I can't say enough about this film. Some people obviously hate it, but anyone who is basing their opinions on the theatrical version needs to see the EE badly. It is amazing to me how much was cut and how GREATLY the production company screwed Sir Ridely and all the actors who put their names and reps on the line for this film.
I really enjoyed the fact that they edited back in several little tid bits that make it all the more historical through creating a more intricate and organic world around the action. EX: In the woods seen there is a cut where one of the men-at-arms is boiling up something that looks like a pasty vineger or some such concoction to clean his
maille. The ambush scene is also pleasantly expanded. All this just adds a greater feel of a living world to me. Yes they didn't get the chausses right and a few other things including religious pluralism philosophy etc; However, the extras discs go a long way in explaining why they made some historical alterations. There is a whole mini Doc dedicated to the discussion of the films historical accuracies and inaccuracies and why they did what they did in some cases.
Adding in the whole bit about the son really helped things make more sense as well.
On the whole, I think this film is the most accurate attempt any director has yet made regarding the middle ages and sets a good standard for others to build on. The additions only make it better.