Observations
I could say that this is the finest film I have ever seen...except it is only partly a film. It is also something of an opera. Others have commented on all aspects of the film but I would sum it up as "magical."
I have read comments that the short, edited, version was "butchered." I think that is emotional b.s. If I were to edit the full version down, those would be the same cuts I would make. Having written that, I would also say if there were an even longer version, I would like to see it.