Television has never been so polarized, from high-budget, dynamic programming that has made TV indistinguishable from feature films, to that low-budget creature that is one part schlock and one part habit-forming, reality television. The allure of cheap programming has invaded every broadcaster and the History Channel has slowly developed a series of interconnected shows that share guests and venues with each other. American Restoration is the most recent addition to the Pawn Stars/American Pickers world.
Run out of Las Vegas, the show follows Pawn Stars guest expert Rick Dale on his own spin-off as a metal artist determined to restore vintage era antiques with the help of his trusty crew. As with Stars, Dale’s business is all in the family; his son Tyler and brother Ron lead the eight-man restoration team. The target audience is obviously the antique devoted, with most of their projects akin to old Coca-Cola machines and household appliances.
Like every reality TV show, American Restoration offers the same old formula. An eclectic group has tasks, but gets sidelined by mini-adventures, such as making a protective suit with duct tape to remove a box of bees. When it comes to reality programming, find the show that fits your hobby and ignore the rest.
DVD BONUS FEATURES:
Nothing to speak of, but it would be hard to imagine what could actually be included beyond more of the same footage already in the episodes. After all, it is reality TV. If you’ve seen it once, you’ve seen it all.
"American Restoration: Season One" is on sale November 15, 2011 and is rated PG. Reality, Television. Starring Rick Dale.
