Alternate versions

The version of the film shown on the Paramount Network has nearly all of the profane language intact (basically everything but the word "shit"). However, this version also randomly cuts out several scenes and parts of scenes, presumably to fit in the network time slot allotted. Scenes missing altogether include (but are certainly not limited to) Maverick and Goose conversing in their housing regarding whether or not they'll graduate, and Jester and Viper conversing, with Viper revealing hew knew Maverick's "old man." The latter is especially surprising considering this plot point plays a major role in a later scene.

In honor of Paramount's 75th anniversary at the time, the first VHS print used the 75th anniversary variants of the 1987 logo at the film's opening and following the closing Blue Mountain logo.

Original U.S release removed a single use of the word "fuck" to receive a PG rating instead of a PG-13.

The 1996 and 1998 VHS prints in addition to the 1998 DVD plaster the Blue Mountain variant with the 1987 Paramount logo that had the Viacom byline.

The 1990 VHS reissue contained the 1987 opening and closing plaster featuring the Gulf + Western byline.

The UK widescreen VHS version released in 1996 and UK DVD versions released in 2000, later reissued in 2006 had an aspect ratio of 2.00:1. The theatrical prints and the DVD version released in 2004 (US) and 2005 (UK) have an aspect ratio of 2.35:1. Please note the UK widescreen VHS version released in 1996 incorrectly states an aspect ratio of 2.1:1 on the cover. It does in fact match the UK DVD versions released in 2000 and 2006 which had an aspect ratio of 2.00:1.