Search - Off the Menu: The Last Days of Chasen's on DVD

Movie Release: 1997 DVD Release: 03/30/2004 Format: DVD Audio Tracks: English SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 30 mins Studio: New Video Group Members Wishing: 1 Genres: History, Culture & Society, Biography, Social History

For fifty years, Chasen's restaurant and bar was the gathering place for Hollywood's elite, U.S. presidents and royalty. Famed for its paneled ambiance, world-class chili and its legendary Hobo Steak, it was where the rich and powerful were free to orchestrate complex deals, hash out conflicts or simply relax in understated elegance. In 1996, after nearly a decade of slow business due in part to increased diet consciousness, and also to the appearance of newer, trendier eateries, Chasen announced that it would close. Many of Tinseltown's brightest lights past and present appeared for the gala send-off which is chronicled in this documentary feast. In addition to featuring plenty of star-gazing, it also features poignant reminiscences from Chasen's staff, many of whom have worked there for decades. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide

This acclaimed documentary on the legendary Hollywood restaurant Chasen's gets a tasty presentation for its release on DVD. Off the Menu: The Last Days of Chasen's has been transferred to disc in the full-frame aspect ratio of 1.33:1, and the audio has been mastered in Dolby Digital Stereo. The narration is in English, with no multiple language options included. Among the bonus materials are commentary tracks from directors Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini, as well as Raymond Bilbool, who was a banquet captain at Chasen's. The disc also includes original Chasen's recipes, biographies from the filmmakers, and a collection of coming attractions trailers. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide