Perceptions aren't always reality

What was the deal with the edited version of the movie that is out there, on most of the portal sites? Characters and story lines were actually removed, along with some <important? maybe, but not really> dialog. I know that time slots differ - I just wonder where the decisions were made to axe this person(s) completely from the movie. The only reason I even noticed this, is because I came across the original DVD, and actually watched it - and was surprised at how much was missing from the edited version.

"Please sign on the dotted line."