When I was at university, one of the lads had a copy of Aliens:The Director's Cut on what is known in the trade as a "timer copy".

This is a rough cut that has the elapsed time always visible. The quality was rough as hell (3rd/4th gen VHS copy) but this didn't spoil the film; indeed, it enhanced the atmosphere no end.

I am torn as to whether the Director's Cut is better or worse than the original release; I agree that too much is shown before the marines land on LV426, but the other bits make up for it.