Most of the character development is cut from the Japanese version. For instance, the scene at the dance club is ommitted, in which we learn a lot about the love triangle. Also, the music is different between the two versions: the Japanese cut has a bombastic orchestral score that has a heavier presence than in the Englsih version; also, the memorable title rock song is only on the English verison.

I bought the R2 DVD because I desperately wanted to see the movie in widescreen again, but I still eagerly await the R1 variant - the one that made me a MonsterKid at a Saturday matinee showing back in '69.