This place has movie fans working in it so you can count on them knowing many an obscure film you may be looking for. Theres a great selection. My major complaint with this store is charging full price per day on late fees. In an age of netflix that just isn't acceptable. Also, they have not replaced enough of their old VHS tapes with DVD. They have started to stock Blu-Ray at least. read more

I moved back to L.A. from Seattle after living there for 5 years, and after shopping/renting from Scarecrow Video for all of those 5 years. When I moved back I researched video stores to see if I could find something comparable to Scarecrow. Vidiots is as close as I got, however, it does not even come close. I was quite disappointed, considering that it is La La Land and I was expecting so much more. The store is quite small and they do not carry, and seem to not be able to get their hands on, some of the best foreign directors' stuff. So unlike Scarecrow, where they will most likely have what you're looking for, no matter how obscure, and if they don't, they will find it and special-order it for you. I suppose that Vidiots can be considered the best video store in town considering your other options are most likely Hollywood and Blockbuster, but to me it's much more convenient and efficient to just have Netflix. read more

Listen. This is the single most important resource for film buffs in Los Angeles. If this place burned to the ground it would be a national tragedy. It takes some serious business savvy to keep an independent ANYTHING open these days, but a video store? Take a couple of minutes and look around. You'll see what twenty years in the business brings you - depth. And that's what you want in a video store. Yeah, Hollywood Video has 1500 copies of NORBIT. So what? You're looking for your favorite episode of "Dark Shadows" and there it is! Yeah, they charge you money to rent. It's a business, remember. And the people behind the counter know more about Fellini than "World of Warcraft", and that's what you want. Really, you do. read more

I love this place they have a huge selection and if you rent movies often you can do a monthly plan that allows you to get up to 3 movies at a time anytime you want plus no late fees!! It's worth it if you keep ur movies to long like I have a tendency to do. Next thing you know your redbox movies end up costing you over 10 because you forgot to return them the next day!! Not only do they have a great selection but they have a super knowledgable staff that will help you find any movie ur looking for. A++ read more

This place is like a video library. I wish they had a list of all their videos on their website, because it might bring in more business for the rarities. Seems like they've been around long enough to inventory their selection and there is always a lot of staff hanging around on weekend nights. The one quirk I have with this place is that I cannot always trust that the movie will be the full director's cut. For example, I recently rented Slumdog Millionaire from Vidiots, and it had some important scenes edited out. I know this is the cases with some DVDs because the distributor wants people to buy it for themselves. The thing is, Vidiots wasn't aware and the staff were pretty adamant that it was not missing scenes. Alas...they have lost some credibility in my book. I can get most of the movies I want to rent at the library if I'm patient enough. with a 2 week rental. read more

Musty, like a sarcophagus. Selection of foreign films like a Vegas buffet (good thing). Very liberal rental policy. If I lived closer, I would definitely be a local. For now a combo of Netflix and Blockbuster whets my appetite. read more

The Brit has countless friends who visit from back home which can often leave us playing tour guide to the lovely land of sunshine, but sometimes, there's nothing better than sitting around, having a drink and chatting about movies you really enjoy. On one such evening when "The Mule" was visiting, we got to talking about "Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels." Our conversation left us craving for the sights of the film and lines of British cynicism and humor. Being a card carrying Blockbuster member we thought for sure we'd have no trouble finding such a classic film, but were sadly slapped with reality when it was no where to be found in the blue and yellow corporate entity. What was worse was when we asked the pimply faced clerk where the film might be if not seen on the shelves and he replied saying he thought he'd heard of the film but wasn't really sure. We all tried to laugh it off, but we knew we were wondering how we're now "that old." And, hence, this whole thing brought the three of us to Vidiots. Wide eyed and eager, we feasted our eyes on the dusty racks full of films we once forgot, films we've loved, sitcoms long lost and plenty more uniquities to delight a lazy evening. Good thing I was there to convince The Brit to get the membership since it's totally worth it, AND they gave us a free recyclable friendly bag (they were out of stock, but gladly gave it to us later). Now we can grocery shop and proudly show our local (sell out) support to the little guy. I'm a sucker and a sell out for the right places and the right stuff! On a recent trip I discovered there are free books on the counter for the taking with poetry or photos contained inside! FREE! I love free. And The Brit is happy to know that they've got all the shows he loved as a wee child in the land of Kings and The Queen. Vidiots makes everyone happy. read more

This place is better than Cinefile, better than Rocket Video, better than that place in Pasadena, and head, shoulders, and waist above the Blockbusters and Hollywood Videos of the world (or at least the Los Angeles area). It is the KCRW of video stores--flaunting the most eclectic collection of films I have seen in a very, very long time. read more

I've been to L.A.'s top rental stores and Vidiots is definately at the top--it has a huge selection along with an awesome atmosphere. What's not to like? read more

Vidiots truly is as good as it gets. An independent video rental (and purchase) store, with a great selection of videos. Glad to be a lifetime member -- they are the best. I can pick up the latest movie release, or a silent classic, or an obscure foreign film or documentary. The people that work there are very knowledgeable about films & always willing to help. Plus now they teach classes there & have an annex to rent for viewings or meetings. Vidiots is one of a kind & that's a GOOD thing. Let's support them, yelpers! read more

used to live down the st. from this place. Love it, but I wish they were a little cheaper for there membership. I would still have one if not for that. They have a great selection of movies. read more

Great space for screening. We were screening the rough cut of our indie feature and it was easy to book, the space was comfortable, Cathy was very helpful- as was in store staff. We had a brief noise issue with the neighbors playing music but it was swiftly resolved. We are definitely using this space for the second upcoming screening. Very accommodating! read more

The best place to rent and/ or buy dvd's including blu-Ray. Amazing collection, knowlegible staff and cinema-related classes offered.

I love this place. I rent movies kind of often and there colection is really unique. This place is like going to a movie temple where people really care and love movies. read more

Oh I love Vidiots! This is dvd rental store, so the clerks should be creeps, right? But no, they are a bunch of people who love movies and are willing to tell you their favorites, as they lead you to what you thinking about renting. Great selection of off-beat films. I go here the most for classic horror movies during October. Who else has "Bad Ronald"? I'll be back. read more

Selection is first rate for a videofile. 10s of thousands of titles. Don't expect them to have 10 copies of the newest teen release though. That is not why this store exists. Lots of titles is. I have pulled a 1000 DVDs from Vidiots over the past few years. I watch a lot obviously and use a good DVD player. Only two of the titles I have rented were damaged enough that I could not clean and then watch them. DVD damage at Vidiots is rare and they refund anyway, so no sweat. read more

In the sea of stupidity we live in today, a store like this reminds me that not everyone breathes through their mouth. A huge selection of foreign and independent films, many of which you simply won't find in other places. Couple that with a knowledgeable staff and you have a truly endangered species - a store where the people actually know more than you about what they sell. If you like to watch movies with your pants on your head, Netflix or Redbox is perfect for you. If you're curious what your brain is actually for, give this place a shot. read more

A really great video store, almost the best, but is second best to Cinefile (http://www.yelp.com/biz/cinefile-video-los-angeles#hrid:LfH7NnTS1mC_5KuSbGMtiA/query:cinefile) I love how they group and classify some of their movies. It takes a while to get used to the setup, but you will appreciate it even more after you get the jist of it. read more

I've had a membership with Vidiots for 20 years. The selection is nothing short of impressive. Simply LOVE this place. There isn't a film that's obscure enough for this place. If it exists, they have it! read more

2.5 stars. First of all ... six stars for their collection. Amazing! And the staff is nice. If I could change their late policy this would be a wonderful wonderful video store. It is just too darn stressful to stress about a video that's about to be another five bucks when all you want do is wash the dishes and chill out and you realize neither of you rememberd to return it in the morning. At my sister's little video store they waive the late feel half the time, other times they take a dollar or two off, they're just always giving her a little break. And the vibe is so friendly in there. I wish vidiots would just chill out about this. Late fees make people grouchy. Great videos make people happy. Vidiots could be singlehandedly responsible for reducing the grouch factor and raising the happy factor for so many people. Oh please oh please vidiots, be cool and friendly about late fees. Live with less profit and a zillion times better store. read more

one of the last remaining independent video stores from the days of vhs & betamax. great selection of rarities although the way the store is organized may take a while getting used to. helpful and knowledgeable staff on hand to assist in navigation and selection. they also host random mini-film fests. read more

Glad that there is at least one great video rental place still open. If you're looking for some classic silent era films, documentaries and more obscure movies that you'll never find in a Redbox, then this is the place. If you still have that old VHS player, then you can make the most of it with this selection of tapes. They also have a lot of DVDs as well too to choose from. Their new release section is also decent. In the times that I've rented movies, I've always had a pleasant experience here and the staff has never acted snooty to me, unlike some now long gone video stores. read more

Vidiots would get 5 stars even if it wasn't one of the few remaining bricks and mortar movie rental places. Helpful people, great selection, local neighborhood vibe, and reasonably easy parking. read more

Thorough as one would expect from an independent video store in Screenland... however it is striking to me how they will never, ever, under any circumstances give you a break on late rentals or late fees, which are substantial(the cost of the rental itself). I was compelled to write a review because tonight I am not feeling well, so I asked if I could return the videos before open of business tomorrow and was met with the curt reply, "They're due tonight." I am a lifetime member and have spent God-only-knows how much money here. It's not like I ask this every time I don't want to shag ass to the video store, but this was an extenuating circumstance. It's kind of like your favorite bar never giving the occasional free beer to a loyal patron. This kind of rigidity one would expect from your Local Corporate Video Store, not your indie haven (which incidentally is treading water because of Netflix). That's all. read more

excellent selection but get prepared to get reamed on late charges.

I must apologize for underratings of my fellow Yelpers. This place really is a 5 star, dump of a video store. What it lacks in a simplified, Blockbusteresque membership policy, it makes up for in its selection. Here's the reason behind Vidiots' membership policy: They know that if they only rented videos on a video-by-video basis they wouldn't make as much money. I'd be wiling to bet that a significant portion of their clientele are first- or farbetween-timers. That is, Joe the Plumber needs a one-time-use-only instructional video on pipe fitting -- he's never been to Vidiots before, but he'll go there because he has a feeling that Vidiots is the only place on Earth (except for a hardware store or the Library of Congress) that has that video. It's simple economics, really. I'm surprised that Netflix hasn't run them out of business. Wait, no I'm not. Vidiots, "We have more items of insignificance than the Library of Congress." Vidiots, "Because we know you'll pay." read more

Great place. They usually have what I'm looking for as well as a variety of more obscure stuff, all in useful categories ("asian horror," "biker films," "based on the works of Stephen King"). Not the biggest selection in town, but an extremely helpful, knowledgable and friendly staff (take note, Cinefile). read more

One of the best video stores in the US. They know and love movies and have an incredible back catalogue.

Looking for a movie Blockbuster didn't have I came here. Used to blockbuster's lax return policy, I admittedly spaced on returning the movie. I was not at all prepared for the insane daily late fees, on top of a high rental fee for only two days. The lack of cooperation from the staff was also disappointing. In short, if you want a rare movie just buy it on Amazon. I could have gotten for $10 ($5 more than rental fee) what I ultimately paid $66 for. And had the real DVD jacket with it. read more

I have been coming here for a few years and recently got to see David O. Russell live in the store. I'm a big fan and Vidiots even has a section for all of his movies. Sometimes it's good to be able to browse for movies in person and stumble on something unexpected! read more

Vidiots is a Los Angeles LANDMARK. Gone are the days of casually perusing through a video store and finding new and forgotten gems - but they continue to live on day-in and day-out at Vidiots. An edgy, '80s style Video Store that is so punk rock with their selection it'll make your head spin. Vidiots has a unique style of categorizing all-to-their-own; from directors to actors, eclectic genres to staff picks all on VHS, DVD, New Releases & Blu-ray. I have a Netflix & Hulu Plus account and I use them routinely (I killed cable!) but those services are quick fixes - while fun, it's truly not as rewarding. Going to Vidiots is an experience - it takes a little effort on one's part to willingly visit this landmark (and you should!!) then get yourself lost in the thousands of movies they have to choose from. At the very least, I go once a week to support and rent from Vidiots - Sunday is a good 5 movies for 5 days @ $10 bucks deal - I'll generally do that if i know I have a heavy work week - this way I'm set Mon-Fri. I bought the Lifetime Membership and purchase their T-shirts every now and then - but whatever I do spend, I know my money is helping to pay the overhead the store has and helps with the staff's wages, etc. This truly is a Mom & Pop Store; well, technically, in Vidiot's case, it's a Mom & Mom Store, owned by two friends who decided to go into business together. Last but not least, they have special guest celebrities that do panels, they have Live Music and also the Vidiots Annex Film Festival - where they hold movie marathons in a large screening room (that's rentable!) along with Trivia Night! So, with all the joy I've pulled from the store and for the daily opportunity they provide Santa Monica and Los Angeles, I wanted to finally leave them a Yelp Review. May Vidiots forever live on!! read more

i've been renting at vidiots since around 1990 and though it's not the place to go if you have to score a toilet (sorry brandi) it is most definitely the place to go for films and international television series. (Borgen!) celebrate the last high brow holdout on the westside while you can. nothing lasts forever. read more

I live across the street from Vidiots, so I go in everyday. Some days I go in multiple times a day. I have the membership where I can rent as many movies as I want for a flat fee, and so this deal works out much better than having a membership with a company that I have to mail DVDs and wait for new ones to arrive in the mail. I go in every Tuesday for new releases, but I go in the rest of the week for kids' movies for my daughter, documentaries about anything and everything, old movies I should have seen but never have, wonderful formulaic romantic comedies where I don't have to think, foreign films to make up for the romantic comedies, movies I haven't seen since I was little, and whole seasons of TV shows to binge-watch. I once walked in and told the staff I had no idea what I wanted, but that I was in the mood for something "medieval feast-ish." My request was totally absurd, but the woman working was totally helpful and suggested a couple of movies that were medieval feasty, and I left happy. Everyone that works there is just as helpful, friendly, and freakishly knowledgeable. I've been a member for 10 years. This place is great. read more