Three versions were released in the USA by Media Blasters: a "General Release" version (rated 16-up) was released in 2000 and a "Director's Cut" version (rated 18-up) was released in 2002 which was released by their adult label Kitty Media, which contains nearly 10 minutes of explicit footage. This Director's Cut version, however, is missing 12 seconds worth of footage found in the original Japanese release. A third release, labeled "Uncut Special Edition" (also rated 18-up) was released in 2004 and was also released by Media Blasters adult label Kitty Media, contains Kite in its original, uncut form.
The pornographic sequences in the uncut version and the director's cut were a result of the director's contractual obligation to the production companies who provided the funding. They were not the intent of creator, writer, and director Yasuomi Umetsu.
Sawa makes a one-second cameo in Mezzo Forte.
Kite was banned in China, Norway, Sweden, India, Israel and Egypt.
The version released in Germany by OVA 18 is the uncut version.