Different Opening

"The Blanchville Monster" had a theatrical release in the U.K. and Ireland during the mid-'60s under its original title "Horror". It also had a different opening: the close-up of the disfigured hands grasping the bars on the tower window was followed by the sudden appearence of the count's face and the title "Horror" was flashed across it.
The U.S. version has removed this shock moment, and it's a mixed blessing. The effect of the key scene when Alice discovers the secret of the tower room is strengthened. However, without it, the highly atmospheric opening which is designed both visually and musically to build to a climax falls rather flat.
Has anyone else seen the European version? Do you prefer the original opening to the U.S. alternative?