This is the version that should have been played at the movies. Finally the characters actually have a deep story behind them. This is not your normal extended version dvd were all thats added are longer entrance and exits of scenes. This version has genuine new material, and lots of it.
If you felt the characters were under written and really were only 2 dimensional, but like me wanted to really like this movie, then this is the version for you.
As for the nine hours of extra's, think Lord Of The Rings extended version extra's and you get the idea.