Where do Lincolnites go for movie and video game rentals?
I ask because Blockbuster is closing three of its seven locations in town. (The banners on the outside of the closing stores all amusingly say "This location only".) The soon-to-be dead stores are at 48th and Normal, 56th and Highway 2, and 16th and Q. After Hollywood Video left town, Blockbuster was the only big name left. Do folks rely on any other smaller stores? Are there any smaller stores?
I can't even remember the last time I rented a movie from a brick and mortar store. A while back we bought a Roku and started up a Netflix subscription. Who needs a video store when you have those two things?
Here's a blast from the past for you. I have fond memories of browsing the selection at Video Station at 33rd and Pioneers with my family. It was always a bit of a game to find a movie that was in stock in the format you sought. (Damn! They only have Beta!) I always wanted to get Attack of the Killer Tomatoes but my parents, for some reason, were never interested. Weirdos.
I'm looking forward to the day when all shows and games are distributed online. It's not a perfect solution -- for all kinds of reasons I won't get into here -- but it opens up a world of opportunities. Like watching reruns of The Cosby Show any time I want (which is what The Missus and I have been up to the past couple nights). Good times.
Comments
See what your friends and neighbors have to say about this.
I think it’s interesting that all 3 stores have signs that say “Store Closing. This store only”.
Ha! I have very similar memories at the same store, which I think was just called “The Video Station” or something bland like that. One time, we got to rent Fraggle Rock on a giant LaserDisc. What a treat!
Our household uses DVR (Windows Media Center) & video streaming from Netflix, Hulu, etc. on our TV. We hardly ever use the Netflix DVDs, but we use the “Watch Instantly” a lot. I always see a line at the RedBox, but I have yet to try it.
Smaller stores? Didn’t “Audio-Visual” close? “Lincoln Sound & Disc” may still be around. (??) There are still plenty of places for video games.
Redbox is okay, if they have something you want. You can reserve a DVD online, and if you end up not returning it after a period of time the replacement cost that they charge you is only a few dollars more than if you had bought it new- not some userous per day fee. We have used them on occasion, though we also stream Netflix, Hulu, and I host an internal Tversity server as well. We have Dish, too, but only because the kids watch Disney/Nick/DIscovery and a few other channels that don’t have much of a streaming presence.
We get the 2 DVD/Blu-ray package from Netflix and watch instantly on the PS3. The watch instantly option is a little limited but it
I know the Russ’s at 16th and Washington still rents movies… and I’m sure most of the other locations do as well. I also remember Super Saver used to rent, but haven’t been in there lately to verify.
Personally, I use Redbox, Hulu, and Netflix.
I get most of my movies and games from Lincoln City Libraries. They offer current movies, TV series, and games for the Wii, Xbox 360, and PlayStation.
The Blockbuster at 27th & Pine Lake can’t be far behind the others closing.
It’s space is listed on ZSA Realty Group’s web site as “‘Prime End-Cap’ Possible Opportunity”: http://tinyurl.com/4eykyxc (pdf)
It’s interesting (at least to me, since I live very near there) to see the development planned to the west on Pine Lake to accompany the strip where Jimmy John’s/ManPower/Punch/Bike Pedalers is located.
Nice catch!
All Three Sun Marts in town also have a redbox type dvd renter(called Prairie Video), only difference is they have to be returned to that specific machine, compared to redbox where you can return to anyone
I loved Video Station, especially the one at 40th and Old Cheney! In the summer we did their 4, 5, 6 special all the time, 4 movies, 5 days, 6 dollars.
Super Saver at 56th and Hwy 2 and 27th and Pine Lake both have video departments. Not sure on prices, we are on a Blockbuster hybrid plan with mailed and in-store options.
The B & R stores people all have video departments. Their rates are pretty good. We just joined NetFlix, so not sure how much we will use Russ’s anymore, but on Thursdays you can rent a new release for 3 nights for less than $4. (At least that is the case at Coddington and West A).
I rent movies from Netflix (disc and streaming), rent games from Gamefly (Netflix for games), buy computer games online through Steam (can’t remember the last time I bought a computer game through a brick&mortar;), buy video games online through Amazon (Prime account for free shipping), or local via Best Buy.
Share your thoughts with the community.
Commenting is no longer permitted on this post.