A preliminary edit of the first episode, "Arrival", was broadcast by accident on one PBS station in the 1970s. Although the original negative of this edit has been lost, a videotape copy was discovered and released on DVD in 2002. Among the major differences from the officially broadcast version:

* Different theme music and differently edited opening credits (same as the alternate version of "Chimes of Big Ben.")

* Slight differences in the sequence where No. 6 wakes up in the Village for the first time.

* A longer version of the sequence where No. 6 tours The Village by taxi.

* When Rover is introduced, it does not kill a villager as it does in the televised version.

* Longer version of the sequence where No. 6's radio-controlled helicopter returns to the Village.

* Different closing credits, ending with an image of Earth and the universe turning into the pennyfarthing bicycle logo. Also, Wilfred Josephs is credited as musical director.