What's Happening?
Sacramento is set to welcome a new video rental store, Very Good Video, opening next month. This venture, spearheaded by Jefferson Miller and Chris Emery, aims to revive the communal experience of media consumption, which they believe has been lost with
the rise of streaming services. The store will offer retail sales of VHS tapes, DVDs, Blu-rays, merchandise, and host in-store movie screenings, trivia nights, director Q+As, and film-related lectures. The co-owners envision Very Good Video as a 'third place' or clubhouse, fostering social connections around a shared love for film. The project gained significant community support, with a Kickstarter campaign quickly reaching its $30,000 goal and residents donating inventory.
Why It's Important?
The opening of Very Good Video in Sacramento signifies a potential cultural shift and a growing appreciation for physical media and community-centric spaces in the U.S. The decline of video rental stores left a void in many communities, removing a tangible point of interaction and discovery for movie enthusiasts. This new store, along with other local physical media outlets like bookstores and record shops, addresses a desire for curated experiences and social engagement that streaming services often lack. It provides an alternative to the isolating nature of digital consumption, offering a space for people to connect, discuss, and collectively experience art. This trend could also support local artists and businesses, as the store plans to feature movie posters by local artists and rent out its screening space for community events.
What's Next?
Very Good Video is scheduled for its grand opening on October 24, with plans to offer a diverse range of activities beyond rentals and sales, including digitizing services and disc cleaning. The success of this and similar ventures will likely be closely watched as an indicator of the broader viability of physical media in the digital age. If successful, it could inspire other entrepreneurs to open similar 'third place' businesses focused on niche interests and community building. The store's ability to diversify its income through events, merchandise, and other services will be crucial for its long-term stability. The co-owners' commitment to creating a social hub suggests a focus on community engagement as a key driver for sustained interest and patronage.
Beyond the Headlines
The resurgence of physical media and 'third places' like Very Good Video speaks to a deeper cultural longing for tangibility, curation, and human connection in an increasingly digital and individualized world. In an era dominated by algorithms and endless scrolling, the act of physically browsing a collection, seeking recommendations from staff, and attending communal events offers a sense of discovery and belonging that online platforms struggle to replicate. This movement can be seen as a counter-narrative to the pervasive digital consumption model, highlighting the value of shared experiences and the tactile pleasure of owning physical objects. It also underscores the importance of local businesses in creating vibrant community spaces that foster social interaction and cultural exchange, moving beyond mere commercial transactions.
