Product Details

• Actors: Ed O'Neill, Julie Bowen, Sofia Vergara, Ty Burrell, Jesse Tyler Ferguson
• Format: AC-3, Box set, Color, Dolby, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
• Language: English (Dolby Digital 5.1)
• Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
• Number of discs: 3
• Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Studio: 20th Century Fox
• DVD Release Date: September 20, 2011
• Run Time: 528 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (225 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B003L77G06
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,837 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
• Learn more about "Modern Family: The Complete Second Season" on IMDb

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

It's hard to predict whether Modern Family will end up being one of those iconic sitcoms that sticks around for six or seven seasons, maintaining the same immaculate formulation of pace and first-class execution before it realizes that it needs to quit while it's still on top. Sometimes young cast members are a problem for shows like this; their growing up doesn't always reflect kindly on the maturing concept. But in the case of Modern Family it's pretty easy to imagine the child actors continuing their roles into and out of child- and teenager-hood while the concept remains intact, giving the crack writing staff increasingly diverse opportunities to explore the dynamics of the typical dysfunctions of an atypical modern family. With a slew of Emmys under its belt, the show has settled into a delightfully familiar formula of checking in on stories unfolding in three separate households, with an underlying theme providing an amusing connection and "interview" segments bolstering the mock-documentary conceit. To its credit, Modern Family's use of the sitcom style that originated with the original UK version of The Office remains a clever device without being overly gimmicky. Phil and Claire Dunphy (Ty Burrell and Julie Bowen) and their kids Haley, Alex, and Luke (Sarah Hyland, Ariel Winter, Nolan Gould) seem to be the most normal, but in this world they are anything but. Claire's brother Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) and his partner Cameron (Eric Stonestreet) are more lovey-dovey than ever as they continue to raise their adopted daughter and navigate the minefield of personal and familial interaction. Prickly patriarch Jay Pritchett (Ed O'Neill), Claire and Mitchell's dad, seems to have mellowed somewhat as he basks in or is bewildered by the devotion of his trophy-ish young Colombian wife Gloria (Sofía Vergara) and the odd behavior of her precocious pubescent son Manny (Rico Rodriguez). As in season one, famous-face guest stars abound, with the plotlines and dialogue complementing each other in skillful consort. The snappy tone provokes bursts of hilarity that punctuate the consistently funny thematic structure running throughout each episode.

There's an increasing emphasis on modern in the Modern Family frame of reference as technology factors into the conceptual arc of the series. The family members not only have dynamic interaction with each other, they also share multilayered relationships with their cell phones, laptops, and social networking activities. That their encounters with technology are ubiquitous and often integral to individual gags or the impetus to plot threads is yet another way the show connects with its audience. For all the zaniness, there's also a deft aura of reality that knows how to keep the extended clan a genuinely identifiable nuclear unit that faces many of the same situations as a real modern family. Following up the nice batch of extras included on the season-one set, the varied package of features here provides some terrific added value. There's the standard gag reel of outtakes, etc., as well as a compilation of deleted scenes on each disc. It's fun to watch the different takes and extended versions of confessional and interview line-reads from cast members, especially the expertly timed variations and riffs from Ty Burrell. The featurettes are a mixed bag. They include a real-time table read of the episode "Strangers on a Treadmill," taped in front of an audience; a behind-the-scenes tour of the house sets with the show's production designer; an interview segment with cocreator Steve Levitan; an analysis of how the show makes special use of holidays to drive an episode; and an on-set visit from an Oprah Winfrey Show crew (if not from Oprah herself). The presentation bodes well for future season sets, which will likely include more backstage elements along with many more episodes of what has quickly become a classic of modern TV. --Ted Fry

Product Description

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.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars No Sophomore Slump Here! September 20, 2011

By Barry

Format:DVD

When "Modern Family" premiered in the fall of 2009, it was a breath of fresh air. An incredibly brilliant, well written and acted series depicting family life of the Pritchett/Dunphy clan. It was one of the best things I had seen on network TV in years. From start to finish, the debut season was an instant classic, and the show deservedly got the attention from critics and award shows. But then came the obvious question. Can they do it again? Was the show a one season wonder? Would they suffer from the ever dreadful 'sophomore slump'? When season two premiered in the fall of 2010, it was apparent right away, especially with the first few episodes, that any fears or doubt were instantly washed away. Season 2 premiered as strong as ever, and rolled out 24 high quality episodes. But first....

A little catch up. The series features Pritchett family patriarch, Jay (the fantastic Ed'o'Neill), who is married to a much younger columbian woman named Gloria (Sofia Vergara), and step-father to Manny. His daughter Claire (Julie Bowen) is married to Phil (Ty Burrell), and they have three children, Haley, Luke, and Alex. Jay's son Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) lives with his partner, Cameron (the hilarious Eric Stonestreet) and their adopted daughter, Lily.

Season 2 got things off on the right foot. The season premiere, "The Old Wagon", was a strong welcome back that showcased everything that makes the show so great. Humor and heart. The episode dealt with Phil finally deciding to get rid of the old family car, but not without one last trip down memory lane. One of the season's best episodes for sure. Next up is "The Kiss". The show had had some controvery surrounding the gay characters of Mitchell and Cameron never kissing. This hilarious episode focuses on Mitchell's growing concern of Cameron's reluctance to show passion in public. It was such a well done episode that made the ballyhoo surrounding it into nothing, as the episode handled it in such a normal, natural way, and didn't make a big deal out of it. Brilliant! Episode 3, "Earthquake", was supposed to be the season premiere, but was pushed back to be the 3rd episode. It doesn't take much to figure out what the episode is about. "Unplugged" is a great episode that features Phil and Claire persuading the kids to all give up their electronical devices and learn to communicate better with each other. "Halloween" is another instant classic. Claire goes all out for the holiday and has everyone playing a part, but of course, it doesn't go too well. Elsewhere, "Caught In The Act" is an unflinchingly funny and honest episode where the 3 Dunphy kids catch their parents 'in the act '. Valentine's Day laughs return in the hilarious "Bixby's Back", and Nathan Lane shines as a Mitchell/Cam buddy who befriends Jay in "Boys' Night". "See You Next Fall" deals with Alex's middle school graduation, and the hilarity that ensues trying to get there. The season ends with Jay's birthday and him just wanting to go fishing, but his family has other plans in "The One That Got Away". There's so much more!

Some say season 2 DID in fact suffer from a sophomore slump, but I just don't see it. The second half of the season isn't as strong as the first, but that doesn't mean anything. It's still great. The overall season is yet another testament to the great writing, acting, and directing that was established in season one. Each character is still fully fleshed out and with their own unique personalities. The incredibly talented cast continue to make their charcaters full fledged, fully fleshed out characters we love, care about, and laugh with. It doesn't hurt that the writing is so sharp, so clever, so relatable, and the humor as top notch as ever, for the actors to once again display why they are the best ensemble cast on television. I love how the show never shys away from the sweet moments, how almost every episode ends with something nice. That's just not something you get a lot of on television these days. It's the show that not only makes me laugh, but can also move me and make me feel for these people. I can't remember the last time I said that about a network television show.

The season 2 set also comes pretty well packed with special features. Just like the season 1 set, it comes with Deleted Family Interviews, Deleted And Extended Scenes, and a Gag Reel. For the rest, we are treated to 6 featurettes (2 more than season 1) and a music video for "Imagine Me Naked", the song Dylan wrote for Haley. The new featurettes are "At Home With Modern Family", "Modern Family Holidays", "Mitch's Flash Mob", "Strangers On A Treadmill - Table Read", "Waiting For Oprah", and "Chatting With Steve Levitan".

Season 2 of "Modern Family" is worth every penny. Some special guests include Shelley Long, Matt Dillon, Natahn Lane, Elizabeth Banks, and more. In addition to it's cast, it can't help but have great guest stars too! Simply put, "Modern Family" is divine television. The rare show that deserves all the hype, all the praise, and gives me hope for network comedy. Season 2 is great. Pick it up now.

31 of 37 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This Show is the Best Thing I've Seen on TV in Years! February 24, 2011

By M. Gray

Format:DVD

I cannot get over how funny this show is. There has been times when I have laughed so hard at these guys. I love them! ABC has aired a wonderful show and season two has proven to be just as effective as season one. I look forward to this every week! And it does, in a way, remind me of my own family. Can't wait to keep laughing at these guys. Too funny!

36 of 47 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Love this show! November 18, 2010

By R. Weathers

Format:DVD

If you watch this show and can't manage to laugh or even crack a smile, then I recommend a sense of humor transplant.