Patrick Kearns
Google
This is an important store, and you should get a membership today!
A few weeks ago, a friend recommended I watch a documentary about video stores, and I actually started crying due to the flood of happy memories. I had forgotten the truly magical experience of browsing through a physical space, and making a discovery.
Whether it’s being reminded of old treasures, re-rejecting old trash, or making brand new discoveries, there is no substitute for the sensory experience of browsing through a video store. Video stores are the libraries of cinema, and it would be wrong to have no libraries.
Imagine how dreadful the world world would be if there was no such thing as physical books anymore.
I miss the video rental experience, and Black Dog Video is the only place you can do that in Vancouver.
I got a membership and rented a video right away.
But that wouldn’t be enough to give them a five star review; It’s not enough to just exist, you have to excel at existing, and this place is indeed excellent.
Behold, the ecstatic experience of my first browse in 20 years!
They had the exact thing I was looking for on my very first visit; I went back a second time with a friend, and I can’t understate the value of wandering around and finding something that surprises you; it’s NOTHING like shuffling through a digital menu of what to watch or getting sucked into a YouTube vortex.
Plus you’re supporting a local business.
PLUS, you get to make pitches to your friends/dates as to what would be a good thing to choose. They get to push back, and you both get to compromise until you reach a consensus in the end.
So basically, the video store sets you up for having healthy relationships in life 🤷🏼♂️. Don’t let your marriage end in divorce! Go to Black Dog Video tonight!!
Anyway, this place has a RIDICULOUSLY good collection, featuring a huge range of stuff you can’t find anywhere else (they have an entire Robert Altman section which includes “Quintet”??!!).
Don’t have a DVD player? Neither do I!
You can get a DVD drive that plugs into your computer for around 20 bucks if you look around.
Stave off the technocratic dystopia and get a membership today! 😉🤣
PS, they have a pretty funny podcast as well (Black Dog Video After Dark).
Go!