Hmm, I haven't watched the silent version with a score yet, as I try to avoid every acompaniment the first time I watch a film. Of course a great score can make the film even better. Maybe I'll listen to the one by Shallcross when i watch it next time...
Every time I watch a silent film in the cinema, the live band/ composer get a big cheer. And usually they are better than the film!  
So far I have heard many great live accompaniments, and I'm always astounded at the "bad" scores most films get on DVD/VHS...
Maybe it is because artists tend to improvise more when playing live, whereas the company usually tries to make a safe bet?