Scarecrow Video

Video store · University District

Scarecrow Video

Video store · University District

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5030 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105

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Highlights

Massive movie rental with 150k+ titles, curated sections  

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5030 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105 Get directions

scarecrowvideo.org
@scarecrow.video.official

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5030 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105 Get directions

+1 206 524 8554
scarecrowvideo.org
@scarecrow.video.official

$

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Sep 7, 2025

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A University District nonprofit considered the world’s largest publicly accessible video library. Saved by community support and featured by local media, it preserves film culture with 150,000+ titles and staff who truly know the stacks.

https://scarecrowvideo.org/
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Carolyn 2

Google
This store is so awesome, movies arranged by director. Many "hard to find" titles. I'm thrilled they're still in business, be prepared to stay a while as there are so many movies to look at. I haven't had time due to raising my son, yet excited I now have "me" time. Looking forward to going back! For some rare titles, in the past they held a deposit on credit card. I'm not sure if current policy, yet usually the movie is so rare, the viewer doesn't mind putting down a credit card deposit.

Chad Rutt

Google
I was blown away with this massive movie collection of over 150k videos and dvds available to rent- yes that is correct. So amazing. I could have spent weeks looking through the many theme rooms packed floor to ceiling with titles spanning the creation of television and film. This place is truly epic.

Mari Johnson

Google
This place is the best! They have pretty much every video you could ever imagine for rent - and I love all the niche curated sections. A must see for any cinephile

Hillary Miller

Google
I am so happy to finally find my way to this store. I miss walking through a mom and pop rental store, looking at all the covers. The genres are simply amazing and the staff is the friendliest you'll meet. Added bonus, you can mail the movies back, which is super convenient. Streaming has nothing on Scarecrow.

Claudine Pruitt

Google
My husband and I love Scarecrow Video. We always find something. Smallish story here. I was performing in a production of Mac and Mabel for a local theater company in the early 90s and wanted to do some research. Scarecrow saved me! Not only was I able to find ma. Sennet movies, but movies with Mabel Normand as well. My local libraries don’t have anything, but Scarecrow did. They are a gem, and well worth any trip to see their collection and enjoy the movies and TV shows that are both classic and hard to find!

Micah Clark

Google
A true icon, perhaps one of the last of its kind. Two stories of winding film heaven, packed to the gills with unique, niche, and fascinating finds. Old shows and movies I'd all but forgotten about preserved and rentable! Investing in Scarecrows physical media haven cannot be understated, an amazing non profit with tons of community forward programming and events.

josh lee

Google
If you're a movie fan of any sort this is probably like your mecca. I'm not, but even then appreciate their efforts at preservation and cataloguing. It's good to have this.

Matt B

Google
A super dense movie store, with a truly phenomenal selection. While most of the movies appeared to be for-rent, they did still have a fair number for sale. I could’ve spent hours in here.

Troy B.

Yelp
This place is seriously a national treasure and Seattle is so lucky to have it. You have to visit and see it to believe it-- a huge space, 2 stories FULL of all the movies. 150K titles-- far more than the streamers. You can find anything here and it's fun to browse and discover new movie gems. So much funner than scrolling online. The staff is awesome and knowledgeable and happy to make personal recommendations in a way online bots cannot. Say hi to Rich and Leo and Jamie and Matt and Emalie and all the others. LOVE that Seattle has this treasure. Physical media is a funner way to watch movies-- better pause ability, no ads or pop up reminders about other shit on the streaming channel.

Andrew N.

Yelp
The concept of scarecrow video is very cool. I used to be a regular customer here. There is practically every movie or tv show you can imagine available for rent here. However, the customer service here is terrible. The employees are often remarkably passive aggressive, and I do not recommend supporting a business that has such little basic respect for their customers.
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Tai D.

Yelp
Save our Scarecrow! The Scarecrow has an AMAZING collection of physical media. If you never been there, they need your help more than ever to keep this treasure alive. Keep physical media alive and the joy of browsing through all the many titles of movies that may not be available with just a regular online streaming service. The Scarecrow is a culturally important piece of Seattle and they need some support right now. Their selection is huge and it's a great deal to rent or buy DVDs or blueray. I highly recommend checking them out.
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mason r.

Yelp
A gem of seattle. Would recommend for any film student or cinephile looking to explore their taste or try something new on their watchlist

Adam L.

Yelp
Simply one of the best places in Seattle. Unrivaled collection. Rentals you can't find anywhere else. You can even rent by mail! SUPPORT THEM!!!

Trey B.

Yelp
First, I would like to say what I enjoyed about this store. I visited this location on a whim after going to the library and I was really intrigued by the layout and look of the store. They have so many movies! They have a great selection, and I was able to find what I needed quite easily. I will say, the movies to rent are kind of expensive when compared to other rental prices (Redbox, etc.; not including virtual rentals). I was all for supporting this store and using physical discs to digest movies and shows, but I was unfortunately met with a pretentious staff. As a new customer to this store, I felt like the first guy I talked to about my rental was patronizing and I was a bother to the store. I get it, you have a bad day. But the staff here is very unapproachable and, considering there are literally signs everywhere saying "Support Scarecrow Video!" and "Donate to our store!", you would think the staff would be eager to explain how their business model works and retain new customers. Upon returning my rental, I waited in line to return my DVDs and I was told a condescending "You know there's a drop box, right?". I'm not trying to be a Karen, but I just want to try and tell the staff that it is really hard to recommend this store to other people whenever I just have not had a good experience. I'd rather go across the street to the library and check out their free DVDs. I'm starting to believe that the "Scarecrow" in Scarecrow Video is because they scare people away :/
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Dana C H.

Yelp
Wonderful place, love the concept. Was brought here by a film aficionado. Huge selection(read about it in their website, I wouldn't give a good enough description). If you are in to the medium check it out. A bit elitist as far as some of the staff goes, still a good stop.

Amanda V.

Yelp
We've loved supporting this small biz in an effort to see them stick around. great video selection and I hope more folks will continue to frequent them. however, upon arriving tonight to return and then rent more videos I requested to use the restroom when we arrived. Staff member behind the counter sharply responded with "no". I thought maybe he didn't realize we were true customers so after we finished picking out our videos and approached the counter to check out, I again asked "can I please use your restroom" and with his back turned to me he again sharply responded "no". would have completely understood if it was out of order and or unavailable but no explanation and the level of rudeness has definitely left me less than inspired to continue our support.
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Michelangelo S.

Yelp
Videophiles Vintage Value Dream! SITREP In this day & age of streaming videos and digital media, Scarecrow Video is a rare breed of store that caters to the videophile still looking for that rare movie that may only be found on a VHS tape or a disc. THE SETUP Let's face it. Some cult favorites may never have a chance to ever be aired on streaming video services, let alone broadcast TV stations. So Scarecrow Video has a large inventory of videos in it's store that you can peruse. WELL MAINTAINED, WELL ORGANIZED STORE I love how the aisles are still maintained in that old school style by categories of topics: Horror! Science Fiction! Action-Adventure! Romantic Comedies, etc. etc. And if you can't find the video in their extensive inventory, you have the option of using Scarecrow Video's services to obtain a possibly rare version of a movie for you to obtain. OWN / RENT And you do not need to feel compelled to buy a $20 video. If you just want to view the video over a week, you can rent it for a mere few dollars and then return it. VIDEO NIGHT! Scarecrow Video also features regular themed viewings of video in their viewing-room. Halloween time? Expect some great Horror films to be showcased! The Holidays? Check out the Christmas videos up at bat! THE LOWDOWN A terrific way to obtain and view those rare videos!
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Ginny C.

Yelp
Biggest collection of videos in the world! This place is a Seattle treasure. You can get films here that you can't get on a streaming service. The staff are so knowledgeable and helpful. If you tell them what you like, they will make suggestions.

B H.

Yelp
This place is a treasure. It allows for browsing and has selections that are not available to stream.
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Marie T.

Yelp
The nostalgia I feel when I enter this place is incredible. Being from out of state and a movie collector I just knew I had to explore this amazing place. I was in awe of the mystery, true, crime, horror section. That's what I collect so I found myself just browsing their selection for a good minute. Sadly not much is for sale. I didn't leave empty handed though, I did find a vhs and a Blu-ray to take home to my collection.
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Jennifer R.

Yelp
For goodness sakes, they are the last bastion of Blu-ray, DVDs, and VHS tapes in the Seattle area! For that matter they are one of a kind in the entire country. Seriously. This is the largest independently owned video and physical media library in the country, currently boasting over 145,000 titles. I stream a fair amount of mainstream movies. But. They have rare, out-of-print, and foreign and independent films, many of which are available nowhere else. These are gems you didn't know you needed to watch before browsing If you want the Star Trek animated series you watched as a child each Saturday morning to share with your son as a Christmas gift, they will happily order it for you to purchase. Scarecrow's Rental-By-Mail Pilot Program? YES! In-house coffee shop? YES! Concession stand snacks? YES! Monthly in person discussions small space to show films. These employees are volunteers. Scarecrow had to become a nonprofit a couple years back. Do you want to speak to a fellow cinephile to compare your thoughts about Werner Herzog's filmography? Check Scarecrow out. You will not be sorry.
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Joel S.

Yelp
A reminder of how things used to be. Scarecrow is one of the last video rental places in Seattle. Yes, video rental. You can rent them and take them home like we did in the days before media streaming. You gotta appreciate this place for all the glory that it is! There are so many different movies here you could find almost anything you are looking for. The foreign section has a sprinkling of everything. I've been able to find films from smaller European countries. Just make sure you are able to play them because of the disc difference between areas of the world. Both floors are divided unit themes. The first part of the store is where you can find used movies for sale. A good mix of everything listed by alphabetical order. The end caps feature more popular films. Old and new movies are available. Don't forget to check out the upstairs as well! They also have merch! How about a t-shirt to show off how awesome Scarecrow is? It's hard to leave a great review because this place is just so awesome. Have a look, you won't regret it!
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Erica A.

Yelp
Some employees are nice and give you free products when you donate DVDs. Other employees are jerks that shamelessly laugh at your purchases at your face. I liked these guys bc they were a nonprofit but Etsy won't laugh at your face.
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Dorje T.

Yelp
Scarecrow Video is now THE LARGEST VIDEO STORE IN THE US! They have about 150,000 titles now and today was their 30th anniversary. This venerable Seattle institution is now a 501(c)3 non-profit but it still operates like the neighborhood video store that it is and always has been. There's the magic. Today I saw a young couple introducing their son to the same place they experienced as teenagers. "Your father's favorite section: Chopsaki" - it was in the same place too. As convenient as streaming is, one is limited and bound to whatever content is available. With physical media, you have none of those constraints. There are worlds you never knew existed and Scarecrow can help you discover a few of them. The greatest quality about Scarecrow is their staff. Whatever genre, director or actor you happen to be interested in, the staff here will broaden your horizons. The depth of film knowledge these people have in their skulls is amazing. Did I mention this is the Largest Video Store in the country?? Quentin Tarantino is rumored to shop here. You should too.
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Dennis D.

Yelp
Is "MOVIE FETISH" a thing? Like, where Siskel & Ebert would have had to register as sex-offenders? (Necrophilia offenders, now... I suppose. What? Too soon?) Because if it is, the folks at Scarecrow Video have it and BAD. ... AND they probably also have a movie about it in their adult section upstairs. O_O Seriously, this place is AWESOME. Have you heard of Portland's city of books? Yeah, well this is Seattle's equivalent for MOVIES. Hoooollllyyyy crap. It's a video store. It's a DVD store. It's even a MOVIE theater. Even if you don't buy, just browsing can give you some AWESOME recommendations for movies to watch. (I like to pay attention to the movies that are featured... turned sideways so the cover is facing out.) Bring your cell phone to snap pics, because there will be WAY TOO MANY to remember. LOTS of RARE movies, too! Ones you WILL NOT find on Netflix, Amazon, the Seattle Public Library, nor King county libraries. AND they also have TV shows. NEW and OLD. Oh yeah.... Are you a fan of FOREIGN movies? They have you COVERED, to the point where you'll be like; "Okay... I enjoy foreign movies... But dude... YOU have a problem." Seek help. (And their front desk is a good start for that... because they know their shit!) Seriously, their selection is beyond belief. TWO FLOORS. You can count them. .... If your arms aren't filled with movies already, that is. Some rooms upstairs are LITERALLY A MAZE of movies, with a MAP on the wall! I kid you NOT. But if you DO need to be kidded, they have a few sections for that too. Comedy, and Children's sections. ;-p Did this place buy out Blockbuster's unopened movie stock? I feel like I should order popcorn JUST for the entertainment which is BROWSING their isles. Did I mention they also have EXTREMELY RARE movies on display up front? Serious collector-gasm. *eww... change your pants!* .... AND they also have paraphernalia. Movie posters, and other collectables. I've STILL not browsed EVERY corner of the place, so I'll definitely be back. You should check it out too. Just be sure to charge your phone and mark the entrance on your GPS before you enter, so you don't get lost!

Bryant D.

Yelp
It's the best video rental store in the world. It's just that simple. As the years go by and we say farewell to places like Vulcan Video in Austin and Le Video in San Francisco, it's a blessing to know that Scarecrow is keeping the lights on. And no disrespect to any of the other rental stores flying the independent film banner, but Scarecrow has 145,000 titles in its library. It's also well curated, with a comprehensive directors section, great by-country shelves, and a strong understanding of genre film. Add on a screening room and smart staff and what more could you want? When I needed a copy of King Vidor's The Crowd released by a Hong Kong distributor who sourced the movie from a British television release, this was the only place to go. They also do rent by mail. Seriously. Best video store in the world.
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Mateo G.

Yelp
This is hands down my favorite place in Washington. As someone who spends a large amount of time watching movies and at time searching for the obscure, an archive of a variety of film makes this place a huge joy for living in the area. Not too big and definitely not too small, the place itself is very welcoming and easily categorized. I find myself popping in everyone once in awhile spending a good amount of time trying to find the gems. I hope this place lasts forever, or at least however long im around. High recommendation from this stranger! See for yourself
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Laura B.

Yelp
I once worked at a place in Chicago called Uncle Fun. One of our frequent shoppers referred to us as one of the pillars that holds up the universe. I think Scarecrow is one of those places. one thing: Check your DVDs before you leave the store. I rented a movie and it was scratched and they refunded me the money and lent me another copy so I could watch the scratched part again. a cool tip: Call ahead and they will hold your movie at the counter. This place is a great place to take out-of-town guests during a rainy afternoon. It would probably be a fun date place- bring someone and walk around and get a real sense of what films they are into or genres.... With the addition of VHSpresso you can now get coffee and treats, too!
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Marie B.

Yelp
Scarecrow Video - one of the best indie businesses in Seattle! They are celebrating their 25th anniversary on 12/6/13 through 12/8/13. Since it seems folks download, stream, get via on demand, or get films outside of convenience stores these days. You're missing out by not stopping by Scarecrow Video. Best analogy to sum it up - Scarecrow Video is to film, as Powell's in Portland is to books. Want to find a SIFF film? foreign film? animation? collections by director? Chances are it'll be here or their ever helpful and knowledgeable staff can assist you. Show your support, buy or rent films here on a routine basis, get some tasty movie munchies and treats, buy a limited edition (signed/numbered) anniversary poster for $25, peruse their cool T-shirts for purchase, heck, just do your holiday shopping here!
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Rhias H.

Yelp
Full disclosure: I worked at Scarecrow Video for 14 years. Scarecrow video is Seattle's own library of Alexandria, and I loved working there. The movie selection is second to none, and the staff is full of affable nerds who pride themselves on being able to find answers for all of your movie-related questions. I would still be working there if I could afford my rent on minimum wage. So next time you are in the U District, stop in - rent a movie - buy something awesome - or ask some questions about obscure movies. I'm pretty sure they'll have answers for you!
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Kendra S.

Yelp
Essential spot for film lovers. In addition to the store, they also offer awesome things for the community like Scarecrow Academy and Children's Hour!
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Tiffany D.

Yelp
Everything and anything. I've looked for the original exorcist all over and we'll they had a few for rent/ buy any and all genres. They're also fundraising for a screening room which is über cool! Definitely a place to stop by at least. Tons of films. So many genres! Definitely a spot to visit! Staff is cool. Computer with full library of films for easy finding. Even shown on a map!
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Brendan c.

Yelp
Do you love movies? Do you have obscure tastes? Do you like to feel lost? If you said Yes to any of these than Scarecrow Video is for you. They have TV shows and movies for everyone's tastes. I picked up a volume of Dark Shadows. The hardest part about going here is finding the section you want because every category has many subcategories. They also do free movie showings everyday of the week which is really cool. They make it so easy to get a movie. Why download a movie when you can rent like any movie every made.
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Annette F.

Yelp
I thought I went back in time ... Wow, so many videos. Most are rentals, some for sale. We went in for a specific film and really had to hold back from getting more and more. Oh how I wish video stores across the country had not gone with the wind.
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Miguel T.

Yelp
Such a great store and collection of movie history. Came all the way from Tucson,AZ to visit. Worth the trip. The only thing I wish is that I lived here so I could partake in the rental of movie gold! Staff was awesome and took the time to give us a little history on the store and film in general. If you are local and love media, be a customer and return to the way things used to be when making a trip to rent family movie entertainment.
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G S.

Yelp
The G.O.A.T. Seriously. The best video store ever. A cinematic mecca. A triumph of the human spirit.
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Rachel H.

Yelp
It's not easy to find an old style independent video store in the year 2014. It had been at least a decade since we last watched the 1978 original Star Wars and now it was time to indoctrinate our nine year old. While that was what originally brought us in here, I almost wanted to kiss the ground because the idea of a video store that has not gone out of business is so novel 2014, let alone one this great. Scarecrow has two stories and a great selection from all the digitally remastered Star Wars movies to British drama, to all of Hayao Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli animated films. It also has the same frayed, tattered dusty rose colored carpet of your favorite video store in the 90s along with the yellowing masking taped signs and the same exorbitant late fees (oh yeah, remember those, ugh) so don't be late in returning your movies. The last four years have seen the last of the megastore video stores in Seattle shutter, and every so often, when listening to our local NPR station, I hear the owner of Scarecrow talking about the challenges of staying in business. While I also stream video, there is much here at Scarecrow that you simply can't stream without buying outright. With limited titles from the greatest-movies-ever-made pantheon simply not available viewing, unless you purchase them outright, there are many dollars-and-sense reasons for movie fans to support Scarecrow. Scarecrow, please, please hang in there. Its practically a community service at this point, and the perfect place to educate the next generation of film buffs. Postscript: Scarecrow is transitioning to a nonprofit at the end of September, closing briefly and then supposedly reopening. Wow, I hope this is true and they are not going anywhere. Scarecrow is a community service of the coolest kind --be sure to support it.
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Jay S.

Yelp
First off, tips: if you rent a lot of movies, buy a punch card. Pay up front for ten flicks and you get one rental free. You won't see this advertised, so be advised. Second, 2 for 1 Wednesdays, rent two for the price of one this day only...since rentals from the general library are one week, this is THE day to hit the joint. Also - if you buy a dvd, you get a free rental...cinephiles can really save here. YES - as many people have noted, SOME folks on the staff are snobby. My bro and I have dubbed it "Tower Records Syndrome". If you're old enough to remember hitting a Tower Records retail outlet...you know what I mean. Some of the staff has an "I'm so cool to work here, and you're just a pleeb" vibe going on. The truth is, when someone is being helpful, they're F*ing Nordstrom's helpful. That flick you can only quote one line from that you saw as a kid...someone is going to know what you're talking about and find the title. It's amazing. The layout is daunting. Auteur section? I actually have to know the director of a flick to find it? Yeah, it can be offputting...but if you're serious about films, you will learn a lot very quickly. It's actually like having a built in recommendation station. Plus, use the computer kiosks to look up your flick and it'll show you where to go in this insane dream of a store to find it. The library of reference books they provide is not to be missed either. Go to the kid's section and scan the amazing collection of books to find SIFF's latest picks or get inspiration. How many video stores offer this? Scarecrow is a unique Seattle destination. People fly into town just to rent movies from this love letter to cinema. Serious about film? Customer service aside...you can't miss it.
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Mae D.

Yelp
Since their opening in 1988, Scarecrow Video is one of the largest independent video stores in the country. Scarecrow has been a Seattle (and national) institution for movie lovers! They recently became a non-profit in October of 2014 as they are now under new management, but still have their membership program. They use to have VHSpresso, which I loved to get a cup of coffee while browsing the gigantic selection of movies. Since Scarecrow became non-profit, that has since closed, which I was super sad about. Anyway, they hold movie nights which they keep a calendar of what they will be showing at the front counter and on their blog ( www.scarecrow.com ). They show anything from cult classics to semi-new releases. I have yet to attend a showing as I live pretty far away in a place called Puyallup. My boyfriend is a HUGE movie buff, and wishes that we lived closer so we could have a membership. Problem is, returning the movie before it becomes over due. But, we try to stop by when we are in the area and purchase movies that they sell. If you cannot find a movie that you would like to purchase, they are willing to hunt it down for you, order it and have it ready for pick up. Talk about customer service! That's probably why they have been open for so long. They even came out with a huge movie reference guide of all the movies they have on hand (it's a pretty thick book) called: The SCARECROW Movie Guide. Purchase it through them so they get the money and not some giant third-party company! If you are in the U-District and looking for some rare movies or want to browse a place where you get lost in all the genres of movies, then head on over to Scarecrow... I promise that you movie buffs will not leave disappointed except that you don't live close enough to get a membership and rent all the movies!
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Jon L.

Yelp
Scarecrow Video located in the U-District near 50th & Roosevelt Way, is the largest independent video store in the country. That said, this is not a gargantuan store like Powell's Books in Portland but the selection here is great. Although not a megastore, it does take some cues from Powell's in regards to the interesting layout of genres in this two story store. For instance, one nuance is the foreign language section is arranged by country of origin. It is handy if you are looking for a film specifically from Mali or Kazakhstan for instance. Though you won't find "Borat" in the Kazakh section here. It also is pretty cool that you can search their inventory on their website. And the fact that they have DVDs that are not just region 1 (US & Canada). They do have ones from other regions, though make sure the DVD player you have is equipped to play these. And if you love or are interested in K-dramas then visiting Scarecrow is a must. For those who don't know what a K-drama is, this is short for Korean drama. The format for Korean television drama series is different from the US in that it ends after what is the equivalent of a season's worth of episodes. The Koreans like to keep it simple like the British. Quality, not quantity. Scarecrow has the largest selection of Korean dramas for sale that I have seen in the area. You would think that you would be able to find them at a place like H Mart, but sadly they don't have it there. At least the Lynnwood one anyway. The prices at Scarecrow for K-drama DVDs are pretty good too. They are competitive or even beat the prices online. Even YesAsia. If you are looking for a DVD rental on an obscure film and/or interested in Korean dramas, Scarecrow is the place to go.
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Caitlin K.

Yelp
There was a guy on Queen Anne ave as I walked into my gym, and we both looked at the zone parking sign to see if it was okay to park where I'd parked. He said this out loud to me: "I don't have all the answers. Really, I don't!" I laughed and he kept going. "You see I live my life covered in plastic, though I've heard some people prefer cardboard. Do you think cardboard would better represent me?" I want to tell him yes but instead I walk into the gym and say "hi" and the attendant says "hi" back to me and also "how are you" and I say "great! How are you?" And she says nothing. It made me want to text you. To tell you to remember what he said and remind me any time we need to make decisions re: cardboard vs. plastic. Or to do it in person, see the look on your face when I'm partway through this anecdote with a supposed storybook ending (re: cardboard man vs. gym attendant) and you finally jump on the same little spark of thought I'm on, throughout all of the sparks synapse-ing all over the web of conclusions of human thought, you get my point and you totally emulate my enthusiasm for it. You and me. I pretend it's because we grew up in the same place and have known about each other for years. But let's be real. This must be it. And hey, I'm calling 'em like I see 'em these days because it's so real to know what you want. Like this: Job opportunities that might as well say "we are looking for you, Caitlin" keep turning up and I love my job so it feels like a test. Like someone is out there laying mousetraps when I already have the cheese I want. I have in my hands all of these gems. They're memories from my perspective throughout the history of our relationship. I try to give them to you at the right times (even though since I'm just like you [romantic as fuck] I want to constantly be giving them to you). One of them is this: I couldn't eat or sleep or sit just to sit the first month we started seeing each other. I kept giving myself these stupid tasks. Sort your clothes by color. Walk three miles then turn around and walk home. Listen to music but pretend like you're showing it to him for the first time and imagine his reaction. These sound like the behaviors of a comically anxious person (one of which I am) but what I'm trying to prove is that I am at least as romantic as you. Here's another one: Suspiria is one of my favorite movies ever and I knew almost definitively going into Scarecrow that night we were going to rent it and watch it at your house and kiss during the credits (now that you'd know I was cool enough to love Suspiria so very much). And I knew when I was walking and sorting and listening that we would almost surely fall in love and kiss very often during movie credits. You'd think that being so good at loving someone and knowing what comes next would be a boring chore. Let me (an anxious romantic) tell you something about love: It's not. Too bad about Ed Murray's donation flub. He still probably shouldn't have dropped out of the race.
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Mon M.

Yelp
They have every kind of video imaginable I'm honestly so impressed! As an avid anime viewer I was expecting they wouldn't have some of the more obscure stuff that isn't as popular in the west but nope - they usually have it!! I really hope this place sticks around for the longterm in the age of digital distribution and that it will remain a Seattle institution!!
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Sasha N.

Yelp
This is the biggest video rental store on the West Coast and it's absolutely amazing! Their foreign film section is outstanding. They have three solid rows of Iranian films and the employee I was speaking with knew so much about the genre. I was impressed. It made my heart full to see a Seattle video rental store carry such a wide range of Iranian films and show so much appreciation to my country's film making. It's such a fun experience to come here and support this local gem.
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Steph C.

Yelp
Keep it on the DL, but I think video rental businesses aren't doing so hot these days. I don't know, I heard from someone who heard from someone about this site called Netflix? It's supposed to be the next big thing? Anyway, hopefully this doesn't affect Scarecrow Video, because unlike most other rental places, it has intense character. The place is worth checking out just for the tourist factor. It's huge, with walls crammed with movies, assorted by very specific genres. There's a directory that tells you where to find, oh, "Experimental Local Shorts" and "Sexploitation." The feel is independent without being overly pretentious. I added the qualifying "overly" because their list of Top 100 movies of the '00s included Cache, with Children of Men in the #1 spot. Still, the fact that they have their own Top 100 list speaks to the personality and irreplaceability of Scarecrow, so we'll call that a wash.
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Sheri H.

Yelp
Scarecrow is the best video store in the land. You MUST come here. 2 for 1 rentals on Wednesdays!!! Every movie made by man is in this store. No exaggeration. From the latest blu-ray release to the PBS special in 1979 on VHS, this store has it available to rent. Or buy. The two-story building is wall to ceiling, back-to-back, segmented by genre, of DVD's, blu-rays and VHS movies. I love to go to the Free bookshelf which also has the weirdo items. I've watched bizarre things like 1950's sex ed videos they actually showed kids in school to local comedy troupes trying to make it big like Black Daisy to Andy Warhol's odd junk to a film made for SIFF that was surprisingly well-made to really horrible things that had to be turned off in 5 seconds. I enjoy the adventure and surprise. Everyone that works here is a film buff in their own right and if they haven't heard of what you're looking for, one of their co-workers has and/or their computer will find it for them in 5 seconds. The rarity of the movie makes its rental cost go up. Some that are super rare will cost you a couple hundred for the deposit to ensure you return it. They have VHS players you can rent if you want to get some of those old tapes home and don't have the machine. No club card required. They take your drivers license to sign you up and you present it each time when renting. Returning is just like it was at Blockbuster - dump the cases into the return slot. Small free parking lot on the side of the building and street parking available too. Check out the flyers near the register or on top of the shelves near the front. You'll find info on film festivals, summer movies, free movie screenings and other local entertainment.
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Tom B.

Yelp
I haven't rented movies from a physical location for probably ten years, but this place is like none other. Has to be one of the best movie stores in the country. If not, it's certainly worth talking about as eligible for that distinction. Parking is sort of minimal. That's the main drawback. Humongous physical layout. Mainly organized by director, rather than genre. Genre organization tends to be for smaller section, like, say, concert films. Has a screening room. Screens rare stuff. Knowledgeable, friendly, cool staff. Decent prices. Thousands of rarities. More rarities than most stores have stock. Absolutely amazing treasure trove for the film fan, representing a gigantic investment of time, money, and energy by the owner and staff. Go, just to look around and get ideas on movies you might like to see, even if you don't plan to rent.
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Morgan M.

Yelp
Scarecrow holds a special place in my heart. Their dedication to the preservation and promotion of cinema keeps me going there weekly. Consider donating to them before you download or order a movie off Amazon. You'll feel good about your purchase, and will probably stumble across a few new movies while searching for the one you originally had in mind!
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Robyn H.

Yelp
Scarecrow has just about everything and if they don't, they'll try to get it. Their Japanese anime section is extensive and what other video store can boast two floors of DVD and video fun? Parking can be a bit of a nightmare and watch for the one way street they are located on. You'll have to take a round-about way to get there if you come from the south. Even so, its well worth the trip.
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Cameron M.

Yelp
The holy land. Mecca. The best video store there ever was. It always has been, and I'm pleased beyond words that it remains there today despite all of the challenges. It's just too great a place not to be. Support Scarecrow Video until your dying day.
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Chris S.

Yelp
Lost in time, Scarecrow Video is one of the last bastions of physical media. If there's an obscure movie you've heard rumors about but can't find anywhere online, chances are Scarecrow has it. They also sell movies on formats dating all the way back to VHS. Movie screenings, snacks, swag, and the best collection of rentables.
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Kelly Z.

Yelp
The only place I can think of outside of online to find rare films. Plus who doesn't love the entire upstairs room of obscure porn? I like that all the efforts are concentrated into one location because really you can't duplicate perfection.

Kate H.

Yelp
Scarecrow Video is the epitome of film geekiness, and I mean that in a good way. Along with the usual categories of comedy, drama, etc., there are divisions by subgenres and divisions by directors. You can find things you didn't even know existed like interviews with the kids from Zoom now that they're grown up. If you can't find something, someone there knows where it is. I always leave feeling like the world of film is a vast and infinite resource.
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Hope C.

Yelp
I love Scarecrow video. This place is unmatched for their film selection, they literally have everything. I love going here especially at Halloween because they have a massive horror section and specially curated employee picks so I know I'm going to find something new and good!
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Daren D.

Yelp
If 2 words could describe this place, I have them: Humungous selection. Just when you thought you found every movie in the country here, their selection from other countries is also just as impressive. Ho-ly crap! Everything from here in the States to China, Brasil to Russia, and practically all inbetween. For some reason, the rather unique, subtle funky-ness gives it a certain character, too. Whatever gripe someone may have would probably be eased by the mere fact that the selection this place boasts is probably among only a few worldwide, I think. Selection. Collection. Cool. Unique. Wow factor.
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Ramon A.

Yelp
I love Scarecrow. They have titles that one would never find on a streaming service, movies that I love and movies that I love to share with others. This is a valuable institution and I'm glad they're still in Seattle.
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Madeleine M.

Yelp
My favorite video store! Have been coming here for years. They usually have what I am looking for

Mike H.

Yelp
If this amazing place goes out of business it will be the result of rude elitist attitudes on behalf of the staff. Tonight when renting a movie I was told I had a late charge. When I asked what movie I had a late charge for the dude puts up his hands and says "I don't know, the last movie you rented ‍" Okay buddy, I guess I get it. You're cooler than me and I shouldn't dare ask questions. I love you Scarecrow, but your staff miss the mark way too often. Anyway, for a better rental experience I encourage everyone to go just up the street to Reckless Video. Smaller shop, smaller attitudes, and always someone willing to help.