thank you.

SEH takes his medicine and offers some to THX as well, who refuses, though.
Offscreen-speakers: This monitor is to be used for emergencies or special requests only. All routine information can easily be obtained through the bulletin panels installed at...(SEN locks up the medicine cabinet).

THX: Why did you have LUH come here?

SEH: Why are you so concerned?
THX: What´s going on?

SEH: I want you for my roommate. We'll be very good for one another.

THX: I don't understand. Living... living selection is computed.

SEH: I know what you're thinking. Program-shifting isn't that major a crime, is it?

THX: You're in violation.

SEH: Don't say that.

THX: What have you done to LUH? She was here.

SEH: We... had a long talk. And em... she agreed that it would be better for both of you to switch.

SEH: She seemed to think that you weren't accurately mated with her in the first place.

SEH: I'll never have another mate like ONA. You rate very high in sanitation. I've checked.

THX: I don't feel well. (verläßt den Raum)

SEH: We'll be happy.

0:27:36-0:27:42
changed / alternative scene:
The shot of THX in the hallway was replaced by a new mass scene in the DC.
0,8 sec.

0:27:47-0:27:55
changed scene:
The holograph and the background were changed digitally in the DC.
no time difference

0:28:05-0:28:07
additional scene:
There was a shot of the door added in the DC.
1,5 sec.

0:28:28-0:28:35
changed / alternative scene:
A shot of THX in that kind of "dry shower" was replaced by three different shots in the DC.
6 frames

0:28:58-0:29:16
changed scene:
At the end of the hallway, there were additional people added in the DC and there are more apparati at the walls.
no time difference

0:29:16-0:29:43
changed scene / additional scene:
There is an additional apparatus at the wall in the DC and a shot of the monitor has been added.
4.9 sec.

0:29:39-0:29:50
changed scene:
The background and the robothead were altered digitally in the DC and there were lightning effects implemented.
no time difference

0:29:59-0:30:19
changed scene:
The background and the robothead were altered digitally in the DC and there were lightning effects implemented.
no time difference

0:30:21-0:30:24
changed scene:
The background and the robothead were altered digitally in the DC.
no time difference

0:30:27-0:30:30
changed scene:
The background was altered digitally in the DC.
no time difference

0:30:32-0:30:34
changed scene:
The background and robot parts were altered digitally in the DC.
no time difference

0:30:38-0:30:41
alternative scene:
A different shot of THX at the lever was used in the DC. His movement is much calmer now.
no time difference

0:30:54-0:30:59
changed scene:
The coloring of the monitor-display is partly different in the DC.
no time difference

0:31:02-0:31:06
changed scene:
The robot arm and the background were digitally replaced in the DC.
no time difference

0:31:06-0:31:07
alternative scene:
The DC features another shot of THX with different background.
no time difference

0:31:07-0:31:13
changed scene:
The DC misses the word "SUBJECTE" on the monitor-display.
no time difference

0:31:42-0:31:48
alternative / additional scenes:
In the DC, THX rolls his eyes during the thinking-block and there are two additional shots of him working.
3,2 sec.

0:31:49-0:32:01
alternative / additional scenes:
The DC features more shots of THX working and new scenes of the robot.
8.8 sec.

0:32:03-0:32:04
changed scene:
There were more workers added digitally into the background in the DC.
no time difference

0:32:05-0:32:07
additional scene:
There is a shot of fleeing workers in the DC.
2.4 sec.

0:32:13-0:32:14
changed scene:
There were more workers added digitally into the background in the DC.
no time difference

0:32:16-0:32:17
changed scene:
There were more workers added digitally into the background in the DC and THX still rolls his eyes.
no time difference

0:32:27-0:32:30
alternative / additional scenes:
The shots of the robot arm were replaced by a slightly shorter one in the DC.
-11 frames

0:32:27-0:32:40
alternative / additional scenes:
In the DC the background and THX' eyes were changed; the robot arm was replaced.
2.6 sec.

0:32:50-0:32:56
alternative / additional scenes:
All the shots were replaced in the DC. THX stops rolling his eyes; there are different shots of THX working, the robot arm was replaced.
3.6 sec.

0:52:50
changed scene:
The UK-version is slightly longer. (probably film tear)
-1.3 sec.

0:56:59-0:57:00
changed scene:
The shot of the mass scene was changed in the DC: Zoom-out from the shot and more masses are shown. Additionally, the shot is now shown through a monitor-filter.
no time difference

0:57:04-0:57:07
changed scene:
The background was extended and more people added in the DC.
no time difference

0:57:08-0:57:12
changed scene:
The background was extended and more people added in the DC.
no time difference

0:57:15-0:57:39
changed scene:
The background was extended and more people added in the DC.
no time difference

0:58:21-0:58:47
changed scene:
In the DC, during the discussion between THX and SRT (Don Pedro Colley), the fetus in the glass was replaced digitally in 4 shots.
no time difference

0:59:12-0:59:17
additional scene:
The DC features an additional shot of a railway station.
4.6 sec.

0:59:17-0:59:34
changed scene:
In the DC, there were digital shadows added to the train's windows, to simulate movement.
no time difference

0:59:34-0:59:35
additional scene:
The DC features an additional shot of the train door opening before SEH.
1,6 sec.

0:59:35-0:59:42
changed scene:
Zoom-out from the shot of the train in the DC, and the background was extended digitally. This scene is a little shorter in the DC.
-1.3 sec.

1:01:50-1:01:52
changed scene:
The rat was replaced with some kind of scorpion in the DC.
1.6 sec.

1:01:52-1:01:55
changed scene:
Zoom-out from the shot of the train in the DC, and the background was extended digitally.
no time difference

1:09:19-1:09:33
additional scene:
The DC features an additional shot of a way station.
14,3 sec.

1:10:41-1:10:49
additional scene:
The DC has an additional tracking shot down the parking lot.
8.3 sec.

1:10:49-1:11:14
changed scene:
The background was digitally extended in the DC.
no time difference

1:11:21-1:11:29
changed scene:
The background was changed in the DC.
no time difference

1:11:47-1:11:57
changed scene:
The background was changed in the DC.
no time difference

1:12:41-1:12:48
changed scene:
The background was changed in the DC.
no time difference

1:12:54-1:13:01
changed scene:
The background was changed in the DC.
no time difference

1:14:14-1:14:41
additional scene:
The DC features an additional shot of THX leaving the city by car.
26.8 sec.

1:16:24-1:16:27
additional scene:
The DC has an additional shot of THX' car stopping slowly; the headlights flicker.
3,2 sec.

1:12:54-1:13:01
alternative scene:
The monitor now shows the car with switched out headlights. Additionally, there is a slow zoom-out in the DC.
no time difference

1:18:11-1:18:14
additional scene:
The DC has two additional shots of THX' car driving through cordons.
3,2 sec.

1:18:14-1:18:17
changed scene:
The image was flipped in the DC and rubble was implemented digitally.
no time difference

1:18:17-1:18:19
changed scene:
The image was flipped in the DC.
no time difference

1:18:20-1:18:24
changed scene:
The image was flipped in the DC.
no time difference

1:18:26-1:18:27
changed scene:
The image was flipped in the DC.
no time difference

1:18:28-1:18:29
changed scene:
The position of the second motorbike was changed in the DC and rubble flying around was added.
no time difference

1:18:30-1:18:35
changed scene:
The position of the second motorbike was changed in the DC resp. you cannot see it any more.
no time difference

1:19:36-1:19:39
changed scene:
The shot of the framework was changed, it's now closer, has more workers and it's not an onboard-shot any more.
no time difference

1:19:53-1:19:55
changed scene:
In the DC the shot of the framework and the workers on it were changed.
no time difference

1:20:01-1:20:08
changed scene:
In the DC, the rest of the framework was added.
no time difference

1:20:23-1:20:08
changed scene:
In the DC, there were additional digital surface-dwellers were added.
no time difference

1:20:49-1:20:51
changed scene:
In the DC, the image section was changed: it was put downward and the ceiling has been extended digitally.
no time difference

1:20:56-1:21:01
changed scene:
In the DC, the image section was changed: it was put downward and the ceiling has been extended digitally.
no time difference

1:21:01-1:21:04
changed scene:
In the DC, the survace-dweller was changed digitally during the fight with THX.
no time difference

1:21:05-1:21:10
changed scene:
In the DC, the survace-dweller was changed digitally during the fight with THX.
no time difference

1:21:12-1:21:16
changed scene:
In the DC, several surface-dwellers were implemented resp. replaced.
no time difference

1:21:18-1:21:22
changed scene:
In the DC, several surface-dwellers were implemented resp. replaced.
no time difference

1:22:57-1:24:46
changed scene:
The font color in the opening credits were changed from white to yellow in the DC.
no time difference

1:24:46-1:24:53
additional scene:
After the ending credits, the DC features a hint to the production time.
6.7 sec.