I first discovered this absolute gem in Clifton when I moved to Bristol to go to university. With my halls of residence just around the corner, this couldn't have been more convenient for a film buff such as myself. Back at home I had only had Blockbuster to keep me entertained, and although that was fine for most, I really craved more original films and generally just a wider selection.
20th Century Flicks can only be described as the Aladdin's Cave of film. From the outside it doesn't look like it can possibly contain that many films, but from the moment you step inside you are overwhelmed with the tightly packed DVD spines stacked against each possible surface. There are clearly marked sections, such as horror, sci-fi etc etc, everything you'd expect to find, but there is also a highly valuable area in which the staff themselves have recommended slightly more interesting films. This sort of knowledge makes a video shop (I know it's all DVD now, but it doesn't sound right not referring to it as a video shop, does it?) the kind of place you know you'll always find something good to watch. The staff have even written their own small information cards that have been put inside the DVD case so you can read what their comments are.
My only criticism of this wonderful establishment would be that on occasion it can be hard to hunt down a film you're after. On the other hand, as soon as you ask a member of staff, they find it within seconds. There is a wholly comprehensive search engine, which is also available on their website, enabling you to not only find what you're after but also if it's available and what rating it has been given.
The staff really make this place what it is, besides from the actual movies that is. A while ago some friends and I fancied a trip down memory lane and request a lot of old VHS, which amazingly they had stashed away in a cupboard just on the street! Some poor chap went trawling through just to get us what we wanted, but it was worth it and we fully appreciated it. That's excellent customer service for you.
Price wise some may argue that this is quite steeply priced, just shy of £4 for the latest releases for one night. I would say in response to such a comment, that actually for the service you are given, and the sheer range of items that are available, this is a bargain. You will be unable to leave empty handed, and I would be pretty surprised if you could leave with just one movie.
You know a rental shop is truly excellent when you ask yourself if there has ever been an occasion on which they didn't have the title you were after, and the answer is no, no matter how obscure. read more