What the Hell is WB Doing????

[sindatur]

PC wanted to know what the Heck CrossGen is doing, well how about this nugget, if it is indeed true.

This was in the B5 Legend of the Rangers Official Site, in the news section. Hard to believe it's true, but it was in the news section, so maybe they really are this stupid? Anyone seen this info anywhere else?

Byron to be cut from season 5 DVDs
The WB announces a bold move after pay talks fail
Posted By: AntonyF on 2004-04-01

It's not unknown for studios to change films and TV when they arrive on DVD. Sometimes it could be a director's cut edition with extra footage that goes on sale, and other times the music may have to be changed due to licensing rights.

Probably the most remarkable move for a DVD release comes from Babylon 5 space: the WB has announced the upcoming season five DVD box set will have all scenes with Byron (played by Robin Atkin Downes) removed.

The move was triggered when a pay dispute erupted, and the actor and the WB couldn't come to agreement on the financial side of the DVD release. In response, the WB decided to simply remove Byron from the episodes that he originally starred in.

"It was an unfortunate move," said a WB spokesman, "but one we had to take. The alternative was to delay the release of the DVDs which was not an option."

The move may upset some purists, but the WB believes it won't be too much of a problem. "Our customer research has shown that Byron was a very unpopular character anyway, and a lot of fans have welcomed his removal. We have ensured, as much as possible, that the story makes sense without him, and the change shouldn't ruin the enjoyment of any fans."

As the actor only starred as Byron until episode 11 of season five, only half the season will be affected.

Some people are still optimistic the situation can be resolved however. The owner of one popular DVD website said: "If they come to an agreement in the future, the WB could release an update DVD which has Byron's scenes in them. This way the fans may yet have a complete B5 season five. But it all depends if they can work out their differences."

The DVDs get their region 1 release on April 13. You can purchase a copy from Amazon.com and save 30% by clicking here.
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How can Season 5 exist without Byron? This has got to be untrue, it just has to.

[ProfCrash]

I am guessing this is an April Fools joke. The actors contracts covered the release of VHS tapes and probably DVDs

[sindatur]

Thanks PC, I just noticed Bmat posted the same thing at Spec Vision. I hadn't thought about it being April Fool's day. Makes me feel better now.

[AsIs]

ROFL! Yup, it would have to be a April Fools joke. If you cut Byron from the season, you wouldn't have enough content to make a full episode for the episodes he was in.

ROFL

[ianviking]

You'd lose half of Lyta's storyline if that happened.

So yeah, joke time I think.