Alternate Versions
The Australian Special Edition DVD is rated MA15+, but is uncut like the previous R18+ version. It is not to be confused with the cut M rated version available on video.
The Finnish theatrical release (1990) was rated K/F-18 but still cut by 23 seconds. The VHS release (1991) was rated K/F-16 and cut by 68 seconds. The DVD release of 2001 is rated K/F-18 and is listed as uncut.
Film was initially given an X-rating by the MPAA. The following are the scenes that were trimmed to receive a R-rating:
- Benny's death is optically cropped to remove the exiting drill erupting from his stomach.
- The innocent bystander used as a shield was bloodier before trimming.
- The stabbing of Helm in the bar had the bowie knife slicing up his stomach. Stills of this were actually featured in Fangoria magazine at the time of the film's release.
- Several shots of the scientists being killed by Quaid after he breaks free from the implant-machine were shortened.
- The scene of Richter's arms being severed was shortened.
The Swedish version is also cut, although not as heavily as the above mentioned. Edited are the scenes of Quaid using the innocent bystander as a shield in the subway fight and the first fight after Quaid has been to Rekall. Benny's death has been cut to avoid graphic violence.
As with RoboCop, the theatrical release of Total Recall in Australia was an M-rated (Recommended for ages 15+) censored version of the USA R-rated cut which lacked the bloodier moments. The American R rated cut was released on Video as an Australian R (Restricted to ages 18+). Both the M and R versions are available on video. Some of the cuts in the M rated version included:
- Alternate camera angles in the subway fight after Quaid has been to Rekall;
- In the scene where the man from the Rekall ad comes to see Quaid and Lori, the shot of his brains splattering on the curtain behind him is omitted;
- The fight in the bar on Mars is edited, in particular the stabbing.
- Benny's death is severely cut
- The frontal shot of the three breasted woman asking Ricther if he would "like some fun" is replaced with a shot taken from higher up and behind her.
- The second-last shot of Cohaagen's "expansion" is shortened. The final shot is removed completely.
In the German Version the "Johnny Cab"-Robot is making a loud belching sound instead of saying "Hell of a day, isn't it ?" This is possibly an in-joke by the dubbing studio.
