The video store: For many younger people, it’s a laughable relic from an analog age. A VHS-era dinosaur from a time when mankind was forced to leave their couches and venture into the night; uncertain if they’d be able to snag the last copy of Tango and Cash. Before the streaming era began, we had a few choices when it came to video stores. Everyone old enough remembers Movie Gallery, Blockbuster, and Hollywood Video. A trip to the video store growing up was an adventure! Weaving through the new movies and old classics with the determination of Ahab in search of our own white whale. We didn’t have YouTube at our fingertips to check out trailers before renting. We had to go by the cover art and description. That method is better, as it allowed me to see some incredible films I wouldn’t have bothered with after watching the trailer.
An actual picture of me from 2006
I was already a video store junkie when I moved to Richmond in the early 2000’s. So much so, that I ended up working as a manager for a couple years at one of the previously mentioned chain stores. Even so, I became a regular renter at the Video Fan. Though smaller than my well-lit corporate video prison, the Video Fan’s expertly curated sections were a time machine to my fondest video store memories of old. Glancing at the new releases, I’d choose a movie or two then race upstairs to the cult and horror sections; Gushing over impossible to find VHS copies of forgotten gems that were all mine, if only for a night or two.
They have a copy of “Thriller (They Call Her One Eye).” I MEAN, C’MON!!!
The Video Fan felt more like a record store than a video rental place, which was a good thing. The employees had a Guru-like knowledge of film. In those hallowed halls, I was directed to cinematic masterpieces that would have otherwise been overlooked. For that, I will forever be grateful. Pangs of pity go out to those in the future. They may never be able to experience a truly independent video store like Video Fan. Something special happens when talking with fellow cinephiles and video store employees that can’t be imitated with online movie forums and blogs. There’s comfort to a store knowing it’s neighbors well enough to pick up ten copies of the newest Jim Jarmusch film, and only three of the newest Transformers movie.
The RZA, The GZA, and Bill Murray lamenting the closing of Video Fan
In late 2014, Video Fan started a Kickstarter campaign with a very simple purpose; keep the store open for another year while it secures non-profit status. In addition, a documentary about the legendary store called “Video Fan Forever” was to be made. The funds were raised with great success, and the store stayed open. They even started a non-profit to keep the store alive! videofanforever.com
Enter 2017. Over 2 years after the Kickstarter campaign, Richmond’s best video store is closing it’s doors. They “can no longer sustain the business in it’s current location.” The “Video Fan Forever” documentary will still be made, but unfortunately, with a much sadder ending. Times have changed. The convenience of Redbox, streaming Media, and OnDemand won out in the end. They are more convenient, sure, but by no means better. Not by a long shot. For 31 years the Video Fan has served as Richmond’s movie geek heaven, and it will be deeply missed.
In a Facebook announcement, Video Fan showered thanks on it’s dedicated customers.
“Thank you for the love you’ve shown over 31 incredible years.”
No, Thank you, Video Fan. Thank you.
For a deeper look into the decline of physical media, check out the documentary “VHS Massacre.” Available to stream free for prime members on Amazon (Yes, we see the irony).
