
I also put off seeing it for ages it seems, as the various recuts and butcheries done to the film were a no-no for me. 
When I was still quite young my mother always told me about the beauty of the film, and I think she has always watched it whenever it appeared on TV (quite many times). I didn't want to see it dubbed and was hoping for the new print that was shown at the Berlinale two years ago. But when I saw the DVD at the library last week i couldn't resist. It was a very average Region 2 DVD with a PAL running-time of 209 minutes. But we are trying to get the restored print for a screening at our cinema. Keep your fingers crossed. 

I'm pretty sure you'll like the film btw.