Blu-Ray Review: Emmy-Nominated Second Seasons of ‘Glee,’ ‘Modern Family’

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CHICAGO – Two of the recent nominees for the 2011 Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series were recently-released in stellar season-set packages from Twentieth Century Fox. The company not only wisely chose to release these programs in HD but have included fan-centric special features for both “Glee: The Complete Second Season” and “Modern Family: The Complete Second Season.” If you even like either show, you should pick ‘em up. If you love these comedies, you probably already have.

DVD Rating: 4.0/5.0

You will find no bigger fan of the series premiere of FOX’s “Glee,” but the show has been in steady decline pretty much since then. I know there are a lot of Gleeks out there who still adore this show and I still think it’s worthwhile but I don’t anyone can successfully argue that the inconsistent second season was good as the first. The show has approached becoming a parody of itself and the writers must walk a fine line in season three or watch their pop phenomenon implode on itself. There were still more than enough quality moments in season two (mostly courtesy of the great Chris Colfer & Jane Lynch, the two best actors on the show) to warrant a pick-up and the tech specs & special features of the second season help make the release a smarter purchase, but I hope the show itself improves in season three.

Glee: The Complete Second Season was released on DVD and Blu-ray on September 13th, 2011
Photo credit: Foxt

One show that didn’t dip at all in season two was the Emmy winner for Best Comedy, ABC’s “Modern Family,” easily one of the best programs on TV. If anything, I think the second season was even stronger than season one, and Academy members agreed with multiple awards earlier this week, including well-deserved prizes for Julie Bowen and Ty Burrell. Perhaps the most notable thing about “Modern Family” is that while no one would complain about Bowen & Burrell winning this year’s supporting acting Emmys for comedy, there would have been just as few complaints if the winners had been Ed O’Neill and Sofia Vergara (and those would have actually been my votes). This is easily one of the best ensembles on TV.

Glee: The Complete Second Season was released on DVD and Blu-ray on September 13th, 2011 Photo credit: Foxt

The Blu-ray season sets for both “Glee” and “Modern Family” are pretty stellar with strong HD transfers and clever special features. “Glee” has one of the best special features out there, a jukebox that allows players to watch only the musical numbers in chronological order. And, of course, fans of a show as clever as “Modern Family” will love to check out the deleted scenes, some of which are funnier than most sitcom footage that doesn’t hit the cutting room floor.

“Glee: The Complete Second Season”

Synopsis:
Bring home the complete second season of TV’s most exhilarating series! Despite their loss at the Regionals, the kids in New Directions are more motivated than ever. And whether it’s Will doing a sexy tango with a substitute teacher, Sue joining the glee club, or everyone catching Bieber fever, the excitement at William McKinley High School is keeping everyone on their toes. With more incredible musical numbers, hugely popular guest stars like John Stamos, Carol Burnett and Kristin Chenowith and lots of behind-the-scenes special features, Glee: Season 2 hits all the right notes.

Special Features:
o Glee Music Jukebox
o The Making of The Rocky Horror Glee Show
o Exclusive Bonus Song
o Getting Waxed With Jane Lynch
o A Day In The Life Of Brittany
o Shooting Glee In New York City

“Modern Family: The Complete Second Season”

Synopsis:
Winner of six Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series, Modern Family is a refreshingly hilarious look at what it means to be a family in today’s hectic, unpredictable world. While fledgling fathers Cameron and Mitchell struggle with learning the ropes of parenthood, long-time parents Claire and Phil try to keep the spice in their marriage amid the chaos of raising three challenging children. Meanwhile, family patriarch, Jay, has more than his hands full with his sexy, spirited wife, Gloria, and her precocious son. Still, no matter the size, shape or situation, family always comes first in this laugh-out-loud, critically acclaimed hit.

Special Features:
o Modern Family Holidays
o Strangers On A Treadmill Table Read
o Imagine Me Naked Music Video
o Chatting With Steve Levitan
o Deleted Family Interviews
o Mitch’s Flash Mob
o At Home With Modern Family
o And More!

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com