The film was initially set up at MGM, where John Milius had a production deal. It wound up at Columbia because Steven Spielberg did not want to work at MGM. Besides, he made Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) for Columbia and wanted to make another movie there. Spielberg got Universal to co-produce because he wanted to fulfill a contractual obligation with the studio.
The advance teaser trailer, with John Belushi as "Wild" Wayne Kelso, was an original production in its own part. Directed by John Milius with an original score by John Williams and featuring thematic materials that differed from the score of the actual motion picture. The score for the advance teaser is featured on the LaLaLand Records 1941 extended score two CD set.
The "stop light" threat condition signal in the air defense coordination center is shown twice. The first time, when the trainer is incorrectly reported as enemy aircraft over the reservoir, it switches from green to yellow on the appropriate dialogue command. A few minutes later, a decision is made to "go to red," and the signal moves from green to red. It should have been yellow.
When Ned Beatty crashes the cannon into the house, to get a better shot at the Japanese submarine, Bing Crosby can be heard singing, "I'll be Home for Christmas", which was recorded October 4, 1943.
General Joseph W. Stilwell: [to Birkhead, ignoring the dirt-covered corporal who pulls up in front of them at the movie theater]
Come on. I don't want to miss Dumbo.
Donna Stratton: [smiling mischievously, Donna takes off her hat and lets her hair down, staring at Loomis intently, who is transfixed on flying the plane]
This thing handles pretty well, even if it's not a B-17. But...
What are the differences between the Theatrical Version and the Director's Cut?
A
The Director's Cut of this early Spielberg flick runs approx. 27 minutes longer than the old Theatrical Version and features several blocks of new scenes throughout the time. Nearly 27 scenes were added or altered and sometimes alternate material was used as well. A detailed comparison between both versions with pictures can be found here.