Alternate versions

NBC edited 3 minutes from this film for its 1985 network television premiere.

West German VHS release (by Marketing) was cut by 1.5 minutes.

Some TV edits include a scene in the beginning of the movie where Rambo enters a town diner to buy some takeout, and the cashiers hassle him, first not serving him, then charging him for condiments. Finally he just leaves.

The USA network version has new scenes cut from the original including: a scene after the posse is injured, paramedics putting the posse in ambulances, and Galt's body into a helicopter, just as Kern arrives; an extended conversation between Trautman and Teasle about Rambo taking out his posse; a second extended conversation about the capture of Rambo; a scene where Teasle and Trautman land at the spot where Rambo is "killed". Shortly after, Teasle is congratulated for "killing" Rambo.

TV version omits Rambo's stitching of his arm wound. In its place a brief scene of him checking the ammunition on Galt's rifle is added.