Rental Venues for Classic Movies
Whether it’s due to lack of familiarity or licensing problems, many classic films rarely make it to revival houses or cable channels, if at all. Nevertheless, if the movie is in print, then it’s available on DVD.
However, when it comes to classic films, some video stores are better than others.
Large chains will of course have some old movies, but they usually provide a rather limited selection (Netflix being the notable corporate exception).
Name brand vendors are perfectly adequate for an initial exploration. However, their limitations make it difficult to find anything beyond the very well known and the most popular films of all time.
For greater variety, it is the small, independent store that is likely to offer a broader overall selection of classic films, often championing the more obscure movies of your favorite genre, actor or filmmaker.
Listed to the right are the best opportunities for finding the most varied classic cinema available for rent.
Los Angeles, CA
f.y.e. - TO Purchase Videos to Add to Your Home Collection
Online
Green Cine
Internet/Mail Order
Hollywood, CA
Santa Monica, CA
West Los Angeles, CA
Silver Lake, Los Angeles
“Be Kind Rewind”, 2008
FEATURED RENTAL HOUSE: YOUR LOCAL MOM & POP
As simple as it sounds you’re likely to get the best results for your classic film search from a smaller vendor, or local “Mom & Pop” store than you are from any chain venue. The main reason being that individually owned and operated rental houses tend to stock by personal preference rather than by some corporate mandate. And being that the employees are usually the owners themselves you’re also more likely to receive much more personal service from someone who has a vested in interest in your satisfaction. So don’t hesitate to ask for help in finding that old favorite of yours even if you think it may be out of print. In fact the best Video Rental store I’ve ever been to was in a small town on the central coast of Oregon. Not only was the owner extremely knowledgeable about old movies, he had rare films I had been unsuccessful at locating in New York City! So give the local a shot next time you’re renting. You may discover a new favorite.
