The Wire - Simon Says! Status Report on 4th Season

One of our readers, Drew Galaska (thanks!), had the sharp eye a few days ago when he spotted this David Simon interview/chat which talks, among other things, about the 4th Season of the show on DVD. Here's what Simon says:

Q: Is HBO scheduled to release Season 4 DVDs before Season 5 airs? Can we get some deleted scenes, humorous outtakes, or maybe some of the production gag reel this time? [mane33]

A: I would like to put our gag reels, previously shown only at the wrap parties, on the final, season five DVD. I don't want to do that kind of thing before the show finishes its story arcs. It feels like it reveals too much of the artifice and in some sense, I think, ruins the sense of verisimilitude that many viewers value. We don't have that many deleted scenes, but perhaps, again, what we have that is worthwhile can find a home on the last DVD set.

I think it is paramount that HBO gets the season four DVDs out before season five. We were already approached about doing the commentaries for season four, but I delayed doing so for a time, fearing that the DVD release would be so much prior to the season five premiere that it wouldn't help to build interest in the coming season. Optimally, the DVDs should come not a year before the ensuing season, but several months and I was concerned on that point. Now, however, with the bootleg DVDs being sold far and wide, I've changed my tune. The quicker, the better, for HBO and for the show itself.

Stay tuned, and we'll alert you as to further developments.