Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares – Complete Series One (2004/Acorn Media DVD)

 

Picture: C+     Sound: C+     Extras: C-     Episodes: B-

 

 

Leave it to the British to make a reality TV show that works.  That is a very, very, very rare thing, but Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares (2004) is that show, as gourmet chef Gordon Ramsey goes to failing restaurants (either upstarts or new management takeovers) and save them from going out of business.  Considering the new owners have all their money tied into things, it is amazing the basic common sense mistakes they make and not just in food.

 

It is also about not being on top of things, like having the customers always tended to, getting the food made quickly, proper promotion, building a good reputation with good word of mouth and just plain caring.  The biggest mistake that kills so many businesses is that those who start one think people will just suddenly show up and you’ll make money, but that is as naïve as anything and it is among the defeatist thinking Ramsay has to battle against.

 

That includes frank observations, harsh language and even a few personality clashes, but he really does care and especially in a world of fast food that is often bad food (including giant sized portions and an instant gratification mentality) you have to fight against those lowest of expectations and not give up.  Some give up before they start, but we get as much character study as conflict in this well-produced show and if you have missed it, you should catch up to it.  There are four shows here, plus “Revisited” installments that update each case and situation.

 

The anamorphically enhanced 1.78 X 1 image has some motion blur, but looks good for its age and a recent show when so many newer ones look worse.  The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo is just fine for a new recording with good music and there are no surrounds.  Extras include text production notes and text bio of Ramsay.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo