Alternate versions

ABC edited 5 minutes from this film for its 1986 network television premiere.

The Australian theatrical release omitted the short section of dialogue where Nurse Murch describes to the astronauts how to produce the sperm sample. However, it was included in the video and television versions. The Australian television premiere edited out the stronger profanities and the close up of Chuck Yeager's burnt face.

When the movie premiered on American TV in May 1986 on ABC TV, during Yeager's first X-1 flight, there are several radio transmissions from Ridley to Yeager which do not appear in other versions. For example, Yeager to Ridley: "Hey, Ridley, make a note here will you. Got nothin' better to do. Elevator effectiveness regained." Ridley to Yeager [on radio, deleted]: Yes sir, that's duly noted! While Yeager is taking in the spectacle after passing Mach-1, there is only music on the VHS, DVD, etc. On the ABC TV premiere, Ridley's voice is heard clearly on the radio saying, "Say, buddy, while you're up there put in a good word for me, will ya?" Finally, when Yeager performs the barrel roll in the X-1, he can be heard on the radio shouting "Woohoo!!" in the TV premiere. Again, this is not featured in any other version of the film.