guys,
I have both the VHS and the DVD version.
The VHS version is 128 mins (C10840) Layout and Design 1994.
The DVD version is 129 mins (D10840) Layout and design 2001.
I own both versions and believe me there is NO difference between the two
..however ! If you look at the back covers of both versions it clearly shows still pictures of scenes NOT shown while running eith the VHS or DVD so in answer to these question about longer versions, the HAS to of been longer cuts and I would imagine some people still own earlier versions of the film.
When the Columbia Pictures re-released the film in its "differing Layouts" over the years many scenes were left out until finally all we have left is what we see today and mores the pitty if the original owners lost or destroyed the original version.
As for the term, "Middle Guard". yes the French dropped the term officially but the 2rd and 4th regiments were still known as Middle Guard and called such. I was clearly the 5 Btlns of the 3rd/4th Regiments that made the initial attack at 7:30pm they were escorted by other guard btlns that then stopped to the rear right flank of La Haie Sainte in support if needed.
There was 13 btlns of Old Guard
basically in this order :
First Wave : left to right
4C – 2/3C – 1/3C – 4G – 1/3G (C=Chasseurs – G=Grenadiers)
Second Wave : Left to right
2/3G (further back left) – 2/1C – 2/2C – 2/2G
Third Line : Back behind La Belle Alliance
2/1G – 1/1G
The rest of the Old guard were facing the Prussians in Plancenoit with the entire Young Guard.
Taken from, "The Waterloo Companion". by Mark Adkin. This book is the most detailed historical correct book yet put on the market for Waterloo by Aurum ISBN : 1-85410-764-X
Forodin