Alternate versions

German DVD/VHS releases by VCL/MAWA were offered in two versions: the uncut 'Not under 18' version and a cut version which misses 4 minutes and has a 'Not under 16' rating.

Original Japanese Region 2 DVD includes both the NC-17 uncut version and the R rated version. The reprinting released in 2002 contains just the NC-17 version.

A video version released in late 1997 includes some of the cut footage. There is also a boxed set with the widescreen version, as well as a widescreen version with commentary that does not include the extra footage.

Video Director's Cut on VHS removes a brief scene showing Stu saying "Yes!" and moving his arm after the announcement that the school has been closed.

Version shown on USA cable network Starz is cut for violence (using a freeze-frame, for example, for the scene where Casey looks at Steve's guts).

What's called "Director's Cut" in Germany is the normal R-rated version, not the real "Director's Cut". The real "Director's Cut" was released on DVD in 2005 by Kinowelt Home Entertainment.

The US LaserDisc version contains the director's cut with ca. 20 seconds of restored footage that was originally cut to avoid being slapped with the NC-17 by the MPAA. It also has commentary by director Wes Craven and writer Kevin Williamson. In the commentary, Craven notes five places where his cut differs from the theatrical release:

• Steve's guts are shown pouring out of him as Casey looks on. In the released version, the very last few moments of this are shown.
• Casey hanging from the tree was time compressed in the film release (it is at normal speed here).
• When Tatum meets her death by garage door, her head is shown, very briefly being flattened.
• After Kenny the cameraman's throat is cut, he stares at the blood on his hand after touching his neck, and then looks up at the killer.
• Billy clearly loses control as he delivers his final cuts to Stuart.
• After Billy and Stuart have finished stabbing each other, there is a shot of Stu's hand dripping blood into a puddle, with Sidney's father looking on.