OVERALL: Draw

R1 Criterion for the 4K anamorphic transfer and the best set of extras. Do note however, the R1 AE, R2 UK SE and R4 AE have an exclusive interview and DTS sound.

It should also be noted that in these releases, the aspect ratio is 1.66:1 throughout the film (in the other DVD-releases, the aspect ratio is occasionally switching between open matte 1.33:1 and letterboxed 1.66:1, as intended by the director).

Note, that R4 AE and R2 UK SE are missing the original Mono track (it´s included in the R1 AE). Also note that the UK R2 SE has a booklet, art cards and a novel. R1 AE has also booklet and bonus trailers.

Also note, that R2 Japanese "Superbit" has DTS, and has the alternating (non-anamorphic) aspect ratio of 1.33:1-1.66:1.

General notes about the aspect ratio:
The film was originally shot using in-camera mattes with alternating aspect ratios, between 1.66:1 and 1.33:1 (it has been said, that during the original release in theaters, this was matted to 1.85:1). The different mattes for the film's different aspect ratios are probably best noticeable at the top of the frame, in the shots where Major Kong puts on his Stetson hat. Also, as Kong rides the bomb, the bomb can be seen jumping "over" the background matte plate.

To see an image comparison click the logo below:

CUTS:

• R1 America- Criterion Collection - No cuts (94:53 NTSC).
• R1 America- Warner Home Video/Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment - No cuts.
• R1 40th Anniversary Special Edition America- Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment - No cuts (94:39 NTSC).
• R1 Special Edition America- Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment - No cuts (94:39 NTSC).
• R2 Superbit Japan- Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment - No cuts (94:39 NTSC).
• R2 Special Edition Spain- Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment - No cuts (90:33 PAL).
• R2 United Kingdom- Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment - No cuts.
• R2 Collector's Edition United Kingdom- Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment - No cuts (90:33 PAL).
• R2 Special Edition United Kingdom- Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment - No cuts.
• R2 Special Edition United Kingdom- Warner Home Video - No cuts.
• R4 Australia- Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment - No cuts.
• R4 Anniversary Edition Australia- Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment - No cuts.
• R4 Special Edition Australia- Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment - No cuts (90:33 PAL).

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Comparison added by Craig on 20/07/01
Comparison last updated by Matthew_B_Harrah on 12/11/21

UPDATE LOG:

20 Feb 2011: Changed/Added aspect ratio notes to releases that have the director's intended ratio.
28 Jun 2016: Addition of the Criterion release and ASIN links, updated DVDBeaver link, and clean-up.
12/11/21: Spain and Caps-a-holic link.