OK then why did they bother with the bare bones release?
Because at the time, they weren't sure if they could get the extras approved on time or not. The plan was to release out a bare bones release first and then release out a SE when the extras were approved. However, it was announced about 8 weeks ago, that they got the extras approved on time.
Also if it is a new version, why not include that info on the back of the DVD?
Who knows! Media Blasters is notorious for having inaccurate information on their back covers.
Finally if it was approved they said there would be a Blu-Ray version as well, is that released as well?
Don't know!