I liked the new one a lot in 2001 but I can assure you it's because I was 14 at the time, hadn't properly seen the older ones and was (and still are) a big fan of the works of Tim Burton and Danny Elfman (I love the hell out of the Main Titles cue). 6 years later and I have seen the original a few times and although I consider it a good movie, IMO it's no masterpiece. It's equal to me as the new one. Both have good points and bad points but I could easily see why a fan of the original before 2001 wouldn't like the new one. They have obviously a very different look and overall feel from each other and the new one is just more "amazing" to watch for most people, but nothing compares to the original ending.

BTW...the street performers in NYC range from junk to surprisingly very talented. I gave this one guy with plastic buckets and drum sticks $10 just because he was so damn awesome.