Like any movie rental store, Video 7 Entertainment at 22 Kneen St. has hundreds of DVDs, many of which were recently released.
Unlike most movie rental stores, Video 7 is stuffed with something called “VHS tapes:” small, rectangular boxes inserted into something called a “VCR.”
Yes, there are still people out there — especially film buffs looking for titles that haven’t made it to DVD, let alone BluRay — who rent VHS tapes.
It’s one of several factoids laid down recently by Bob Achille, who opened the rental shop in 1984.
Lots changed in the business since then — and not for the better.
First there was Blockbuster and other corporate chains. Then Netflix allowed people to bypass a store completely.
Now anyone with an Xbox and a Netflix subscription can stream movies directly to their TV.
Heck, even Video Business, the industry’s leading trade magazine, has gone the way of the dinosaur.
Yet, in the true spirit of the mom and pop business owner, Achille has survived.
He sat down with the Valley Indy last week to chat about his remarkable staying power.
Valley Independent Sentinel: How do you keep up with the competition such as Blockbuster, Hollywood Video and Netflix?
Bob Achille: It’s very difficult to be only in the new release business. We did VCR repairs over the years and warranty stuff. Also, a typical Blockbuster or Hollywood video has 5,000 movies. We have 17,000 movies. We are able to stay competitive because we also transfer VHS home movies to DVD. It’s one of the things that has really picked up.
Valley Indy: Why would someone rent or buy a movie from you when they can get it online?
Achille: Some people like having a movie in hand instead of trying to download it. Or they like coming into a video store to purchase a movie. Some people do not trust using their charge card online. Others are surprised at the selection of VHS here.
Valley Indy: Does anyone still rent VHS tapes?
Achille
The VHS is one of the unique qualities of the store. The reason is to attract clients who still prefer VHS and to have a product that other stores don’t have. It is one of the attractions that is bringing in some of the customers.
Valley Indy: What are some of the hard-to-find titles you carry on VHS?
Achille: Rare titles like “Breeders,” and “Mass Appeal” with Jack Lemmon can be spotted on our shelves. Music videos with Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Paula Abdul and Men at Work. “Five Mile Creek,” “Sasquatch,” “Gone in 60 Seconds” (original version) also are rare. Having many of the old Godzilla movies draws in a certain clientele.
Valley Indy: Who comes in here?
Achille: Neighborhood people, movie connoisseurs, even students who have to do book reports. College students will come in for movies they can see only on VHS. Seniors also take advantage of the $1.00 movies that are last chance to view.
Valley Indy: What about horror movie fans?
Achille: Yup, we have one of the largest horror movie selection. We have all the “Friday the 13th” movies.
Valley Indy: How many “Friday the 13th” movies are there?
Achille: I don’t actually know because it gets confusing when it becomes “Jason vs. Freddy.” All I can say is we have them all.
Valley Indy: Let’s talk movies. Favorite?
Achille: Probably “When Harry Met Sally.”
Valley Indy: Why?
Achille: First of all, it doesn’t scare me. I like the happy ending and it’s a comedy.
Valley Indy: That rules out my next question — your favorite comedy.
Achille: Well, that would be it. But if I had to pick another, it would be “Life of Brian.”
Valley Indy: Best date movie?
Achille: I don’t know if I’m qualified for that.
Valley Indy: You have sold a lot of movies over the years. Surely, you must have seen a lot of people picking up movies on Friday or Saturday to perhaps watch with a date with some Chinese food?
Achille: Maybe. “The Wedding Singer“ did well. “Pretty Woman” is up there too.
Valley Indy: How did you get that picture of Pamela Anderson and her bustier on the wall near the entrance?
Achille: Her boots and hat are there too. I was at a convention and there was a pinball machine contest. The winner with the highest score got to win a pinball machine based on the movie “Barb Wire.” I played and came back four days later. I had the second highest score. I asked why I didn’t get anything for the second highest score — so they let me pick the items from the movie.
Achille: Just that for the best selection, customer service, best prices, I don’t know another place that compares. When you come in here, it is truly owner operated. You know, I delivered the “Sentinel” like other kids. That little thing of collecting money was the little seed in waiting to have a business of my own.
Video 7 Entertainment is open Monday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Prices: Three VHS tapes, $7 for seven 14 days. DVD new releases, one for $4 (two days) or three for $10 (two days). Older DVDs, three for $10 (seven days).
Late fees: $1.89 per day for new release DVDs, .94 per day for older DVDs, .94 per week for VHS tapes.
The store can be reached at 203 – 924-7777 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
