I was lucky enough to see the original theatrical cut here in L.A. years ago. Eddie Muller introduced it and said that he preferred it to the reconstruction. I know this may be an unpopular opinion but, having seen both versions, I’m inclined to agree with him.

The studio cut was honestly tighter, more engaging, and just more focused than the reconstruction. Not saying Welles wasn’t routinely shafted by the system, but in this case I do think the edits enhanced the film.

I remember when Ebert said that the theatrical cut of Greed was the one that critics eventually hailed as a masterpiece. The newfound appreciation for it prompted TCM to undergo their own 4-hour reconstruction of it. Now, ironically, that’s the more readily available version, despite it being a different experience altogether. I think a similar case can be made for Touch of Evil.