“Warner Bros. Home Entertainment provided me with a free copy of the DVD I reviewed in this Blog Post. The opinions I share are my own.”
In February of 2016, Netflix released the first season of Fuller House, a sequel to the 1987-95 series Full House. For those of you who don’t have access to Netflix, or prefer to have a physical copy of the show, Warner Brothers has recently released a two DVD set containing the full 13 episodes.
While it’s not necessary to be a fan of the original series to enjoy Fuller House, it’s a show unapologetically steeped in nostalgia; longtime fans will get more out of the jokes and appreciate every familiar face. Surprisingly, everyone, with the exception of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, the twins who played Michelle, have returned. However, the twins and their popular catchphrases are referenced a fee times throughout the season. Perhaps there’s hope for a future guest appearance?
Fuller House tells the story of D.J. Tanner Fuller (Candace Cameron Bure), now a widow after her firefighter husband dies. Faced with raising three kids on her own, maintaining her successful career as a veterinarian and coping with her loss, younger sister Stephanie (Jodie Sweetin) volunteers to move in and help out. Naturally, this means that Steph’s best friend, Kimmy Gibbler moves in as well, with her teenage daughter Ramona (Soni Nicole Bringas).
For those who were wondering, all of this takes place in the same San Francisco house as the original series. With Danny Tanner in Los Angeles doing a morning show, he has allowed D.J. to stay in the house for as long as she needs. Essentially, this sets up a premise similar to the original–its Full House 2.0, where friends and relatives come together and help D.J. raise her kids. Okay, I guess. The problem is, there’s nothing new here. Each week feels like a reunion for fans. There are constant flashbacks to old footage–do they really need those looong opening credits for every episode? Bringing back Bob Saget, John Stamos, Dave Coulier and Lori Loughlin in recurring roles was obviously required, but watching them do so little is painful.
My hunch? Like the show that spawned it, Fuller House will be critic proof. The show doesn’t take itself too seriously. The second season is currently out on Netflix and a third has been ordered. Oddly, as of this writing, Netflix doesn’t have the rights to Full House.
Presented in the 1.78:1 aspect ratio, these standard DVD’s look as good as possible, because the series is produced in 4K. Several set pieces from the original shoe have been used. The honey colored palette provides a welcoming warmth and the image appears clean throughout. Black tones are strong, but never inappropriately inky. Faces look realistic and detail us apparent throughout.
The 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio track does a fine job of handling the material. Like most sitcoms, the track is rather front heavy with the center channel doing much of the work. Dialogue is clean, crisp and clear throughout, with applause spreading to the surrounds. The surrounds are also used when the score is played and during briefer moments, such as feet shuffling on the floor.
English subtitles are included.
Sadly, there are no extras.
EPISODES: Our Very First Show Again / Moving Day / Funner House / The Not-So-Great Escape / Mad Max / The Legend of El-Explosivo / Ramano’s Not-So-Epic Party / Secrets, Lies and Firetrucks / War of the Roses / A Giant Leap / Partnerships in the Night / Save the Dates / Love is in the Air
