Haven't seen the film, yet, but read an article on it in a swiss film magazin when it got released there (March 2004). The reviewer didn't seem as enthusiastic as you, but in fact reading your text gave me more personal satisfaction and a better feeling for the film 
Obviously demanding films aren't popular on German screens. The same magazine also had a fine essay on Angelopoulos along with fantastic screenshots from "The Weaping Meadow" when it was released in Switzerland (in Germany still nada). I'm holding it in my hands right now, and the photos prompt me to see the film again. If only I could see it on a big screen. 
The last film by Rivette that was shown here theatrically was "Va savoir", which I didn't go to see because of german dubbing. Guess I'll have to rely on import-DVDs… :(