Definitely help! THX 1138 is arguably George Lucas’ best film and it has a kicked-around history that seeks to hide it’s superior origins. What follows is my personal theory of the film’s release history. But don’t worry, I’m good – just ask Dr. Watson:



George Lucas		v.1 1970		v.1.WB 1971		v.1 1978		v.2 1983		v.3 2004		v.4 2010

version 1 - 1970 (88m?)
the Lucas original & finished cut of THX 1138
(un-released when it was taken away from him by Warner)

version 1.WB - 1971 (86m?)
the Warner Bros.’ re-edit
(released to theaters - a flop)
(cuts; sequence re-ordering?)

version 1 - 1978 (88m?)
back to Lucas’ original & finished cut
(released to theaters & TV broadcasts [16mm] under Lucas’ terms after Star Wars success - a flop)

version 2 - 1983 (86m)
Lucas’ next edit
(re-edited for TV broadcasts & home video [LD, Beta, VHS, CED] - builds to cult status)
(less some SEN shots; sequence re-ordering?)

version 3 - 2004 (88m)
Lucas’ next edit
(added Computer Graphics & re-coloring, sequence re-ordering, and out-takes for TV broadcasts & home video [DVD] - cult status)

version 4 - 2010 (88m)
Lucas’ next edit
(added tweaks of coloring, etc., for TV broadcasts & home video [Blu-ray] - cult status)

~~BTW, if someone known-here can accept my U.S. mailed donation, to forward with his own donation, PM me for mailing arrangements. (I don’t PayPal.)~~ [Thanks.]