There’s something about original programming that really gets my attention. Shows that stray from the norm are usually my favorites, and God forbid I ever watch any ‘reality’ TV. So when I first saw “Fringe”, I was intrigued. Not so much by the format at first, but the fact that the TV wasteland has actually convinced the great John Noble to join its ranks. Generally, if Noble is involved… it’s gotta be good. “Fringe” came to my attention early on, but as I always tend to do I waited until the eventual Bluray release to check it out. To say it caught my interest immediately would be an understatement. My wife and I tore through that first season in a matter of days. This was TV at its creative best and we couldn’t get enough. The series, which at times feels like an updated “X-files” (but far less confusing) stars Anna Torv as Special Agent Olivia Dunham, an FBI agent who finds her world turned upside down by the inexplicable.

She is called upon to work with an institutionalized scientist (John Noble) and his son (Joshua Jackson) to investigate a seemingly random series of inexplicable crimes. Of course it turns out these occurrences weren’t so random, and within the first few episodes it becomes clear that we are going to be dealing with doppelgangers, alternate universes and who knows what all.

I thoroughly enjoyed the first season and the mythology that was created. The season finale was exceptional, especially within the closing moments. I couldn’t wait for the second season, thrilled that there was even going to BE a second season since great shows like this don’t tend to last. But I had to be patient and wait for the Bluray release.

Once again Warner Brothers did not disappoint. The Bluray release of season two of “Fringe” offers up another excellent season and a magnificent transfer. The image is quite simply gorgeous, clear and free of a single blemish. It truly enhances the entire look of the show, which is already shot in high definition. The effects and lighting never fail to impress. The audio is perfectly mixed throughout as well.

This second season really deepened my love for the show. Both Joshua Jackson and Anna Torv really improved their characters, and of course John Noble continued to steal each and every scene he is in. There were a couple of episodes that could have been questionable, but the writers pulled out all the stops and made them better than expected.

The Bluray release also includes a variety of special features, most notably the episode “Unearthed”, which was shot for the first season, but was aired for during the second season. Interestingly enough it does feel out of the place for several reasons, but does lend itself to some interpretation by fans as to the differences. Good episode either way.

Additionally, there are featurettes about the mythology surrounding the series as well as a closer look at the ‘lab’ set with Noble and prop master Rob Smith. Six of the episodes offer a closer look at how certain scenes were shot, while four of the episodes have commentary by the actors and creative team. Of course you have deleted scenes throughout, and always my favorite… a blooper reel.

“Fringe” is a terrific show, despite its drop in ratings during the second season. I’m sure a lot of people just didn’t understand what was going on or were more interested in what Kate Gosselin was doing with her nails that year, but fortunately the network has show faith and renewed it for a third season. I highly recommend getting out there and checking it out.

Episodes:
A New Day in the Old Town
Night of Desirable Objects
Fracture
Momentum Deferred
Dream Logic
Earthling
Of Human Action
August
Snakehead
Grey Matters
Johari window
What Lies Below
The Bishop Revival
Jacksonville
Peter
Olivia, in the Lab, with the Revolver
White Tulip
The Man from the Other Side
Brown Betty
Northwest Passage
Over There, Part 1
Over There, Part 2

Starring: Anna Torv, Joshua Jackson, Lance Reddick, Kirk Acevedo, Blair Brown, Jasika Nicole, John Noble
Extras: The Unearthed Episode; The Mythology of Fringe; Analyzing the Scene Sidebars on 6 Key Episodes; In the Lab with John Noble and Prop Master Rob Smith; Commentary on 4 episodes; Gag Reel; Unaired Scenes
Specification: Widescreen 1080p (1.78:1); Dolby Digital 5.1
Studio: Warner Brothers
Release Date: 9/14/2010
MPAA Rating: NR
http://www.warnerblu.com

We'll give Fringe: Season 2 (Bluray) an A.