Protection on the AC side vs DC side
An MOV on the input side will protect the diodes from the voltage spike, with an MOV on the DC side you obviously save cost, but the current spike you'll get when the MOV conducts may damage the diodes. It'll protect whatever is downstream - which may be the costly parts.

AS for the fuses, it's a lot harder to find fuses rated to clear on DC, since you don't have the current zero that allows the arc to extinguish, and many fuses, thermal trips and breakers will only have an AC rating for that reason.