There are three versions of the movie: a two-hour stand-alone movie, a three-hour pilot episode of a series (cut into three episodes for syndication), and a two-hour television movie. In the stand-alone movie version, Count Baltar is executed halfway through. This version was actually released theatrically first in Canada some months before the television version aired in the United States. It was eventually released to theaters worldwide (including the United States). When it became apparent that the series would in fact be made, Baltar's execution scene was re-edited and an extra scene with him was filmed for the end which sets up the series. In the series version, Count Baltar is held for public execution instead of being beheaded immediately. When the Cylon Imperious Leader who ordered his execution perished in the explosion of the planet Carillon, his successor orders Baltar's release so Count Baltar can take command of a Cylon Basestar that will chase the human refugees through the series. All this information is given in an "Epilogue" tacked on at the ending.
