Expecting this show to be either slapstick or cruel comedy, it is delightful to find Ugly Betty such a quality production in all aspects.
Moving between the bizarre world of high fashion and the very real world of the Suarez household, America Ferrera as Betty is a gem of an actress. She plays the character with truth and poise, in spite of daunting setbacks, so that far from pitying her, the viewer is filled with respect.
Vanessa Williams is fabulous as the selfish Wilhelmina, giving that character a touch of humanity, making her deceit even more jarring. Executive producer Salma Hayek has created a show of high merit.
This is a wonderful DVD set, cleverly put together and colorful. The episode notes are presented in a mock MODE magazine with Betty on the cover, and stills from the series illustrating the pages. All 23 episodes are included on six discs. And the set is loaded with special features including “Becoming Ugly” showing how America Ferrera becomes “Bettyfied”, “A La MODE” which takes the viewer behind the scenes of the elegant word of MODE, “Green is the New Black” which displays how Manhattan and Queens are both created on a set in Hollywood. There are also deleted scenes and audio commentaries.
Episode breakdown:
1. Pilot – In the superficial world of high fashion, image is everything. How can the seemingly ordinary Betty Suarez from Queens possibly fit in?.
7. Trust, Lust and Must – Daniel falls in instant lust with a girl he sees in the lobby, and enlists Betty’s aid to find out who she is..
13. In or Out? – Betty tries to get Daniel out of his funk by setting him up with a supermodel.
20. Petra-Gate – Love is in bloom at MODE as Alexis has her first date.
If you are unfamiliar with this series, this is an excellent introduction, if you are already a fan, this will be a dream collection.
Amazon . It is available for pre-order at AmazonUK for a Sept. 24th release. Visit the DVD database for more information. 
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