Culture

Videomatica To Close: Vancouver Video Store Closing Summer 2011

by NowPublic Staff | May 6, 2011 at 10:11 am

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Videomatica, one of Vancouver's best known movie rental shops, will close in the summer of 2011.

News of the Videomatica closing has shocked local movie buffs, who have relied on the store for nearly three decades.

In a city filled with movie rental chains, Videomatica was one of the city's best places to rent foreign films, classic movies, cult flicks, and Canadian cinema.

Movie rental chains like Blockbuster didn't prove to be Videomatica's downfall. It was emerging technology and a changing media landscape. Instead, the venerable indie shop couldn't compete with video-on-demand, Netflix and, of course, Bittorrent.

“There are a lot of straws on that camel’s back,” he said. “There are a tremendous number of [consumer] choices out there…many distractions, most of them free.”

When Will Videomatica close?

An exact closing date has not been given. Owners say they will shutter their doors some time this summer.

Over the year, Videomatica served a popular spot for movie lovers, including movie stars who were working in the city that is often referred to as Hollywood North. Stars like David Bowie, Julie Christie, Colin Firth, and Jodie Foster have rented movies from Videomatica. Johnny Depp had an account at the store from his days filming the TV series 21 Jump Street. Staff used to joke that he still has outstanding late fees.