MovieChat Forums > General Discussion > Would my plan to bring back video stores...

Would my plan to bring back video stores work?

posted 4 years ago by samoanjoes (57579)
90 replies | jump to latest

Okay, hear me out before you get all judgy.

We know that since streaming has started, we've taken a step back in access in what we could watch. We used to be able to watch any movie we wanted as long as we had a VCR or DVD player. We weren't forced to buy a movie if we wanted to watch it once, we would just rent it.

But now if you have a streaming service like Netflix, we no longer have the option to rent unless it's extremely expensive and only in things like YouTube or your cable service provider. And how long are these rentals even available for? What if I wanted to watch something like "The Handmaid's Tale" where it's only available on Hulu? I'm not going to spend money on another service just to watch one show and keep paying month after month until I've finally finished watching it. Pretty much it's like not being able to play Super Mario on a PlayStation.

So what if we bring video stores back and make those options available now? Same prices as before. None of this rent for $12 business. You could still have your Netflix account without spending money on a completely new streaming service. There could be sections of the video store that would be "Popular on Netflix" or "New on Apple+". Of course there would also be incentives like 2-for-1 deals.

This would especially be great for streaming services that don't own certain content. Contracts expire and movies are taken down every month. In a video store, it would be guaranteed to be there and if it's not in the store, the store could order it for you.

Am I delusional here?

[–] Keelai (35253) 4 years ago

Netflix mails DVDs, too. Redbox rents them.

I borrow DVDs from my library.

A video store would need to compete against all three.

[–] Kowalski (76799) 4 years ago

ALL THREE ARE INADEQUATE OPTIONS...A PROPERLY FUNDED AND MANAGED VIDEO STORE CHAIN COULD CARVE THEMSELVES OUT QUITE THE NICHE RIGHT NOW.

[–] Jamfo (408) 4 years ago

Unfortunately, I think the numbers of people you could motivate to get off their butts to drive to a rental place to pick something up (twice, since you have to take the rental back) is far too small to be profitable. To be competitive, you could charge, what, maybe $2 a day for the rentals? You’d have to rent a ton of videos at those rates just to afford rent and utilities, much less pay employees and make a profit for yourself.

To cover the vast amount of titles you would need to make everyone happy (and aren’t the stuff you can find on streaming services), you would need some serious warehouse space. Even more expense.

Unfortunately, I think the days of video rental stores have passed us by.

[–] Kowalski (76799) 4 years ago

YOU ALL FORGET THE YOUTUBE/HIPSTER FACTOR...I DIDNT SAY A MOM AND POP STORE...BUT IF SAY...SOMEONE LICENSED THE BLOCKBUSTER NAME AND OPENED RETRO STORES...I GURANTEE THE BIG BUCKS...THE LAST BLOCKBUSTER IN OREGON GETS PEOPLE FOM ALL OVER THE WORLD GOING TO IT...AND ITS A SHITTY FAMILY RUN DUMPSTER IN HICKTOWN.

[–] samoanjoes (57579) 4 years ago

Perhaps an incentive for someone to return a DVD/BluRay would be if they return it well before the deadline, they could get a dollar back or something.

[–] Keelai (35253) 4 years ago

My library is great and has 99% of the DVDs I want no matter how popular or obscure. I can renew online. No complaints.

I know someone with the Netflix DVD mail subscription who's very happy with it.

Thousands of video stores went out of business because they became a failed business model.

[–] ShogunofYonkers (77987) 4 years ago

I'm with jamfo on this

As much as we have great nostalgia for the old video stores I don't think the shop would stay open for very long

[–] samoanjoes (57579) 4 years ago

A library wouldn't have an extensive selection. And in my video store, you could purchase videos as well.

I'm not sure about Redbox. I've never used it.

[–] Kowalski (76799) 4 years ago

LIBRARIES DO HAVE PRETTY DECENT SELECTIONS...BUT THEY DO NOT CARE ABOUT THE SELECTION AND ARE MISSING THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF FILMS BASED SOLELY ON AVAILIBILITY,RARENESS AND PRICE...PEOPLE ARENT AWARE OF JUST HOW MANY FILMS ARE LOST MORE OR LESS RIGHT NOW.

REDBOX HAS THE BIG NAME THEATER GRADE FILMS AND A HANDFUL OF DIRECT TO DISC HORSESHIT...I USE IT OFTEN BUT IT IS IN NO WAY A FILLIN FOR A PROPER VIDEO STORE.

[–] Keelai (35253) 4 years ago

My library does! They have all the mainstream, semi-mainstream movies and TV shows plus many independent and foreign films. I should add that if my neighborhood library doesn't have a DVD, I can have it sent to my library from numerous other libraries. I reserve them online all the time.

My library has $1 sales for used DVDs they no longer want.

I've never used Redbox.

[–] samoanjoes (57579) 4 years ago

Are you sure that's a library and not a video store?

[–] Keelai (35253) 4 years ago

LOL! I know the difference. It also has a great book collection. I reserve from my phone and my requests are sent to whichever library I choose. I reserved an Indian film called "Toilet" which is obscure, but someone on this site mentioned it. My coworker lives in a different county but uses the same library system because it has so many books and DVDs.

[–] spacecomedy (2047) 4 years ago

That was me. :) Interested to hear your review once you've seen it.

Your library system sounds excellent. My county's system is also great. You can reserve books, CDs, and DVDs and they will deliver them directly to your door (usually takes about two weeks).

[–] Keelai (35253) 4 years ago

I just watched Toilet: A Love Story. The review at your original post:
https://moviechat.org/general/General-Discussion/608daaae8a316f2c5cb5525f/Toilet-A-Love-Story?reply=608ec024c120277aeee1a069

Are you going to see it?

I hope they do a free pick-up too.

[–] spacecomedy (2047) 4 years ago

I'm going to check and see if my library system has it.

Only free delivery, you have to return items to a physical branch. Still a wonderful system. For me, I feel the library system is the best use of my property tax dollars.

[–] Kowalski (76799) 4 years ago

LIBRARIES ARE PRETTY GOOD...BUT ANYONE WHO THINKS THE LIBRARY SYSTEM HAS AN EXTENSIVE SELECTION...DOESNT WATCH THAT MANY THINGS.

[–] Keelai (35253) 4 years ago

It really depends on your library system. Some are much better than others. My library has many more TV series and movies than video stores had.

[–] db20db (17336) 4 years ago

I agree. I just received an e-mail from mine, informing me that it's now providing 30,000 additional movies to an already adequate supply with this new service: https://www.kanopy.com/

[–] Kowalski (76799) 4 years ago

NO...LIBRARIES ARE GREAT BUT BARELY SKIM THE SURFACE OF TTLES OUT IN THE WORLD...WHILE THEY DO OFFER MORE TITLES THAN ALMOST NY VIDEO STORE EVER...THEY STILL FAIL TO DELIVER ON THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF OUT OF PRINT TITLES,TITLES THAT NEVER MADE IT TO DVD FROM VHS,OBSCURE OR VULGAR TITLES,ETC...WE HAVE A VIDEO STORE IN LOS ANGELES THAT SPECIALIZES IN SELECTION...THEY RENT AND OR SELL ANY TITLE YOU CAN DREAM UP ON VHS,DVD,BLU,LASERDISC,BETA,HDDVD....ITS LIKE A WAREHOUSE OF AWESOMENESS...EVEN THEY CANT QUITE FIND EERYTHING IM LOOKING FOR.

[–] plusplus (467) 4 years ago

Just checked - my local public library account includes av-media and the online catalog even lists all new bluray releases I could think of. You could keep physical media for up to 4 weeks and if it's not instantly available in your district's dependency, they'd send it from the main library or the archives within hours. 30 € for a yearly membership, no extra costs.

What's the catch? It's a public library after all. If an item is in huge demand, more copies will be acquired - up to a limited extent and very slowly. They'll have the latest blockbusters at their release dates, but you share like 30 discs with a few million people (a few hundred k actually active, according to a data leak). Sometimes, you need to be patient for a specific item - or shift your taste to lesser known stuff, where the vast library catalog shows its strength.

[–] sslssg (34563) 4 years ago

Netflix only mails in the USA. Redbox closed it's locations in my country in 2015. So that really only applies if you are American. I do agree that libraries are a good option.

[–] jonathan_k80 (6436) 4 years ago

I liked the video rental stores for all the reasons you mentioned. You could count on a movie being available and some stores had foreign or independent films which you could rent. I don't use streaming services because what they offer changes without notice. You watch Season One of a TV series and are ready to watch Season Two, only to find out it was dropped last month. Until their content becomes reliable, I'm not wasting my money on streaming sites.

A video store would struggle today because our society has become so dumbed-down and lazy. It's a shame. "Shopping" means lying on the couch with ones nose buried in a StupidPhone™ and clicking links, then expecting the merchandise to show up on the doorstep yesterday. These people want instant gratification without exerting any effort. "You mean I have to get out of the car and walk into the store?" The horror! Oh, the horror!

The beginning of the downfall of civilization has begun.

[–] samoanjoes (57579) 4 years ago

I agree with you, people have become lazier. That's why in my post I mentioned a 2-for-1 incentive. I don't know how many rental streaming services do that. In some places renting could cost about $10. My gimmick would be that you could rent 2 for the price of one. I think it's possible for people to get their asses up if it'll save them a few bucks. Especially if they are an avid film watcher, that could save them a lot of money in the long run. I think the option of rent to own would be a good incentive too.

[–] howgamer (3965) 4 years ago

I think the biggest hurdle is actually getting people to come to the store. People just don't want to do that anymore which is why they all died out. Even back in the day when the only competition was Netflix via mail, video stores got the new releases like two or three weeks before Netflix and they still couldn't compete.

What you need to develop is a rental service platform where you could rent a film or series from any content provider, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Disney, HBO, etc, and then stream it on your platform for a $4 or $5 for a 48 hour period. So basically create a "cable package" for all the streaming content which someone is probably developing, but as a subscription service.

Maybe you need to bring the video store to the viewer with the Blockbuster Van! The patron goes online and clicks on the movie that they want and you drive the Movie Van to the patron's address and provide them with the rental and maybe some other options for kicks and then they can just mail it back.

[–] AnubisRaydeen (7897) 4 years ago

I had a similar idea to help the slim possibility of samoanjoes' noble pursuit.

Not just delivery (and free pickup if renting another) to spice the deal but also to combine it with food delivery. If you came back out under the name Blockbuster but were a food delivery company first, you could include the very cool/chic option of movie rental. Have the hub be an actual Blockbuster store and viola! You are running a Grubhub style business but using the schtick to garner business and support the true dream underneath it all.

Even have your own cheaper food options like theater style food.

[–] howgamer (3965) 4 years ago

It would be cool, but to get the contracts for the content and then food service itself is such a profitless business, I just can't see it lasting. Maybe if you had deep enough pockets and were that unique and burned cash for at least five years to create the brand, you could maybe start to turn a profit.

The delivery service stuff can be interesting. I saw there is company, I think just in large cities, that will come to your house to put new tires or rotate tires on your vehicle which I thought was an outstanding idea. Whenever I am at the tire shop, even with an appointment, it's like a two hour wait and sometimes even four hours if you are a walk-in.

But you're right. If you were to reopen a video store, you would have to combine it with something else.

[–] AnubisRaydeen (7897) 4 years ago

Food delivery is a thriving business. Video delivery included is a nice perk.

[–] samoanjoes (57579) 4 years ago

While your idea is logical, my intention is to revive the video store. I want to bring that nostalgic feeling back of walking up and down an aisle and seeing all those covers.

[–] howgamer (3965) 4 years ago

I would go! I miss the video stores along with the sport/collectible card shops. At least there still is the used bookstore.

[–] spacecomedy (2047) 4 years ago

Always did love strolling those aisles. Much more interesting that scrolling through a million covers on Netflix.

Maybe if it was a video store + bar? Bar on one side, video aisles on the other side? You could have a beer while you stroll the aisles. That actually sounds very relaxing.

[–] howgamer (3965) 4 years ago

I think it's a great idea.

A few markets around here let you drink a beer while you do your grocery shopping. Getting off of work on a Friday and drinking a beer while you grab your steaks, potatoes and broccoli is pretty cool.

[–] samoanjoes (57579) 4 years ago

In Canada we had a video store called Jumbo Video and they gave you free popcorn while you browse.

[–] sslssg (34563) 4 years ago

We didn't have a Jumbo video here. Looks like it was more Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada

[–] samoanjoes (57579) 4 years ago

You missed out. You haven't experienced looking for movies until you've had popcorn crunching underneath your shoes.

[–] diezman (2175) 4 years ago

There is a video rental here in my small town that is busy on the weekends.

I still rent new releases for 3 bucks. I sure as hell am not going to pay 12 dollars or more to stream the same movie!

[–] samoanjoes (57579) 4 years ago

Yes! I have a customer!

[–] diezman (2175) 4 years ago

Indeed you would 🙂

[–] MonStar (13199) 4 years ago

Just build a video store next door to Kowalski's home. He will buy everything you stock, for the right price.

[–] samoanjoes (57579) 4 years ago

I'd make my money back in no time.

[–] Kowalski (76799) 4 years ago

I LITERALLY SHOP FOR MEDIA SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.🙃

[–] diezman (2175) 4 years ago

Kowalski is a physical media guy like me!

[–] Lily Magnum (267) 4 years ago

You can already rent streaming movies from Google Play, Vudu, Amazon, Fandango etc... The only problem is they overcharge for new movies, but I think market demand will eventually change that. In the meantime, there's still DVD Netflix and RedBox.

[–] Kowalski (76799) 4 years ago

STREAMING IS CONVENIENT,THAT IS ALL...DVD NETFLIX IS DECENT...REDBOX IS A JUKEBOX THAT ONLY CARRIES THE HITS.

[–] samoanjoes (57579) 4 years ago

I know you can rent in places, but as I said in my post and as you said, the prices are way too high.

[–] [deleted] 4 years ago

people are buying vinyl records again. so anything is possible. i have enough streaming options to keep me busy.

[–] samoanjoes (57579) 4 years ago

I'm not some music collector or huge music nerd, but I was happy when I heard that vinyl outsole CD's last year.

[–] Mrmojo4700 (21578) 4 years ago

I buy vinyl used and at shops and the “new” vinyl pressings have exploded in the last couple of years.

[–] samoanjoes (57579) 4 years ago

Keep up the old school ways.

[–] MovieManCin2 (26342) 4 years ago

Not a bad idea, but it just wouldn't work. BTW, you say you can't rent from Netflix? I pay the extra $8/month, and can
stream all the shows I want, plus they send me DVDs.

😎

[–] samoanjoes (57579) 4 years ago

But Netflix doesn't keep content they don't own.

[–] MovieManCin2 (26342) 4 years ago

Ummm, okay.

😎

[–] sslssg (34563) 4 years ago

Netlfix only sends DVDs in the USA.

[–] MovieManCin2 (26342) 4 years ago

I did not know that. Where are you?

😎

[–] sslssg (34563) 4 years ago

Canada

[–] MovieManCin2 (26342) 4 years ago

Outstanding! One of my favorite countries! My late father was in the First Special Service Force, a joint American/Canadian unit, in WW II. In 1968, they made a movie about the outfit entitled "The Devil's Brigade". This is the nickname which the Germans gave them.

Here's the scene of the Canadians arriving at Fort Harrison near Helena Montana. It's one of my favorite scenes
in the movie:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jj9STmoRkeA&ab_channel=snowmanflosnowmanflo

And here is an explanatory video on The Force:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPkHSuITacs&ab_channel=HistoryUncoveredHistoryUncovered

😎

PS In 2011 I toured the towns and battlefields where they fought, along with 74 other members of the FSSF Association.

[–] [deleted] 4 years ago

did he see any action?

[–] MovieManCin2 (26342) 4 years ago

Yes he did, as the FSSF saw nothing but action. They never retreated, and never failed to achieve their objectives. They were among the first Allied troops into Rome. He was wounded by shrapnel at Anzio, and thus received a purple heart, along with numerous other decorations. He rose to the rank of Captain.

😎