Maybe that's the version I saw, as well. Hopefully, the DVD omits the black-outs.
As to Arkin's playful punch to his captain, it is, indeed, another example of why the movie is so good. While a comedy, Arkin does an absolutely brilliant job of conveying the seriousness of the situation in regard to how the Soviet regime will deal with everyone involved in the aftermath. Arkin doesn't 'ham it up' but plays the role with exactly the right level of seriousness and frustration a Russian Naval officer would, given the predicament.
It's worth noting that in the beginning of the movie, Rosanov yelled at his captain in the sub. However, yelling at a superior in the mid-sixties' Soviet Navy is one thing. Making deliberate physical contact, no matter how playful, is quite another, and Arkin's slow, calculated reaction is perfect.
Also, another word on Arkin's use of the Russian language. Even if he wasn't absolutely correct in his pronunciation, his mastery of the gutteral abruptness is what carries his performance.
As an example, Russians do not answer the telephone with the traditional, gentle European interrogative, "Allo?" (Hello). Rather, when answering the telephone, Russians bark out the imperative, "Skazheetyeh!" (Speak!).
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