This is the best I've seen the new head look, Joshua.
I know I'm in the extreme minority with this opinion, but seeing this comparison again confirms for me that I still prefer the original version. Obviously the eyes are weird, but in overall presentation I just can't get used to the new version.
I don't know what it is exactly, but it looks like an exaggerated cartoonish version to me. Perhaps it's the large eyes?
But aside form my personal preference (and I'm going to replace mine with InArt anyway), I'm happy that Asmus is offering this upgrade and that everybody here who got it likes it!
Something else I just noticed and haven't seen mentioned here, (maybe I overlooked it): Asmus is offering Crown Gandalf now with the new head on their website. So you can get the complete package with upgraded head for $350.
GANDALF THE GREY