any way to get all the cut scenes from Once Upon a Time in America?

[drinkanddestroy]

As I'm sure most of you know, even the "full" (ie. 3:47) version of Once Upon A Time in America is drastically reduced from all the footage that was originally shot. (Leone initially planned on releasing it as  a 6 hour film, with 2 separate 3-hour parts; then when he decided to make it a single film, he cut it to about 4:25, before he finally cut it to the 3:47 version that was released)

I am just wondering if there is any way to possibly get ahold of the original footage -- at least the 4:25 version? (even in the 3:47 version, it is obvious that some scenes are missing, eg. we have no introduction tom Eve before the scene on the beach; there is little explanation for Frankie's appearance in the hospital when Noodles and Max are leaving...)

does anyone know if the original footage is out there & available in any way? this movie was so great, I'm sure that longer would only be better!

[cigar joe]

there are hints and rumors, over the years we've heard about its existence

[Groggy]

As has been discussed before, don't get your hopes up if you're expecting more scenes with Pesci's character.

There was a pretty big rumor a year or two back that Leone's estate had located the "lost" footage and was trying to put a new version together, but I don't think it ever came to anything.

[drinkanddestroy]

MY DREAMS HAVE ALL BEEN REALIZED!!!!

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118033710?categoryid=13&cs=1&cmpid=RSS