World War Z Unrated Cut runs seven minutes longer than the theatrical version of the movie and contains "intense footage not shown in theaters". The material consists of more violent alternative takes of existing action scenes and features mainly CGI effects work. There is no additional plot, although there may be some nominal changes to dialogue. Overall the unrated cut is an improvement over the theatrical print in so far it offers a more traditional zombie movie experience. However, compared to other examples of the genre, the unrated version of World War Z still remains relatively sedate in terms of violence. The movie focuses on the scale of the zombie outbreak, rather than the visceral mayhem of a George Romero film.
I thought it may be useful to post a selection of screen captures highlighting the major differences between the two versions of World War Z. Again, it is not in any way a comprehensive list but it broadly shows the major differences. If you require further details Movie-Censorship.com has produced a more thorough breakdown. My original opinion of the film itself still stands. World War Z is flawed but has good performances and explores some interesting concepts. The unrated cut of the movie certainly addresses one of the many criticisms levelled at the PG-13 theatrical release; namely that it was too tame. If you have yet to see World War Z, then this is the cut of the film I would recommend.
During the initial zombie outbreak in Philadelphia, we see more blood when people are bitten. Unfortunately, due to the colour palette that is currently in vogue with many film makers it is still not very clear.
Gerry shoots a zombie in the head while trying to find safety in the tenements of Newark. It is the only major head shot depicted in the movie.
Gerry is covered in more blood from the zombie he bayoneted in the stairwell.
In the unrated cut the camera clearly shows that it is Tommy that shoots the zombie attacking Gerry.
When Fassbach trips and accidentally shoots himself, we see the aftermath more clearly.
The imprisoned CIA operative pulls out one of his front teeth, while explaining how North Korea did this to its entire population in twenty four hours, to prevent the spread of the disease.
He then adds the tooth to a collection of others he has removed.
As the zombies overrun Jerusalem, we see more bullet hits as they are shot by Israeli soldiers.
Most of the gunshot wounds have been added in post production by CGI.
When an Israeli soldier uses his grenade, we see more explicit carnage caused by the explosion.
Further CGI blood and gunshot wounds are seen as the zombies are shot through the closed gate and railings.
A further grenade explosion shows more destruction to the zombies.
Segen's hand amputation is more graphic. Unlike the theatrical print it is obvious what Gerry has done.
Gerry binds Segen's wrist and waits to see if she becomes infected or not.
The zombie attack aboard the plane has a lot more CGI blood when victims are bitten.
Again due to lighting and editing, even the more explicit scenes are difficult to see clearly.
Another victim is bitten, prior to the plane explosively decompressing due to a grenade explosion.
Gerry's impalement injury is shown more clearly.
Gerry dodges the attacking zombie and hits it at the base of the spine with a crowbar.
He subsequently stamps on the zombie's face, crushing it.