TMP Special Longer Version laserdisc

[David Brown]

I have two versions of The Motion Picture: Special Longer Version on laserdisc.

The front of the cardboard case appears identical. This is LV 8858-2A.

The back appears identical except for one thing. The first one I acquired has a UPC code on it. The second appears identical in every way, same art, also LV-8858-2A except there is no UPC code on the back.

The discs have some different mint marks on them but I think the contents are the same.

Can anyone shed some light on this? I thought the first (with the UPC) was the original 1983 release. The mint marks match laserdisc database. It would maybe make sense the second (no UPC) is an earlier pressing, may e before UPC was adopted? I don’t know and just asking if someone more knowledgable than I can explain what I have. Thanks!

 

[Kor]

Perhaps the one with UPC was for retail shops and the one without was for mail order. Just a guess, though.

Kor

 

[David Brown]

I did find my answer but it was after I had already posted. The one without the UPC seems indeed to be a first pressing and the one with the UPC has identical content, just a slightly later issue.

I also discovered that the laserdisc has a few (and I do mean few) more frames than the vhs Special Longer Version. Disc 1 Side 2 begins with Kirk talking with McCoy in the officer’s observation lounge. As Kirk walk toward McCoy, his arm comes up. The laserdisc has a few extra frames where Kirk starts farther away and his arm is lower, click forward a few frames and it then reaches the point where the vhs tape begins this scene.

 

[StarCruiser]

People forget that the UPC code is a relatively new thing - it started appearing around the time that Laserdisk was issued. Any old packaging from the late 1970's probably won't have one, while it became common by the early 1980's.