OVERALL: R2

French CE -release has the best set of extra-features and 5.1-track (though the Finnish release also includes a colour version - of poor quality).

GENERAL NOTES: The original cut of the film was 131 minutes long. After 2 re-cuts, the film was about 117 minutes. After that RKO took the film away from Welles completely, and eventually about 50 minutes was cut from original version, and some scenes were written and shot by others, all in Welles' absence. Many of the cuts were made to eliminate the more depressing aspects of the film, like how Major Amberson and Fanny had lost their money in bad investments. In addition, the original ending was cut and reshot to be more uplifting. The final version is running about 88 minutes, and that is what we got in the DVD. The missing footage is now considered as lost.
(This info and more can be found from HERE )

Other Comparisons:
For a comparison between the German DVD and the American LaserDisc, go HERE )
"Criterion" Laserdisc contains extras not found from any DVD yet (Audio commentary by Robert Carringer/Mercury Theater Radio production of Ambersons/footage from Pampered Youth/a 1925 silent version of Ambersons/The Unmaking of a Classic - an essay by Carringer with photos/footage of Welles speaking on Ambersons/The Lost Ambersons - video of Welles discussing new ending/OW’s shooting script/storyboards for lost footage).

Please see the image-comparison from the link below:

CUTS:

• R1 America- Warner Home Video - No cuts (88:03 NTSC).
• R2 Finland- Pan Vision - B&W Version and Colour Version
• R2 France- Editions Montparnasse - No cuts (88:12 NTSC->PAL).
• R2 Collector's Edition France- Editions Montparnasse/Cahiers du Cinema - No cuts.
• R2 Germany- Arthaus / Kinowelt - No cuts (84:04 PAL).
• R2 United Kingdom- Universal Pictures - No cuts (88:06 NTSC->PAL).

Do you own a release not listed? Then please visit our forums and let us know!

Comparison added by Samuel_Scott on 24/07/05
Comparison last updated by James-Masaki_Ryan on 10/02/16

UPDATE LOG:

10/02/16: Additions of US, UK, ASINs.