Customer Reviews

A Hot Dog Program

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I have forgotten when I first encountered the documentaries of Rick Sebak, but they have enriched my life. They are all great, fun TV shows that you can sit down and watch with anyone. Kids like them because they are quirky and funny; older people like them because these shows so often pay homage to the past. Repeatedly, we have watched them as a family and enjoyed them more each time.

To be specific about "A Hot Dog Program", Sebak and Co. go all over the country visiting hot dog stands. Sebak maintains that hot dogs, unlike hamburgers, have not become standardized products of cookie-cutter-same chains. So, he finds lots of interesting, quirky places and talks to the people he finds there.

I am always amazed at how natural and engaging all these people are. Sebak clearly puts them at ease and catches them at their best.

I was amazed at the variety of types of hot dogs, and how each region of the country is so protective of their regional way of preparing, dressing, accompanying their dogs. New York style, with a side of papaya juice? Chicago style, loaded up with stuff? Southern style, with slaw? It would be worth the road trip to find out in person.

I would recommend this to anyone, but especially to parents who want something really interesting and entertaining to share with their kids. Teachers might also like it as a "jumping off" point for discussions about regional differences, respecting others' tastes, etc.

By the way, I like all-beef hot dogs, grilled, with yellow mustard and relish (but not that Chicago-style neon green stuff), served on a fresh, lightly toasted bun. A side of fries or potato salad is nice, too.

This classic documentary is formally about hotdogs, and it chronicles many memorable eateries. But at its core is a marked populist sensibility. We the people are the stars: Americans of all kinds (some tourists too), united by hunger and satisfied by a perennial favorite meal. The film contains much more: witty, charming interviews in many distinctive dialects and accents; explorations of ethnicity, oral culture and oral history; roadside architecture; regional rivalries, self-made entrepreneurs, and of course that ultimate gross-out institution, the eating contest. The only drawback is probably unavoidable. A film celebrating Hotdog Nation (no Fast Food Nation, not here) has only fleeting comments on nutritional shortcomings, though clearly some HDs can be quite healthy. There is a brief scene in a hotdog factory, not because "if people saw 'em being made, they'd never eat 'em again," but strictly for context. I've seen it twice and will watch again---it's a great teaching tool---and spend a couple of days each time fulfilling that craving. And I always saw myself as a hamburger guy....D. Gabaccia, "We Are What We Eat" and H. Diner, "Hungering for America" cover similar themes and more as well.

This was great entertainment. Why I have viewed this over 10 times is still a mystery to me, but a warning. This video will make you crave a hotdog. You may find yourself looking for a hotdog only stand or restaurant. Sadly in Philadelphia, where I reside, we do not have such places with the exception of the street vendors. Hotdogs are typically labeled on children's menu only at restaurants here so it was interesting to see Chicago, NYC as some of the hotspots of Hotdog consumage (If that is a word). The production of this video is excellent and it is in the editing of the interviews that is strong. The music behind running behind it all is ridiculously funny. The subjects interviewed are sometimes outrageous as was the Papaya King and Gray's Papaya segment in NYC. Also included with this DVD is the entire 1998 Nathans Hot Dog Eating contest as it happened. It's hard to believe the record for hotdogs eaten has now grown above forty.

This extremely entertaining and highly re-watchable documentary takes the viewer to unique hot dog restaurants all over the country, experiencing the fun and tasty character of each place. Watching this will make you want a few hot dogs yourself, so be prepared.

The presentation is 100% positive, no segments on hot dog manufacturing or on ingredients with questionable palatability. No comments on sodium or coloring or other additives. Its all about why each particular eatery attracts and brings back its clientele, which usually includes a combination a great sausage, unique toppings or equally unique servers. You also get a lot of history about hot dogs and the restaurants, which adds some nice background.

This video is so great that we not only watch it ourselves but also invite friends over to watch it, then, half-way through we start serving hot dogs and all the trimmings. It's always a big hit.

I always loved hot dogs as a child growing up and seemed to outgrow the hotdog craze sometime after I was 15, but when I visit other places, I tend to go for a good hot dog stand. One sprang up in a nearby town and it is a lovely retreat in the summer. They also serve ice cream. I found that I haven't really outgrown the hot dog. I just haven't been close to a good hot dog restaurant until now. When watching this program, it looks as if one never really outgrows their love for hot dogs, especially the ones that you can't get in the grocery store, the pure Vienna Beef ones. I loved the program. It was surprising how much a part of our culture the hot dog is. The program kept me entertained. It was not boring, not too lengthy. It surprised me to know that all across the country, even Alaska, the hot dog is still a favorite. This brought American History into the present and I enjoyed it heartily.

Everything you need to know about hot dogs an more! A must for the hot dog lover.

A Hot Dog Program is a wonderful excursion across America stopping at some of the most fasinating hot dog stands. From the O in Pittsburgh (where the medium fries weights 2 pounds!) to Pink's in Los Angeles (where the stars go for dogs) I just get hungry doing this review!

However, if food is not your thing then this program is not for you.
If you like Rick Sebak's style, then get "Sandwiches You will Like". That one is about sandwiches.

As with all of Sebak's programs, a real look at the American landscape. A fun program especially for fans of Americana food (no matter how fattening it is)! Details the variations on a very simple food across the country from Cooney Island's Nathan's Famous all the way to Los Angeles' Pinks! Have fun!

If you love hot dogs, you'll love "a hot dog program" this shows places all over the U.S with different and good ways to have a hot dog. Another notable ting about hot dog places is, unlike McDonalds or Burger King which looks the same all over, you can not say the same for Hot Dog places.
It was never made clear when the hot dogs got started, or how they got the name hot dog, only some guesses here. The people are just as fun too.
watch it. then put on the dogs to eat. you'll be ready.

Rick Sebak does it again! This time he travels from Coney Island to Anchorage, Alaska in search of the perfect hot dog. And you know what? They're all perfect! So is this documentary.

But be warned. If you watch this you WILL crave hot dogs! Why fight it? Start the grill, and while the charcoal is cooking down pop this DVD into your machine! Then complete your Sebak culinary trilogy with An Ice Cream Show and Sandwiches That You Will Like. Mmmmmmmm!