The 3 versions of this wonderful film....
I live in England and even though there is a European release of this film, the VHS and following UK broadcasts of this film in the 80's/90's were always the US cut with the Tangerine Dream score. I'm now 32 years old with fond memories of this film.
Even though Jerry Goldsmith's score is fantastic on the Directors Cut, for me it's the Tangerine Dream score that is my preference; not only because I grew up with it but because I feel it captures the spirit of the film more.
Out of the 3 cuts the US in my favourite. I'm so glad I bought the US DVD edition that came out a few years ago because it had the US cut, the Director's Cut, and a wonderful 50 mins behind the scenes doc. I've just bought the UK Blu ray steelbook which only has the directors cut and European cut, minus the Tangerine Score!
I like the US cut because you get to see Darkness at the beginning, shrouded in moonlight with his aluminous green eyes! Most would argue that the film is better with the later reveal, and I can understand that. But for me seeing Darkness at the beginning frightened the life out of me as a kid! Never mind when he gets revealed in all his glory!
The European cut is dreadful. It cuts out all of Darkness's speech at the end before Jack throws the killer blow. Amongst other blunders that is.
When I watch this in the future I will alternate between the US and Director's Cut.