Review | Wilfred: The Complete First Season

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Plot: What’s it about?Video: How does it look?Audio: How does it sound?Supplements: What are the extras?

Plot: What’s it about?

Ryan Newman (Elijah Wood) has written his suicide note countless times, but now he has nailed it down. So he prepares a shake loaded with prescription medicine, drinks it down, then waits to die. He dreams of his gorgeous neighbor as he waits, but he doesn’t seem to be dying. He falls asleep, but wakes up alive, though a visit from beautiful neighbor Jenna (Fiona Gubelmann) perks up his interest. Her home is being fumigated, so she asks if Ryan can watch Wilfred, who he assumed was her boyfriend, but now learns is her dog. When Wilfred comes in, Ryan sees a man in a dog suit, which baffles him. Wilfred is seen as a normal dog to others, but Ryan can hear him talk, watch him get drunk, and other human activities. As time passes, Wilfred and Ryan strike up a somewhat abusive, yet worthwhile friendship. With Ryan’s life in the gutter and little hope ahead, will his new friend help him rise above or just fall deeper into the abyss?

Based on an Australian show of the same name, with the same actor as Wilfred, this series is dark and hilarious. But if you can’t appreciate the humor in depression, hopelessness, and mean spirited canines, then you might not laugh much. I found this first season to be terrific and far better than most television comedies. Elijah Wood is head and shoulders above most sitcom leads, so he brings a lot to the table, while Jason Gann is outrageous as Wilfred. The two have great banter, which is crucial since the show centers on the bond between them. The show wasn’t a massive hit ratings wise, but that is due to how surreal and dark the show is, which makes it quite unique. I think as time passes, word of mouth will elevate Wilfred and more fans of the surreal will find the show. If you have a taste for the more unusual in entertainment, Wilfred is a one of a kind on American television. Often insane, always hilarious, Wilfed: The Complete First Season is highly recommended.

Video: How does it look?

The episodes are presented in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen. The episodes look good, though of course not one the same level as the high definition versions. Even so, the images are clean and clear throughout. The detail level is good, great as far as DVD is concerned, while depth is passable but not remarkable. I found colors to be a little muted at times, which is consistent with the show’s visual design, while black levels seem on the mark. As I said, this isn’t going to compare to the HD release, but for a DVD, the show looks good here.

Audio: How does it sound?

The Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack more than handles the needs of the show. Wilfred is driven by dialogue above all else, so there isn’t much as far as power or presence. I did notice some surround use in a few cases, but this is usually limited to the music and the front channels handle the bulk of the audio. But vocals sound great and free from volume issues and other woes, so all is well with this presentation. This release also includes English, French, and Spanish subtitles.