annual report and accounts

in the other thread that i started, i asked what companies house were. Now, i know the answer thanks to those to helped me out. But now i have another question, lol. hope you guys can help me out. i know i can obtain companies accounts from companies house for a small fee, also can obtain these same accounts from a search agent that provides analysis aswel for a higher price. But, i also know that you can contact the company directly and ask for them to send you their accounts free of charge. so, the question is, what difference is their from obtain the accounts from the company directly and from companies house? do they provide with exactly the same figures? many thanks....