Compared are the cut Syndicated Version (UK Blu-ray by Fabulous Films / First Edition) and the uncut Original Version (German DVD by Universal).

- 3 cuts
- Length difference: 236 sec resp. 3 min 56 sec

Please note: Minor differences such as missing credits, missing or different black screens etc. have not been listed in the following comparison. The focus is on the alteration made for reruns in syndication and that is it.



Basically, the UK Blu-ray is a highly recommendable release even though some people complain about the abscene of the TV movie "Knight Rider 2000" because it is available as bonus of the DVD release. The problem is that this was originally another pilot for second Knight Rider series that never saw the light of day. So technically, the movie is not part of the original Knight Rider from 1982. However, definately worth criticizing is the fact that the Blu-ray set only contains the shorter Syndicated Versions of all the two-part episodes which have been cut to a length of approx. 45 minutes (Blu-ray / NTSC) in order to fit in the slot.


But at least one has the chance to get the discs with the uncut episodes via Fabulous Films. One can either send the discs with the Syndicated Versions and get a free replacement or one can keep the old discs and get the ones with the uncut episodes for a small fee (payment via Paypal). Either way, the new discs then will be shipped to your address.
According to Fabulous Films, the first batch with the shorter episodes is completely sold out. But of course, there is still a slight chance that one gets a copy of those because the vendor still has some in stock.



Last but not least, a few words about the Syndicated Versions: Admittedly, they are still OK to watch but fans will realize that scenes are missing. The huge exception here is the pilot "Knight of the Phoenix". While the alterations of the second part of the pilot are being kept within bounds, they did a real number on the first part of the pilot. Including the opening, "Knight of the Phoenix Part 1" has a total length of approx. 3.5 minutes (!) and after that, the second part already begins. Basically, everything is missing. If one is not familiar with the show or the story of the pilot, it is incredibly hard to follow resp. I would say it is almost impossible. This is also the reason why the Syndicated Version of the pilot only consists of one single episode while the other two-part episodes still consist of two episodes each. Considering that there are only 3.5 minutes left of the first part of the pilot, this is not a surprise though.



Time index refers to
Syndicated Version (UK Blu-ray) – Uncut Version (German DVD in PAL)

11:30 / 11:01

After Michael spots the tracks, the end of the scene is missing.
Michael: "(Come on, hop in.) Let's find out where those tracks come from."
Michael and Joanna get in and they drive off.

14.6 sec




27:16 / 26:21

A cop is talking to someone when he spots a speeding truck so he pursues the truck.
Cop: "There's another rig running the scales. See you later, Sam."
The cop takes up the chase and gets closer. When he shows up behind the truck, a rocket is being fired at him. He tries to avoid the hit but he fails. His car explodes.

77.4 sec resp.1 min 17.4 sec



33:18 / 33:27

After Joanna's and David's arrival at the party, some acquaintances of Joanna's say hello and have a little chat. Subsequently, Eduardo's birthday cake is being carried in. Joanna's acquaintances do not seem pleased that Joanna brought David as plus one because her husband has just passed away. At least he thinks so. She on the other hand is happy for Joanna. Eduardo then gives a little speech and thanks the guests for coming. He cuts the cake - with a sword. His girlfriend Tiara does not like the way he behaves.

144 sec resp. 2 min 24 sec