JOHN CARPENTER'S HALLOWEEN-
HALLOWEEN II DISTRIBUTION
UNITED STATES HALLOWEEN II VIDEO DISTRIBUTION-
1982 MCA Videocassette
Halloween II was released  several times under MCA Videocassette, The first release was in 1982 under MCA Videocassette.They would  released Halloween II three more times before Goodtimes got the rights in 1996.
1996 Goodtimes version
Goodtimes released Halloween II in 1996.They are under license from MCA/Universal to distribute it.The original MCA versions are out of print (except for the 1990 version).The Goodtimes version is in LP mode and its a crappy transfer.
The 1990 version had  the best picture quality out of all of them.
1998 Goodtimes Widescreen Version
Goodtimes released a widescreen version of Halloween II on August 22, 1998 on VHS and DVD (First time ever that Halloween II was availble on DVD). The  version features an aspect ratio of 2.35:1, but it is not in Stereo.
1983 Thorn EMI Video Version
Halloween II was first release in 1983 on VHS and Betamax by Thorn Video (Nothing to do with the Halloween 6 Thorn).This version was cut very badlly from a 93 mins film and cut to a 88 mins.In this version these parts are cut: Alice getting her throat slit, Mr Garret's hammer in head scene and all of Cara's drowing in the hot water scene.Also this version is rated X so it was released before the BBFC acts of 1985 so this a very rare copy to find.
This much anticipated sequel was released to theaters on October 30, 1981 in t
he United States. After the success of the original Halloween, distribution
ights were sold to movie mogul Dino DeLaurentiis - who chose Universal Pictures
to distribute the film.An early cut of the film, often called the "Rick Rosenthal" or
"Television Version" features several deleted scenes, mostly involving a few
extra seconds of theatrical scenes. A different ending features Jimmy in the
ambulance with Laurie. Their hands come together and Laurie mutters,
"We made it," through her tears. This version originally aired on independent
teleivsion stations, but rarely makes an appearence today.
The film featured a Dolby Stereo soundtrack. On a side note, it was banned in
Germany. If you lived in Sweden, the movie didn't open in theaters until
March 5, 1982 when most people could already view it on video!
-HalloweenMovies.com
2000 M.I.A Video Version
On the 10th of April 2000 the M.I.A released Halloween II again with new cover art work on VHS and DVD.
The DVD includes no special features but has the best picture of the lot.This version was also released cut and still is availble to buy in the United Kingdom.
2001 Universal Home DVD Video Version
After Goodtimes Halloween II distribution rights ran out Universal was soon to clame them back and Release Halloween II on there lable.Which they did on the 8th of September 2001 with all new front cover art work and with new features.Many Halloween fans wanted Universal to release the missing cut scenes and a commentary with Halloween II director, Rick Rosenthal but all these were never put on to the DVD.What the DVD includes are: A new Restored Version of Halloween II (Widescreen), The Theatrical Trailer, Production notes and Information on the cast and crew.
UNITED KINGDOM HALLOWEEN II VIDEO DISTRIBUTION-
1991 Castle Communication,  the collector series version
Halloween II was then release by a new distributer, Castle Home Video in 1991.This Version was the first Home Video version of Halloween II with an UK 18 rating.Again this version's running time is 88 minutes and have the same missing footage as the Thorn release alothough this version has a better picture.
1992 M.I.A Video Version
In 1992 the distributing rights went over to M.I.A who also had the rights to the first Halloween movie, they release Halloween II with a 93 minute running time so  this version is the first Halloween II release that was Uncut in the United Kingdom.This first release is also very hard to find.Also in the same year the M.I.A released a Special Edition Double feature Version which included Halloween and Halloween II on the same Tape.
Halloween Series Box Set (Halloween II included) 2002
This coming Halloween Anchor Bay, who bough the rights to Halloween II last year are going to release a special Halloween series box set that will include Halloween, Halloween II, Halloween III, Halloween 4, Halloween 5 and Halloween: H2O.Halloween II was re-entered for rating at the BBFC in August 2002 and has been given a 18 rating, uncut.This version will be first time that Halloween II is uncut on video in the United Kingdom since 1982.The box set is released on October 1st 2002.