Versiones alternativas

The original release ran 118 minutes. A restored 126 minute version, has additional footage; however, a few short scenes have been removed; a few scenes have been re-edited into different portions of the film; some dialog was removed; some dialog was redubbed. Among the additions are:

• An introduction hosted by a man with a British accent
• A scene where Schroeder thanks Bauer for daily reports before entering his bedroom.

The European 2005 DVD release (by Sony, not MGM) contains only the extended version, but a different one from the US release. It has a new credit sequence set against a background of changing lights and shadows - just like during the end credits.

The UK cinema version was cut for an 'A' (PG) certificate by the BBFC to remove shots of Maritza being beaten and kicked, and to reduce the decapitation of a German motorbike rider. The cuts were restored in later upgraded releases.

The 2009 MGM Blu-ray has newly generated opening credits adding a new opening credit "Samuel Z. Arkoff and Oliver A. Unger present". This credit is over a black background and then the usual graphical credit background begins with the credit for "Robert Shaw". However, due to this addition the music begins earlier and thus the progression of the images and music is not the same as in previous versions without the new credits. There is also an addition to the "co-produced by John R. Sloan" credit which now has "Anthony B. Unger" credited underneath.

Version available on Amazon Prime missing some random voiceover bits from the theatrical version. Examples: a comment from the Guns of Navarone flashback about thinking Mallory and Miller were still on Navarone, Barnsby saying "shag your butts" while infiltrating the airfield in Italy and Weaver taunting an MP during the fight.

Since at least 2015, and maybe earlier, a version shown on ITV in the UK has all uses of the words "Blackie'" (said primarily towards Weaver by Drazak) edited out. Also, more inexplicably the humorous line "Miller...that stupid git!" shouted by Mallory towards Barnsby when the two of them think the bomb has failed to blow the dam, is also cut out. This seems strange as in British English the derisory term 'git' is considered only a mildly offensive word (roughly equivalent to 'jerk' in American English). However it is a relatively old fashioned term nowadays so may well have been removed for that reason.

The DVD release from MGM contains both the 118-minute version (in standard format) and the longer 126-minute version (in widescreen).

The 118 minute version has the American International logo, an American voice narrating the introduction, a "silly-ass" British voiceover saying "Mallory, Miller, good to have you aboard. We thought for a moment we left you on Navarone." when they are pulled out of the water, and an Eastmancolor credit. The 126 minute version has a Columbia logo, British narrator in the opening, no voiceover, and a Technicolor credit.