The 1981 re-release opens with a short prologue set to "I'll Cry Instead", a number originally recorded for the film but not used. The reissue also features a new stereo soundtrack.
The Mirimax DVD and the Universal/Alliance Blu-Ray replace the film's original mono songs with surround sound versions based on the stereo masters. There are slight differences between the recordings.
The 1981 re-release version has the following end credit (added & superimposed under the original ones for 'Sound Recordists', 'Sound Editor' & 'Assistant Editor'): "Rerecorded in DOLBY STEREO (TM Logo) at GOLDWYN SOUND FACILITY STEVE MASLOW, C.A.S. GREGG LANDAKER, C.A.S.
In France the film was titled "4 Garcons Dans Le Vent" which translates as "4 Boys in the Wind."
In the television show sequence, the song "You Can't Do That" was cut from the original film. In the 30th anniversary special on the making of the film, the cut scene featuring the song is shown after the special.
In July 1998, Miramax acquired the full rights to the film from original producer Walter Shenson. The film was re-released in March 1999 (its 35th anniversary) in a restored, digitally-remastered version.
Years before the advent of DVD, A Hard Day's Night became the first major motion picture to be released in CD-ROM format for the home computer market, with supplementary material included.
