Originally posted by: yanksno1
So does the extended version make this movie more watchable?

No!

Much of the added footage should not be considered bonus, but penalty footage.

This film is just not redeemable! Some films benefit from the insertion of extra (cutting Room Floor) footage, or the adding of a few new effects. But like Highlander 2, no amount of tinkering would ever help this installment.
The only reason that the film was "re-edited" for television, is that the Salkind's made their money by selling their product by the minuet to T.V. markets around the world. No artistic thought was ever put into any of the "T.V. re-workings" of the superman films. Take a look at the text commentery on the "Superman II RIC" DVD to see what I am talking about.

Now Supergirl & Superman IV was beter in longer versions, but I am not sure that is the same situation. And yes, I would say Superman IV was better then III, but not by much.

SUPERMAN III - GENERAL/EXTRA FOOTAGE from supermancinema.co.uk

Still, this version is worth having.
This version of Superman III now holds a spot on my DVD wall.