The DVD is actually a new "director's cut" of the film. Yes, they found old elements.
The laser disc release, however, is the COMPLETE film, before Jack L. Warner hacked it up for the original theatrical release. There are several scenes in the laser disc version than didn't make it into the director's cut. But the source material is "questionable" unfortunately.
So here's what's available.
On VHS:
The original theatrical release. (Missing: many things, including the second verse of "Piddle, Twiddle," the encore of "The Lees of Virginia," the intro to "He Plays the Violin" and the entire "Cool Considerate Men."
On Laser Disc:
You get ALL of the missing stuff above, plus many restored dialogue scenes, to their full length (from the stage play).
On DVD:
Still missing, sadly: The second verse of "Piddle, Twiddle," and several dialogue cuts throughout. But this is the official NEW director's cut, so I guess he wanted it this way.
...And yes, in case you can't tell, I watch it every year... ever since I had the great fortune to play Rutledge back in the mid '80s!
"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22