Release Date: 8/21/07

The Show

Not being one to jump on television hits right away, Ugly Betty really flew under the radar for my viewing schedule. I heard about all the Emmy Awards and how the show’s star, America Ferrera, was stealing America’s hearts with her portrayal of the titular character. Still, I remained staunch… that is until I spent some time with Ugly Betty: The Bettyfied Edition – The Complete First Season. This little comedy/drama series featuring a fish out of water type of story really caught my attention from the first episode with colorful characters and rich writing.

Betty Suarez (Ferrera) isn’t your typical employee of the fashion world. However, Betty dreams of working in the industry and eventually lands a job as the assistant to Daniel Meade (Eric Mabius), editor in chief to Mode Magazine, a fashion magazine. Due to her different look, many are gunning for her job, and more importantly, Daniel even tries to derail her position at the magazine. As time passes, Daniel realizes how very capable Betty is, and ultimately accepts her as his assistant even though there still remain those who are trying to get rid of her and those who believe she should be the actual editor in chief.

The series has a very distinct style and the storytelling is superb as Betty works her way around the magazine. While the comedy and drama aspects of the show are handled very well, there is also a mix of over the top soap opera antics that drive the story even more. It’s a fun and entertaining concept with great charisma and heart.

The 5-disc set includes all 23 episodes from the first season with a Play All option found on each disc.
Disc 1
1. Pilot
2. Queens for a Day
3. The Box and the Bunny
4. Swag
Disc 2
1. Fey’s Sleigh Ride
2. The Lyin’, the Watch and the Wardrobe
3. Trust, Lust and Must
4. After Hours
Disc 3
1. Four Thanksgivings and a Funeral
2. Lose the Boss?
3. Fake Plastic Snow
4. Sofia’s Choice
Disc 4
1. In or Out
2. I’m Coming Out
3. Brothers
4. Derailed
Disc 5
1. Icing on the Cake
2. Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
3. Punch Out
4. Petra-Gate
Disc 6
1. Secretaries Day
2. A Tree Grows in Guadalajara
3. East Side Story

The DVD

The main menu system comes with an introduction, music, and animated backgrounds. Submenus include music with static stills.

The video transfer is offered in 1.78:1 Widescreen Format. The picture looks pretty good in this widescreen presentation. The colors are bright and details are sharp enough where it won’t detract from the viewing experience. There is only slight grain to take away from an above average picture.

The audio is offered in English Dolby Digital 5.1 and Spanish Dolby Digital 2.0. The sound is adequate with crisp and clear dialogue. It’s mainly a front loaded experience, but for what you need, it does the job just fine. Subtitles are available in English, French, and Spanish.

The Extras

The 2-disc set comes in a single standard Amaray case with a disc located on each flap of the case. Inside is an episode guide and features descriptions as well.

There are 4 Audio Commentary tracks included on the discs with different speakers for each episode. The commentary for the Pilot is provided by Silvio Horta, Richard Shepard, and Teri Weinberg. Becki Newton and Michael Urie speak on Fey’s Sleigh Ride. Salma Hayek and Eric Mabius speak on Sofia’s Choice. Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell includes a commentary track with Vanessa Williams and Michael Urie.

Becoming Betty offers a 12-minute that includes a smattering of interviews with the cast and crew speaking on the series, the characters and cast, and story concepts.

Green is the New Black runs a little under 6-minutes and features talk on the use of green screens in the show to recreate the New York City backdrops.

A La Mode is a 7-minute piece that includes more interviews with the cast and crew speaking on the show’s unique style.

The bonus options round out with 24 Deleted Scenes and a 4-minute reel of Bloopers.

Final Thoughts

Ugly Betty: The Bettyfied Edition – The Complete First Season definitely entertained me throughout the first season that contained some very strong episodes and story arcs. Fans will definitely enjoy the set and its collection of extras.

- Morris Tang