The Wire: The Complete Series 23-Disc Set
The Wire: The Complete Series 23-Disc Set DVD VIDEO TV SHOW 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th
Movie
DVD
HBO
2009
DVD
$16.49
Share:
THE WIRE: THE COMPLETE SERIES 23-DISC SET
In the projects. On the docks. In City Hall. In the schools. In the media.
The locations and actors may shift, but the rules of the game stay the same.
One episode of The Wire is enough to draw you in. By the third, you'll marvel at how precisely the story is constructed. Watch all 13 installments of this extraordinary HBO debut and you'll recognize a genuine American masterpiece. Series creator David Simon came from The Baltimore Sun as an experienced crime reporter and coauthored the book that inspired Homicide on TV; his collaborator Ed Burns is a former Baltimore police detective. Their combined firsthand knowledge gives this inner-city Baltimore saga—often paired with The Corner—an undeniable authenticity. Simon has described the show as "a visual novel" and "a treatise on institutions and individuals," deliberately distancing it from a simple cop-versus-criminal formula. Influenced in part by Richard Price's novels (notably Clockers), the series begins with maverick Detective Jimmy McNulty (Dominic West, in a breakthrough performance) peeling back a sprawling web of drugs and violence centered on decaying housing projects in southwest Baltimore. Under pressure to produce quick results, an improvised unit forms to assist McNulty's increasingly complicated probe, which relies heavily on extended electronic surveillance.
The narrative operates from multiple viewpoints, layered and lifelike, populated by sharply realized characters delivered by an impeccable ensemble. The writing team—led by Simon and Burns—meticulously orchestrates every narrative thread; directors (including Clark Johnson, who directed standout episodes of The Shield) serve the script rather than imposing themselves. The result is television unlike most other series: unpredictable, complex, and demanding close attention. Simon calls it "an angry show," one that refuses to hand out easy solutions to entrenched social problems. Moral ambiguity is pervasive: killers follow their own codes, and many cops are as morally compromised as those they pursue. The first season leaves several arcs unresolved, setting the stage for even more striking developments in season two. --Jeff Shannon
The Wire: The Complete Second Season
It may be hard to believe, but the second season surpasses the first. The show's visual novel approach expands into a dense, multilayered plot focused on Baltimore’s fading cargo docks and the longshoremen who work them—places rife with smuggling, graft, and violence that draw Detective McNulty (Dominic West) into a fresh investigation. Initially disconnected incidents (including the discovery of 13 bodies in a shipping container) gradually connect to the larger story: the effort to undermine the drug organization run by Stringer Bell (Idris Elba) and the incarcerated Avon Barksdale (Wood Harris), whose operation is hampered by supply problems and distribution breakdowns. The story also incorporates the conscientious efforts of a Marine Police patrolman and the indignant union leader of the longshoremen, all affecting the suspicious activity at the docks. Across 12 episodes, the season unfolds as an epic of American crime that rivals the sweep of classic mob sagas.
A blow-by-blow summary can't capture all this series accomplishes. The Wire must be experienced to appreciate how more than 40 characters are woven seamlessly into a sprawling yet disciplined narrative that addresses deindustrialization and the struggles of blue-collar workers adapting to an altered economy. The season offers rare, sometimes alarming access to the inner workings of ports and shipping logistics, while exposing organized crime and workplace corruption and revealing political maneuvering among law enforcement and city officials. The cast, direction, and scripts hit no wrong notes; many critics regard the show as the television triumph of its time. Even compared to HBO's other excellent offerings, this series stands at the top. --Jeff Shannon
The Wire: The Complete Third Season
With a narrative centered on volatile debates over Baltimore’s political reforms, season three maintains the series’ remarkable consistency as television’s most extensive novelistic achievement. The police wiretap investigations continue to track Stringer Bell’s increasingly legitimate fronts (Idris Elba), while Detective Jimmy McNulty (Dominic West) balances chaotic personal behavior and some of the finest detective work of his career. Avon Barksdale (Wood Harris) returns from prison intent on crushing a rival named Marlo (Jamie Hector). Meanwhile, Major Howard "Bunny" Colvin (Robert Wisdom) pursues an unorthodox experiment in street-level policy by creating unofficial zones—nicknamed "Hamsterdam"—where drug sales are tolerated without his superiors’ knowledge. On the political front, councilman Tommy Carcetti (Aidan Gillen) methodically readies a run for mayor, setting in motion the rivalries and consequences that drive much of the season’s tension.
That description is only a small glimpse of a much larger narrative. Season three continues to weave more than 50 characters—major and minor—into a cohesive 12-episode arc. David Simon brought in top talent among writers (including Richard Price, Dennis Lehane, and George Pelecanos) and directors (such as Ernest Dickerson, Tim Van Patten, and Agnieszka Holland). By the penultimate episode—where a significant figure is killed—the series reaffirms its status as the most ambitious and intellectually rigorous crime drama in American TV history. The DVD supplements are strong, with several illuminating episode commentaries, a moderated cast-and-crew Q&A, and a classroom-style discussion with Simon about the show’s creation. With a fourth season greenlit (Simon envisioned five seasons total), this run delivers surprises and profound revelations while underscoring that premium cable remains the home for storytelling that outpaces mainstream network fare. --Jeff Shannon
The Wire: The Complete Fourth Season
Even if you haven’t caught the first three seasons (HBO’s website offers helpful character guides and episode recaps), and even though just one season remains after this one, it’s not too late to jump in. Season four serves as a remarkably accessible entry point for viewers who know the series by reputation alone. True to the show’s themes, this season is deeply instructive without resorting to the melodrama other struggling series sometimes use to win audiences. Notably, Dominic West’s McNulty takes on a reduced role as a content street cop and family man, while Jim True-Frost’s former supporting character, Roland Pryzbylewski, becomes an eighth-grade teacher at the beleaguered Edward Tilghman Middle School—an arc that shifts the series’ focus and emotional center.
The first couple of episodes may require viewers to adjust to the many backrooms, squad rooms, classrooms, and corners that make up Baltimore, and newcomers might miss subtle character developments, but the broader contours are clear. A political shake-up moves detectives Freamon (Clarke Peters) and Greggs (Sonja Sohn) to Homicide. The mayoral contest intensifies between incumbent Clarence Royce (Glynn Turman) and challenger Tommy Carcetti (Aidan Gillen). Marlo (Jamie Hector) quietly consolidates power to become the city’s dominant drug figure, often eluding surveillance. Meanwhile, "Prez" struggles to connect with his students, and four vulnerable boys are drawn into the drug trade.
Summaries only go so far. The Wire manages a delicate balance of numerous plotlines and characters—each memorable, from Marlo’s lethal enforcers Snoop (Felicia Pearson) and Chris (Gbenga Akinnagbe) to the reformed boxer "Cutty" (Chad L. Coleman), who works to keep youth off the streets. Performances and scripts are uniformly strong. Writers Richard Price and Dennis Lehane contributed episodes, too. That the series received only one Emmy nomination (for writing) is an injustice. As engrossing as the finest novels and in a class by itself, this is not just television; it’s The Wire. --Donald Liebenson
The Wire: The Complete Fifth Season
A farewell toast to Detective Jimmy McNulty (Dominic West)—equal parts flawed hero and troublemaker—captures the bittersweet tone of the series: "When you were good, you were the best we had." Season five underscores that sentiment. Across 10 powerful, often painful episodes, the focus shifts to another struggling Baltimore institution: The Baltimore Sun. Like the police department, the newsroom is forced to do more with fewer resources. One editor (Clark Johnson) tries to uphold journalistic standards despite declining ad revenue, staff buyouts, and shuttered bureaus. An ambitious reporter (Tom McCarthy) fabricates quotes and stories—echoes of real-life scandals—while management, incentivized by awards and numbers, turns a blind eye to the deception.
On the streets, the yearlong probe into Marlo Sansfield (Jamie Hector) and the investigation into dozens of bodies in vacant houses has been dropped, leaving police morale low (promised funding was redirected to schools). In response, McNulty invents a serial-killer case with broad political consequences, reaching into the mayor’s office where Tommy Carcetti (Aidan Gillen) is already eyeing a gubernatorial run two years into his term. At one point McNulty bitterly asks, "I wonder what it would be like to work at a real police station." The Wire remains dedicated to realism: gritty, unsparing, and rooted in a city stretched thin. Victories are rare or costly; some characters meet sudden or tragic ends that defy television norms.
The series does allow moments of hope. Bubbles (Andre Royo) fights for sobriety (Steve Earle appears as the 12-step leader and performs the season’s theme). The finale includes a cameo by Jim True-Frost’s "Prez," now more confident in the classroom. Despite critical acclaim and an ardent fan base, The Wire never pandered to broaden its appeal in the final season—so its conclusion lacked the mainstream buzz of other HBO finales. Newcomers should consider visiting the show’s official site for orientation, then commit to watching patiently; it rewards sustained attention. From the storytelling to the ensemble acting, the series finishes at the top of its craft. But of course, that was already widely understood.
For DVD Player (North American NTSC)
In the projects. On the docks. In City Hall. In the schools. In the media.
The locations and actors may shift, but the rules of the game stay the same.
One episode of The Wire is enough to draw you in. By the third, you'll marvel at how precisely the story is constructed. Watch all 13 installments of this extraordinary HBO debut and you'll recognize a genuine American masterpiece. Series creator David Simon came from The Baltimore Sun as an experienced crime reporter and coauthored the book that inspired Homicide on TV; his collaborator Ed Burns is a former Baltimore police detective. Their combined firsthand knowledge gives this inner-city Baltimore saga—often paired with The Corner—an undeniable authenticity. Simon has described the show as "a visual novel" and "a treatise on institutions and individuals," deliberately distancing it from a simple cop-versus-criminal formula. Influenced in part by Richard Price's novels (notably Clockers), the series begins with maverick Detective Jimmy McNulty (Dominic West, in a breakthrough performance) peeling back a sprawling web of drugs and violence centered on decaying housing projects in southwest Baltimore. Under pressure to produce quick results, an improvised unit forms to assist McNulty's increasingly complicated probe, which relies heavily on extended electronic surveillance.
The narrative operates from multiple viewpoints, layered and lifelike, populated by sharply realized characters delivered by an impeccable ensemble. The writing team—led by Simon and Burns—meticulously orchestrates every narrative thread; directors (including Clark Johnson, who directed standout episodes of The Shield) serve the script rather than imposing themselves. The result is television unlike most other series: unpredictable, complex, and demanding close attention. Simon calls it "an angry show," one that refuses to hand out easy solutions to entrenched social problems. Moral ambiguity is pervasive: killers follow their own codes, and many cops are as morally compromised as those they pursue. The first season leaves several arcs unresolved, setting the stage for even more striking developments in season two. --Jeff Shannon
The Wire: The Complete Second Season
It may be hard to believe, but the second season surpasses the first. The show's visual novel approach expands into a dense, multilayered plot focused on Baltimore’s fading cargo docks and the longshoremen who work them—places rife with smuggling, graft, and violence that draw Detective McNulty (Dominic West) into a fresh investigation. Initially disconnected incidents (including the discovery of 13 bodies in a shipping container) gradually connect to the larger story: the effort to undermine the drug organization run by Stringer Bell (Idris Elba) and the incarcerated Avon Barksdale (Wood Harris), whose operation is hampered by supply problems and distribution breakdowns. The story also incorporates the conscientious efforts of a Marine Police patrolman and the indignant union leader of the longshoremen, all affecting the suspicious activity at the docks. Across 12 episodes, the season unfolds as an epic of American crime that rivals the sweep of classic mob sagas.
A blow-by-blow summary can't capture all this series accomplishes. The Wire must be experienced to appreciate how more than 40 characters are woven seamlessly into a sprawling yet disciplined narrative that addresses deindustrialization and the struggles of blue-collar workers adapting to an altered economy. The season offers rare, sometimes alarming access to the inner workings of ports and shipping logistics, while exposing organized crime and workplace corruption and revealing political maneuvering among law enforcement and city officials. The cast, direction, and scripts hit no wrong notes; many critics regard the show as the television triumph of its time. Even compared to HBO's other excellent offerings, this series stands at the top. --Jeff Shannon
The Wire: The Complete Third Season
With a narrative centered on volatile debates over Baltimore’s political reforms, season three maintains the series’ remarkable consistency as television’s most extensive novelistic achievement. The police wiretap investigations continue to track Stringer Bell’s increasingly legitimate fronts (Idris Elba), while Detective Jimmy McNulty (Dominic West) balances chaotic personal behavior and some of the finest detective work of his career. Avon Barksdale (Wood Harris) returns from prison intent on crushing a rival named Marlo (Jamie Hector). Meanwhile, Major Howard "Bunny" Colvin (Robert Wisdom) pursues an unorthodox experiment in street-level policy by creating unofficial zones—nicknamed "Hamsterdam"—where drug sales are tolerated without his superiors’ knowledge. On the political front, councilman Tommy Carcetti (Aidan Gillen) methodically readies a run for mayor, setting in motion the rivalries and consequences that drive much of the season’s tension.
That description is only a small glimpse of a much larger narrative. Season three continues to weave more than 50 characters—major and minor—into a cohesive 12-episode arc. David Simon brought in top talent among writers (including Richard Price, Dennis Lehane, and George Pelecanos) and directors (such as Ernest Dickerson, Tim Van Patten, and Agnieszka Holland). By the penultimate episode—where a significant figure is killed—the series reaffirms its status as the most ambitious and intellectually rigorous crime drama in American TV history. The DVD supplements are strong, with several illuminating episode commentaries, a moderated cast-and-crew Q&A, and a classroom-style discussion with Simon about the show’s creation. With a fourth season greenlit (Simon envisioned five seasons total), this run delivers surprises and profound revelations while underscoring that premium cable remains the home for storytelling that outpaces mainstream network fare. --Jeff Shannon
The Wire: The Complete Fourth Season
Even if you haven’t caught the first three seasons (HBO’s website offers helpful character guides and episode recaps), and even though just one season remains after this one, it’s not too late to jump in. Season four serves as a remarkably accessible entry point for viewers who know the series by reputation alone. True to the show’s themes, this season is deeply instructive without resorting to the melodrama other struggling series sometimes use to win audiences. Notably, Dominic West’s McNulty takes on a reduced role as a content street cop and family man, while Jim True-Frost’s former supporting character, Roland Pryzbylewski, becomes an eighth-grade teacher at the beleaguered Edward Tilghman Middle School—an arc that shifts the series’ focus and emotional center.
The first couple of episodes may require viewers to adjust to the many backrooms, squad rooms, classrooms, and corners that make up Baltimore, and newcomers might miss subtle character developments, but the broader contours are clear. A political shake-up moves detectives Freamon (Clarke Peters) and Greggs (Sonja Sohn) to Homicide. The mayoral contest intensifies between incumbent Clarence Royce (Glynn Turman) and challenger Tommy Carcetti (Aidan Gillen). Marlo (Jamie Hector) quietly consolidates power to become the city’s dominant drug figure, often eluding surveillance. Meanwhile, "Prez" struggles to connect with his students, and four vulnerable boys are drawn into the drug trade.
Summaries only go so far. The Wire manages a delicate balance of numerous plotlines and characters—each memorable, from Marlo’s lethal enforcers Snoop (Felicia Pearson) and Chris (Gbenga Akinnagbe) to the reformed boxer "Cutty" (Chad L. Coleman), who works to keep youth off the streets. Performances and scripts are uniformly strong. Writers Richard Price and Dennis Lehane contributed episodes, too. That the series received only one Emmy nomination (for writing) is an injustice. As engrossing as the finest novels and in a class by itself, this is not just television; it’s The Wire. --Donald Liebenson
The Wire: The Complete Fifth Season
A farewell toast to Detective Jimmy McNulty (Dominic West)—equal parts flawed hero and troublemaker—captures the bittersweet tone of the series: "When you were good, you were the best we had." Season five underscores that sentiment. Across 10 powerful, often painful episodes, the focus shifts to another struggling Baltimore institution: The Baltimore Sun. Like the police department, the newsroom is forced to do more with fewer resources. One editor (Clark Johnson) tries to uphold journalistic standards despite declining ad revenue, staff buyouts, and shuttered bureaus. An ambitious reporter (Tom McCarthy) fabricates quotes and stories—echoes of real-life scandals—while management, incentivized by awards and numbers, turns a blind eye to the deception.
On the streets, the yearlong probe into Marlo Sansfield (Jamie Hector) and the investigation into dozens of bodies in vacant houses has been dropped, leaving police morale low (promised funding was redirected to schools). In response, McNulty invents a serial-killer case with broad political consequences, reaching into the mayor’s office where Tommy Carcetti (Aidan Gillen) is already eyeing a gubernatorial run two years into his term. At one point McNulty bitterly asks, "I wonder what it would be like to work at a real police station." The Wire remains dedicated to realism: gritty, unsparing, and rooted in a city stretched thin. Victories are rare or costly; some characters meet sudden or tragic ends that defy television norms.
The series does allow moments of hope. Bubbles (Andre Royo) fights for sobriety (Steve Earle appears as the 12-step leader and performs the season’s theme). The finale includes a cameo by Jim True-Frost’s "Prez," now more confident in the classroom. Despite critical acclaim and an ardent fan base, The Wire never pandered to broaden its appeal in the final season—so its conclusion lacked the mainstream buzz of other HBO finales. Newcomers should consider visiting the show’s official site for orientation, then commit to watching patiently; it rewards sustained attention. From the storytelling to the ensemble acting, the series finishes at the top of its craft. But of course, that was already widely understood.
For DVD Player (North American NTSC)
WHAT YOU GET:
This item is for the original media, and includes only the media (ie. CD, floppy ...) UNLESS specifically stated above and/or in the title. If more than just the media is included, it will state which items are (ie. box, manual, etc ). Items that come in a sleeve refer to a generic CD sleeve (typically white) and will be sent with shipping protection to avoid damage during transit. If available, we will also send the front and/or back CD inserts if in stock. If these are important to you, please message us to verify we have them available to send. Please do not assume items are included other than what's stated. Again, ask questions PRIOR to purchasing if you have any concerns.
IMAGES:
All images/pictures are stock photos and are for reference only, mainly to show the type of game you will be getting. Please read "WHAT YOU GET" for what is included with the media. Screenshots may vary based on your own computer system, video card, monitor, etc.
COMPATIBILITY:
Computers are like people, each one is different. Unlike console games, a computer game may install and work flawlessly on one system but may need adjustments on another. This is due to a variety of factors, mainly the OS platform running, video card you have, drivers, protection software installed, etc. Many times manufacturers release updates to games to fix bugs and add enhancements. We would be happy to help get the game going on your computer, but ultimately compatibility issues are the responsibility of the buyer. We suggest going to Google and searching for the name of the game along with the words "system requirements" to determine if your system is suitable. Ultimately, we are not responsible for software compatibility problems or publisher's errors.
PLATFORM:
Stated within the auction is what platform the game will work on (ie. Windows, Mac, Linux...) This is a generic statement and specific platform versions (ie. XP, Vista...) will have to be researched by the buyer. Games that came out PRIOR to XP or higher will not specifically state they will work on that release, but only because they came out before those versions were made. Many, if not most, will work on XP or higher with a few quick adjustments. We provide instructions with all items purchased on how to do this adjustment using the Program Compatibility Wizard. If we find out that an item will definately not work on a specific version, we will state it. For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program if the Program Compatibility Wizard does not work.
64-Bit Windows OS Systems:
For 64-bit Operating Systems, older games most likely will NOT work due to 64-bit systems not being able to run 16-bit programming code (most games prior to 2000). For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program.
Macintosh Systems:
For Macintosh programs, most older games will need to be run in Classic Environment if you have a MAC OS X 10.0 - 10.4 version. Please research Google on how to do this, or send us a message for information prior to purchasing. If your MAC OS system doesn't support Classic Environment (ie. MAC OS X 10.5 or Higher OR Intel Macs), you will have to try running it using the free program called SheepShaver, but compatibility is not ensured. Please research prior to purchasing or ask questions.
MEDIA FORMAT:
Please verify you have the required hardware in order to use the specified media (ie. CD, DVD, floppy drives, etc.) If the item comes as a floppy disc, make sure you have either the needed 3.5" floppy drive or the bigger and older 5.25" floppy drive.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A SMOOTH PURCHASE:
Ask questions PRIOR to purchasing an order to avoid any confusion.
Be patient if there are problems during installation or gameplay. Typically someone else has
already ran into that problem and has listed a solution online. Contact us and we will do our best to help.
Be sure to update your video card drivers and search for updates to the game from the manufacturer.
This item is for the original media, and includes only the media (ie. CD, floppy ...) UNLESS specifically stated above and/or in the title. If more than just the media is included, it will state which items are (ie. box, manual, etc ). Items that come in a sleeve refer to a generic CD sleeve (typically white) and will be sent with shipping protection to avoid damage during transit. If available, we will also send the front and/or back CD inserts if in stock. If these are important to you, please message us to verify we have them available to send. Please do not assume items are included other than what's stated. Again, ask questions PRIOR to purchasing if you have any concerns.
IMAGES:
All images/pictures are stock photos and are for reference only, mainly to show the type of game you will be getting. Please read "WHAT YOU GET" for what is included with the media. Screenshots may vary based on your own computer system, video card, monitor, etc.
COMPATIBILITY:
Computers are like people, each one is different. Unlike console games, a computer game may install and work flawlessly on one system but may need adjustments on another. This is due to a variety of factors, mainly the OS platform running, video card you have, drivers, protection software installed, etc. Many times manufacturers release updates to games to fix bugs and add enhancements. We would be happy to help get the game going on your computer, but ultimately compatibility issues are the responsibility of the buyer. We suggest going to Google and searching for the name of the game along with the words "system requirements" to determine if your system is suitable. Ultimately, we are not responsible for software compatibility problems or publisher's errors.
PLATFORM:
Stated within the auction is what platform the game will work on (ie. Windows, Mac, Linux...) This is a generic statement and specific platform versions (ie. XP, Vista...) will have to be researched by the buyer. Games that came out PRIOR to XP or higher will not specifically state they will work on that release, but only because they came out before those versions were made. Many, if not most, will work on XP or higher with a few quick adjustments. We provide instructions with all items purchased on how to do this adjustment using the Program Compatibility Wizard. If we find out that an item will definately not work on a specific version, we will state it. For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program if the Program Compatibility Wizard does not work.
64-Bit Windows OS Systems:
For 64-bit Operating Systems, older games most likely will NOT work due to 64-bit systems not being able to run 16-bit programming code (most games prior to 2000). For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program.
Macintosh Systems:
For Macintosh programs, most older games will need to be run in Classic Environment if you have a MAC OS X 10.0 - 10.4 version. Please research Google on how to do this, or send us a message for information prior to purchasing. If your MAC OS system doesn't support Classic Environment (ie. MAC OS X 10.5 or Higher OR Intel Macs), you will have to try running it using the free program called SheepShaver, but compatibility is not ensured. Please research prior to purchasing or ask questions.
MEDIA FORMAT:
Please verify you have the required hardware in order to use the specified media (ie. CD, DVD, floppy drives, etc.) If the item comes as a floppy disc, make sure you have either the needed 3.5" floppy drive or the bigger and older 5.25" floppy drive.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A SMOOTH PURCHASE:
SHIPPING:
We typically ship all items out within 1-2 business days after payment is received. In regards to the stated shipping and handling, remember that these costs include more than just postage.
International buyers please email/chat with us to determine if you are eligible for shipping of a specific product. If you are, then international buyers not shipping to an address within the U.S. can expect their orders to take anywhere from 5 days to 4 weeks to be received, depending on how fast/well USPS is moving. Additionally, international orders typically have to go through governmental customs, which can delay the arrival process. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to buying. Customs fees are normally charged by the shipping company or collected when you pick the item up. These fees are not additional shipping charges.
We typically ship all items out within 1-2 business days after payment is received. In regards to the stated shipping and handling, remember that these costs include more than just postage.
International buyers please email/chat with us to determine if you are eligible for shipping of a specific product. If you are, then international buyers not shipping to an address within the U.S. can expect their orders to take anywhere from 5 days to 4 weeks to be received, depending on how fast/well USPS is moving. Additionally, international orders typically have to go through governmental customs, which can delay the arrival process. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to buying. Customs fees are normally charged by the shipping company or collected when you pick the item up. These fees are not additional shipping charges.
