‘Happy’s Place: Season One’ Blu-ray Review
Stars: Reba McIntyre, Belissa Escobedo, Melissa Peterman, Pablo Castelblanco, Tokala Black Elk, Rex Linn | Created by Julie Abbott, Kevin Abbott
Reba McIntyre first burst onto the acting scene with her memorable role in the cult classic sci-fi horror film Tremors. She would go on to show up in such films as Maverick, The Little Rascals, One Night at McCool’s and other films. In 2001, the WB network greenlit a sitcom for Reba simply entitled Reba. This show would become a wonderfully funny sitcom that would run 6 hilarious seasons, for a total of 127 episodes. The funniest part of that show was the rivalry between Reba and Barbara Jean, played by Melissa Peterman.
Almost 20 years after the show “Reba” ended, Reba and Melissa Peterman would come together again for another ’round’ at a sitcom, Happy’s Place. Now, as we are just about to see the debut of season 2, Universal Home Entertainment are releasing Happy’s Place Season 1 on Blu-ray!
Country music legend Reba McEntire returns to comedy with the new muti-camera sitcom “Happy’s Place,” in which Bobbie (Reba McEntire) inherits her father’s restaurant and is less than thrilled to discover that she has a new business partner in the half-sister she never knew she had. The series stars Reba McEntire, Belissa Escobedo, Melissa Peterman, Pablo Castelblanco, Tokala Black Elk and Rex Linn.
Happy’s Place is more than just a nostalgia-led show. Though there is that feel with the dynamic of Reba and Melissa together again. Plus, there were two guest stars to show up. Steve Howey (Van on Reba) and Christopher Rich (Brock on Reba). While these were cool guest shots. That is not what this show is about! This show is really about step-sisters learning to care for each other and work together. Even in the midst of the crazy chaos surrounding them at the family restaurant.
Season One started off a bit slowly, but once it found its rhythm, it became easy to get invested in the characters and the chemistry between Reba and Belissa Escobedo. Though the debut season was relatively brief, running for just 18 episodes.
- Disc 1: Pilot / Tapped Out / Don’t Sweat It / Fish Fry Monday / Ladies’ Night /Happy’s House / Ho-Ho-Howey / Dear Jack / Emcee Squared
- Disc 2: The MacAllister Girls / Heart of the Matter / Baby Doll / Mama Drama / Accountability / Sisters Ink / Whiskey Business / The Doctor Is Out / Alarm Bells
Universal Home Entertainment have transferred all 18 episodes to 2 Blu-ray discs, in 1080p and are presented in 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The audio track is an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. Finally, there are English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. These episodes look exceptional on Blu-ray. The crystal clarity is on full display. The colours are bright and vibrant, and the flesh tones are correct. There are no compression issues, no digital artefacts or audio anomalies.
As for bonus features, well, there are none. All that is included on this disc is the 18 season one episodes. That is a bit of a shame. I would have liked to have seen some behind-the-scenes featurettes, maybe some interviews with Christopher Rich and Steve Howey on their thoughts of being back on set with Reba and Melissa. These would have taken this release to a higher level.
**** 4/5
All in all, Happy’s Place: Season One is a very enjoyable experience. Head over to Amazon and order your copy today.
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