Dungeons and Dragons Boxed Set
I bought this product for my husband who treats his books like golden treasures. In two weeks time the print was smearing and the binding was breaking allowing whole sections of pages to fall out of the book. The manufacturing of this product is the shoddiest I've ever seen. I plan on returning this printing and waiting for the next one which I hope will be better.
As for the content, well everyone who has played the editions previous to this will have an opinion about it. I haven't formed mine yet, but it seems like it will be more manageable than 3.5 which was just too complicated for people who also have lives outside of gaming. I don't recommend beginners start with this edition, however, unless there are old-timers to help them sort out the rules as some things are esoteric enough to be confusing to the uninitiated.

A little disappointed.
This is less of a review and more of a complaint. I couldn't wait to get these books. When the arrived I immediately began reading the PHB and I noticed just through casual handling the ink in the art and letters was smudging drastically. I have contacted them and recieved no response.

Major Improvement from 3.5!!
First, this is the cheapest you'll find the core set anywhere!! Second, this is a major improvement on 3.5 hands down. 4.0 has breathed new life into tabletop RPGs and make them fun and exciting again!

Slick, sexy, streamlined
D&D 4.0 is much improved over 3.5. The rules are streamlined, the art and text are beautiful, and everything is so organized. It's very easy to teach to new players but has enough depth to appeal to experienced players. My only complaint is that there is simply not enough character classes, but that will improve with time and as more books are released. Wizards of the Coast made some great moves in making the game more appealing to all, and I think you'll find that the new rules really fit into to today's gaming while still allowing all the roleplaying you desire. A much needed and welcomed update.

A new edition that's not so great.
I'll assume people who are looking at this review and this product know what D&D is. So, an honest opinion is that this new edition has more suck than THACO! It has been dummied-down in an attempt to pull those who play MMO games, like World of Warcraft, back to pencil & paper RPGs. I was hoping for a system that would help evolve 3.5 into something more solid with supported epic level play. However, this new system gimps the challenges, your customization, and the wealth system. Personally, I'd recommend staying with 3.5 until they put their heads on straight and make a 5th edition. The only reason this is getting 2 stars instead of one is the great price and the free shipping that I got from Amazon.