The full ballet has so much mediocre filler composition, I can see how that would put you off. BUt you should try listening to tchaikovsky's own selection from the ballet. Am sure you'll love it, since i remember you said you like mahler-bruckner-wagner somewhere, and this suite is tchai the ultra romantic.
Karajan (although i don't know if he's your taste - I only like him for certain composers!) did the most legendary recordings of it. I can't find his 1959 which is what i have. But 1965 with vienna should surely be a good thing, and you get sleeping beauty too.
http://www.amazon.com/Tchaikovsky-Ba...6983675&sr=8-6 $11 shipping included. Everything is so much cheaper in america it's ridiculous!