A movie is meant to be watched unedited and without commercial interruption.

I feel that the way to discover a movie is by watching it unedited, the way the filmmakers intended. Subsequent viewings when it is on TV is fine.

But if someone discovers the GF on TV and then goes back and watches the DVD, then good for them.

And I agree, the GF is mostly free of major cursing and the volience, while pretty graphic, is pretty tame by today's standards. Most of the times I find everything intact.

I feel Parts I and II are rated R for the themes present, not actually because it contains a lot of language or violence.