I’ve said plenty of times that HBO is by far the leader in original dramatic entertainment. Their original series have been milestones in television with shows like Six Feet Under, Carnivale, Deadwood, and The Sopranos it’s kinda hard to make a case against. But one show that dosent get as much love as the others is The Wire. Created by former Baltimore Sun Reporter David Simon and Cop-turned-Teacher Ed Burns (who both created Homicide: Life on the Street, and The Corner as well). The Wire is a Police Drama unlike anyother, not only do you follow the Police Detectives but also the Politicians, Drug Dealers, and Gangsters that populate the City of Baltimore. We previously reviewed the series Third Season over a year ago. Well now with the coming of the 5th and final season in January We have the review for Season 4’s set, so enjoy.
With the fall of the Barksdale Empire, and the ascent of Marlo Stanfield as the new Drug King in Baltimore, McNulty (Dominic West), Bunk (Wendell Pierce) and the rest of the Major Crimes detail continue to “Follow The Money” up the political ladder amidst a hotly contested mayoral campaign between current Mayor Royce and Tommy Carcetti. Prez (Jim True-Frost) witnesses first-hand the role of inner-city education in the formation of youth as four students: Michael Lee (Tristan Wilds), Randy Wagstaff (Maestro Harrell), Namond Brice (Julito McCullum) son of Wee-Bay formally of The Barksdale Crew now serving a life sentence, and Dukie (Jermaine Hawkins); face dangerous decisions and adolescent angst in a city rife with the temptations of crime and easy money. And the while the streets are different their still oddly the same for Bodie (J.D. Williams) who is still on the corner but now without the Barksdale crew is forced to freelance and fend for himself.
Season Four is easily my favorite season of the series by far. Everything about it was so perfect: The story being told, the characters and even the kids. Usually children actors are fairly hit or miss, but this collection of kids that make out the core group are simply amazing, you really end up caring for these kids and when their fates are revealed your heart will break.
While not busting at the seams with special features, The Wire sets have always been more about quality over quantity. And season 4 continues with this tradition:
• Audio Commentary with Creator David Simon, Cast and Crew - on 6 of the 13 Episodes
• It’s All Connected - Behind the Scenes Featurette
• The Game is Real- Behind the Scenes Featurette
As I said not really a lot but the Audio Commentary tracks are very informative as David Simon knows how to put together an interesting conversation about the themes of the season as well as the real life stories that turned into what we see on The Wire.
- Rating: 5 out of 5
The Wire’s trademark has always been its realism in not only story but also look and sound design. There are no fancy visual tricks here just straight camera work. All previous seasons have been presented in the 1.33:1 Fullscreen Aspect, and Season 4 is no exception. Boasting high clarity, deep black levels, and absolutely no picture artifacts, The Wire is one of the best horrible looking shows around. Much of The Wire is dialouge driven, David Simon has made a point to only include music if and when its only naturally going to happen (in a car, store, or on headphones). That being said we are given an English 5.1 Dolby Digital track that still uses everything to its advantage, because of its lack of music Simon lets the ambiance of the city fill the soundscapes, you get the distant crys of corner boys calling out their product (PANDEMIC!!!) as well as the cars, police sirens etc.. in the background.
- Rating: 5 out of 5
This is, without a doubt, among the best – if not the best – show ever put to television. Every season plays out like a novel series. You get continuing stories that span the series but always different themes and characters to get attached to. It’s a slow, careful, well-acted and expertly-crafted well paced show that requires a little patience in exchange for a well worth while reward. You will not be disappointed.
- Overall Rating: 5 out of 5
Series and Features: 5
Technical Specs: 5
Overall Review: 5
Studio: HBO Video
Genre: Drama/Crime
Aspect: 1.33:1 Fullscreen
Audio: 5.1 Dolby Digital
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