Actually it isn’t bad or boring at all in Russian - its just the horrible Constance Garnet English translation. Same for any piece of Russian literature she got her mitts on.
I read the Pevear/Volokhonsky version a year or two ago. Loved it. First time I'd read an unabridged version. The only time I found it dull was when Tolstoy departed from the story to expound his theory of history. I loved the detailed inner lives of all the characters.
I DVR'd episode one of this new version but have not watched it yet. I was a little disappointed that Pierre does not appear to be as overweight as he was described in the novel.
The only film I have really liked of War and Peace is the Russian one. Everything in that film was from the novel and nothing was added. It is also one of the most jaw-droppingly spectacular films ever made. Unfortunately, all films of War and Peace cut most of Maria Bolkonsky's story.