Okay, I had these same troubles (concerns) when the DVD originally came out and spent a considerable amount of time going through this looking for an answer. So I'm going to attempt to help everyone here out with an explanation of the different versions. First and foremost, yes, the copy that 99% of us on here either have or have seen for sale in stores, amazon, etc is censored. How much I cannot solidly say, but within a close estimate, I'd go roughly 1-2 minutes. The (stated) running time for the original series is 552 minutes, and this set comes in at 9 hours, 12 minutes, or 552 minutes also. So in that respect, they are supposedly identical in running time, meaning the cuts are few and far. The only stated cut(s) I can personally commit to noticing is the Wounded Knee Massacre.
That being said, on to the actual versions everyone is curious about. As stated, there are two different versions, a four disk (three disks of episodes) version, and a six disk Emmy consideration version. Due to the latter existing, the B.S. hoax bootlegger site tvaddicts.tv has made a "garbage" version of six disks, which is often mistaken for being the rare six disk version. It is not but a bootleg of the recorded episodes. It has no features or subtitles, sub-par audio, incorrect viewing ratio, comes in regular separate plastic cases, and is on DVD-R's. The real six disk version however, was created solely for Emmy award consideration. It was never packaged to be sold in retail, nor can it be found as such.
Unfortunately though, this six disk Emmy version decimates and destroys the four disk version, most of us have, in every aspect. It comes in a large book-like leather folder and is gorgeously designed. It is, of course, uncut and shows identical to the original aired version. Each episode is on its own separate disk but there is no bonus disk. In addition, this set comes with a massive 90 page hardcover book detailing the making of the series, examining each episode individually, and includes stunning stills and pictures. Truly it is a sad thing, as I would have gladly paid twenty dollars more for such an extravagant and untouched version.
Here are links to the different versions for comparing:
Regular four (three) disk retail version -
http://www.amazon.com/Into-West-Matthew-Settle/dp/B000AQ6A9E/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-6575791-7038853?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1191613815&sr=1-1
Bootleg garbage version from tvaddicts.tv -
http://www.tvaddicts.tv/movie/western/Into_The_West.html?gclid=CPv86civw4oCFQw7gQodXivffA
Special Emmy consideration six disk version -
http://cgi.ebay.com/INTO-THE-WEST-EMMY-6-DVD-SET-STEVEN-SPIELBERG-TNT-BOOK_W0QQitemZ140162368813QQihZ004QQcategoryZ617QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
As you can see from the eBay auction, it is very real and very genuine, 100% legit and a total let-down that we can't buy it normally.
-For now we see in a mirror, darkly; but then shall I know even as also I was known-
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TheHistoryFamily
17 years ago
Thanks for the info! So it looks like there was very little difference (only 2 minutes) if that between what was aired and what's on the DVD. Which would be very difficult to detect (2 minutes out of 552 is literally a needle in a haystack unless it was a favorite scene that you have memorized). The 6 disc set does look nice. As for the episodes it sounds like it's pretty close to the 4 disc set, the main difference being each episode gets its own disc. Considering how these companies are always looking for ways to make more money I'm surprised they don't release it now that 4 disc set has probably sold to all of the hardcore fandom. We hardcore fans would gladly pay as you say an extra $20 for this set even if we have the original. That 96 page book sounds fascinating.
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