There's not a lot of difference between the two versions in terms of length, although the music score was remixed for the mono US version, which was more dynamic in the four channel stereo original (a big deal at the time). The original theatrical closing credits for the US version were in English. When the film was premiered on Showtime in 1980, the end credits were in Japanese -- possibly due to the use of a work print. This is the same version that has appeared on television for two decades since. Recently, the film was remastered for HD cable broadcasts, letterboxed, and with the English credits at the end.

In November of 2004, I spoke to Michael Schlesinger of Sony Repertory about the recent acquisition of the MGM library, and determined that since MESSAGE FROM SPACE was originally released through United Artists, that Sony indeed was in possession of the film. Of course, word now has it that the MGM-Sony deal has fallen through, so MESSAGE FROM SPACE is still in MGM's hands.

Maybe Micheal, who has visited these boards, will pop in and answer this question more correctly.
August Ragone
kaijupro@yahoo.com