The original US cut of the film runs to 100 minutes. Unhappy with the film's slow pacing, Jones prepared a 90-minute cut for the British market, but was frustrated that he had not been given enough time to edit the film to his satisfaction. In 2006 Jones was given the opportunity of re-editing the film for DVD. Jones delegated the actual editing work to his son Bill, who produced a 75-minute "Director's Son's Cut" with re-ordered scenes and much tighter pacing as well as a completely remixed and re-dubbed soundtrack. Jones considered this highly appropriate because the original book was written for Bill.

MGM has finally released the details of its Erik the Viking: Director's (Son's) Cut, due on 12/4 (SRP $19.98). Featuring a new 75-minute cut of the film created by... yes, director Terry Jones' son... this version offers re-ordered scenes, a tighter pace and a remixed and re-dubbed soundtrack. Says Terry Jones in the press release: "When the film came out in 1989 I was not happy at all with it. With the Monty Python movies I'd been a hands-on editor, yet with Erik the Viking I didn't get involved in the process until too late. I've always thought there was a better film in there, waiting to get out, and this new version is it!" The DVD will feature anamorphic widescreen video with Dolby Digital 5.1 audio. Extras will include audio commentary with Terry Jones, the theatrical trailer, the Behind the Director's (Son's) Cut featurette, a vintage 1989 "making of" featurette and the Giant Visions in the Sky from the Gods of Valhalla photo gallery.