FOX has released the second season of “MODERN FAMILY” on blu-ray.  Thankfully, it’s just as hilarious as the first season and every episode is easy to re-watch.  It’s hard to think of another comedy series(Maybe, Arrested Development?) with as many characters, and all of them being consistently endearing, regardless of the situation at hand. Even the great writing of “ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT” had some occasional cracks in a few episodes, but that’s never been the case in three seasons of “MODERN FAMILY.”

Utilizing the “documentary-like, but non-intrusive camera” approach, each episode visits a dilemma,(occasionally connecting)belonging to the various members of an extended family. The Dunphy family has the lovable, naïve Phil as the father, but it’s his wife, Claire who is in control. These two are wonderful together and feel real, and their three kids, while offering some hilarious lines, do it while, consistently appearing like real-life kids, instead of actors! Claire’s gay brother, Mitchell, lives with his lover, Cam and their newly adopted baby. It’s hard to imagine anyone, straight or gay, not loving Mitchell and Cam, or wanting them for neighbors. They’re just that endearing and fun. The way in which the “MODERN FAMILY” creators have made these two so appealing, is just part of the magic of the show. In fact, “MODERN FAMILY” may very well be doing something positive for the social welfare of society, similar to what “ALL IN THE FAMILY” accomplished in its heyday! Claire’s dad, Jay(Ed O’Neill)is married to the Columbian bombshell(Sophia Vergara), and his young stepson, Manny, is brighter than his years, providing some of the show’s best lines, without pandering, and always in a way that makes the viewer more empathic with him.  While this reviewer really disliked “MARRIED WITH CHILDREN,” Ed O’Neill proves he’s worthy of great material, and it’s impossible to imagine anyone better for his role. Vergara, always beautiful, had been previously caught up with the bad luck of starring in typically good, creative, but cancelled series. Thankfully, she, too, has found the perfect vehicle for her talent here!

Each episode starts off with a situation which pulls the viewer in, creating an excitement as to where the episode will end up going, and somehow, things end up with just the perfect ending, and occasionally with a moving sort of contemplation about life. It’s a great series, remarkable in its direction, writing, production values and cast. Anyone who owns the first season will certainly love this release. Anyone who hasn’t seen the series, grab Season 2, regardless! It will win the viewer over wherever they come into it, and will leave them wanting more!

FOX has provided the correct 1.78:1 aspect ratio for this AVC MPEG-4 1080p blu-ray.  As with Season 1, the HD source material allows for a stunning transfer! Colors are vibrant but natural. This is easily one of the best looking tv on blu-ray releases available! Contrast is flawless, with inky blacks ensuring none of the fine detail gets lost to shadows. The detail of this release is impressive, due to every outstanding feature of the attractive cast, as well as every blemish, really facing nearly unprecedented scrutiny! The image consistently provides the jump-off-the-screen type of depth one hopes for. AN OUTSTANDING IMAGE!

FOX has provided a DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix. While surrounds are only used for occasional ambient effects, the front-heavy separation isn’t a flaw. In fact, it’s meticulously crafted, allowing for this comedy mix to feel livelier than most, and when discrete effects occur, it really punches up the joke. Dialogue is flawless rendered and balanced with the natural environment atmosphere of each episode. A perfect mix!

A variety of extras has been provided.

Deleted and extended scenes are typically worthwhile.

A gag reel, even at just over 8 minutes, it stops being funny after a few minutes.

Other featurettes are short but worth viewing. Still, the best extra is an actual cast-reading of an entire episode. All of these extras are in 1080p!