I would love to see the “lost” footage mentioned in this article. Would make a great expanded mini series for some streamer. I know after this flopped that a four hour version ended up in syndicated TV, but this article mentions there’s like seven hours of cut scenes!
I like both, but I agree 100% with your characterization of the original movie. The world of the distant future, and even the cultures within it, should feel utterly bizarre and occasionally incomprehensible. I love the original movie.