Hey Minty! Former Blockbuster manager here. You did a marvelous job. I'm happy for you that you got your home back to yourself and your store better than ever. And yes, the gumball thing is true.
You say you’re an old video store employee. Does that mean that you’re either a: Long time employee of a video store Employee of an old video store Used to be an employee of a video store long ago Or, and old perso … let’s skip this option.
As an Australian - it was a huge nostalgia trip seeing all those big plastic shell VHS cases you have! I’m 36, so I am the perfect age to have grown up on that era. I love your video store!
As much as i appreciate the blockbuster memories, when i think back on video stores, the best thing was always the little mom and pop stores. Each one was slightly different because they decorated it how they wanted it. Like one nearby and actually late 90s, the owner was into horror, so there was all kinds of 'flair' set up around the old building and they had wires running through so, when the door opened, they all made something happen. Some had arcade cabinets in them, some were just so retro like because they rented an old building. I was mostly there to rent video games. And if no one was looking... peek behind the curtain into the adult section. If you never rented an NES game or snuck a peek behind the curtain, then you ain't and 80s/90s kid.
That feeling... walking around as a kid (for ages)... picking the movie u wanted to watch... taking it to your parent... "can I have this one"... ahhh ❤❤ Great Job Minty... 🤩🔥🤩
Ah, yes. That feeling of wandering around the aisles on the lookout for something to watch. Going to the video store was, in itself, an event - the prelude to watching a movie.
My brother worked at 3 different blockbusters as manager,I showed him this and he was tickled pink,said you did a great job, just need the return chute! Thanks for the nostalgia trip,you are our Saturday morning cartoons now!
Dude, I love watching your reviews. Sorry to hear about the flooding and all the problems that come with it. It sounds like you're managing to cope with it all just fine. Wishing you all the best from up here in Scotland.
Loving the rambling non-scripted commentary. It's so natural and your true personality is coming across way better buddy, not that the reviews are bad it's just pretty good to get a chance to hear the real deal and you sharing a big part of your life with us. Thank you this has been interesting.
Good on you Minty, sorry to hear about the flood but well done on the rebuild, you have done a great job. My DVD's are all packed into a laundry cabinet, so this must make life easier for viewing. Cheers mate.
Oh wow, that is freaking awesome! Love your attention to detail (especially the large Blockbuster rug). It looks like a complete labor of love. Serious bummer about your flood losses.
What an awesome collection! I just started collecting Blockbuster stuff 3 years ago and documenting it on video recently at the request of the wife and a couple friends. Love to see other people also still love Blockbuster.
Absolutely gorgeous. Pure fun nostalgia. Nothing will ever beat the feel of the video store I agree. Minty, you made lemonade out of lemons. You didn't give up but we're motivated into making it into something better and look more genuine. Video stores, not just blockbuster, bring many good memories. I smile every time I remember being told my friends and I could go to the vid o store and pick any movie to watch over the weekend. Buying the classic popcorn, candy and everything else was a great experience.
This is amazing!! You've brought back so many childhood memories!! As an aside, I actually really like the Gremlin kind of hidden, because it makes him look more sneaky, and it reminds me of the Gremlins ride at Movie World as they were tearing up the film reels! Well done, Minty - thank you for putting the time and energy into preserving these precious artefacts and sharing them with us!
I remember renting NES games hoping they were good. And i rented "Big Trouble in Little China" a bunch of times. Also, when Batman Returns released in theaters, i had my father drop me off so i could watch it. I bought myself a ticket because i liked the 89 movie so much and wanted to see the new one.
I miss the days of renting movies/games. Sure it was less convenient, but the experience of going to blockbuster on a Friday night with friends was the best part.
Also, the US used to have the big plastic cases at the start of the VSH era, then switched to the smaller cardboard. I'm pretty sure Disney never changed and always had the large plastic cases.
After watching this awesome video I realised in the UK we got vhs released three different ways, the large cases were mainly used for rental the smaller ones were used mainly for commercial purposes and the cardboard boxes were mainly used for budget releases and cartoons. Keep it awesome minty.
omg! 😀 love it!! brings back wonderful memories. I was one if those customers that spent hours just hanging out at the video store endlessly discussing movies with the employees. We gave excellent recommendations to undecided browsers, and, my favourite thing, was when someone would ask.... what's that movie? based on the slimmest clues. That is an amazing collection. When all the Blockbusters folded in America, they literally threw away all the fixtures into dumpsters. Lighted window signs, Blockbuster carpeting, shelves, and drop boxes. I wish I had grabbed some stuff (for you). You should have a rack of movie snack boxes. BOXES with the vintage markings. Microwave popcorn, Goobers, Raisinets, Mike'n'Ikes, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Red Hots, Milk Duds, and Red Vines. Also, those plastic employee nametags, and laminated membership cards.
GREAT job on the video store Minty,glad you're back home,so sad to hear about the flooding and losing your vhs/dvd movies,but,you bounced back with a vengance.The good ole days of Hollywood Video and Blockbuster Video,miss those days,thanks for the nostalgia ride.
Cool. My dad had a video store in the 80s. Small as it was and as short as its time was. Still, I have a year's worth or memories from that place. Wish I was older then to give him more decorative advice. Given my age and small country Australian town upbringing, I would have built a Video Ezy replica.
The Gumball thing was so true! I never won one as a kid, but i always wanted to. The video store looks great. My boyfriend and i also have a massive movie collection, and we refuse to get rid of them. Having the physical copy means so much more than being able to stream it. Hats off to ya, for having dust-free shelves. Everything is so pristine. I would love for you do to a "10 Things You Didn't Know about Mean Girls" during October. Since October 3rd is such an iconic date in that movie! 😂
@@powerbadpowerbad Yes they do...however you will feel ripped off after you do. Like video games they dont pay much, in fact its insulating what they offer.
I have a large collection of movies as well. I'm not knocking on streaming, because I do that as well. But I get a whole different feeling when I pop a DVD in the player as opposed to streaming
So cool to see you rebuilt your Video Store! Love your attitude and enthusiasm! My Favorite Friday night family thing to do is go to the video store with the kids to get new movies to watch. Such a simple but wonderful memories.
Wow! What an amazing trip down memory lane. I have such fond memories of visiting my local Blockbuster store. I enjoyed this so much. 🥰 Thank you so much for sharing. 🙏🏼❤️✨
Good on you, man. That you didn't milk the situation and try to run go-fundme's or anything like that. You took care of your own problem and handled it behind the scenes. Mass respect from me for that. Your video store is beautiful, except it could use more lighting. All you have to do now is get a popcorn machine, if just for effect and atmosphere (I loved smelling popcorn in the air every time I went to the video rental store). What a fun project that I could only ever dream to replicate. I just don't have the means, but that's fine, I'll just watch videos like this one and enjoy it through you.
What sad news followed by incredible news!!! Your store looks amazing! I'd love to take my kids and go rent from your place and have them experience that magic we experienced back in the day 😂
That must have been a very stressful time for you, it must have been a complete shock when it happened. So to move back after being away while work was being down, then having the minset to do the Video store again, is amazing. I have a huge collection here in the UK, my biggest problem is space. Otherwise I would love to build my own video store, I love watching how people create them in their homes. I miss video stores, over here in England we have virtually zero. Maybe one or two in a village that still have private ones. I loved renting movies by how good the cover looked, renting out Console Games. I have a strange feeling, we may see the return of Video stores in the future. I just think Physical Media will not vanish, who wants to own a movie that you can phisically have displayed. Awesome Video store and so happy you got to rebuild your store.
Glad to see the repairs are complete and your back home. And your video store looks even more AWESOME! I'm very impressed with the collection and variety not only of film but where they came from. Also all the displays, games, and memorabilia really makes it all come together. Great Job Sir!
You should be proud Minty. It's awesome. it shows a lot of hard work and love went into creating Blockbuster video in your garage. I have the same feelings you have about video/game store rentals.
Brother Minty, you have turned my lifelong fantasy into a reality. I am 42 and I still dream of doing this very thing. If my gf and I are ever able to afford a place of our own, this is going to become a reality for us, too. Minty, your videos always make me smile. Even when I'm having a bad day. Thank you for the years of effort you've put forth for us fans!
I'm in Germantown Wisconsin. Born and raised since 1986. And the free rental with the special gumball was a thing indeed. Some gumballs were stamped with a star and the words free rental! Some times the star was replaced with a film roll! I think it is amazing what you did in your garage. Especially living where you do as you get the rarer copies of these things. It would make anyone's day who has ever walked into a blockbuster or family video here in the states and blow their mind the more they look around. Honestly I think you could go a step further and sell tours. Love your videos love you stay strong!
Great tour Mark, it felt like I was right there with you looking around the place! Those grey arrows haunt us all, but I have no doubt that you'll be back in the green soon!
AMAZING! I'm immediately signed up for a lifetime membership:):) James Rolfe would be PROUD! I ADORE watching vintage video store commercials--the singing in them ALWAYS gets me and makes me wish I could still get tapes from Harbor Audio Video, Blockbuster, and Movie Gallery:):) THESE days I just get them off one of my bedroom shelves! I recognize SO MANY of those titles:):)
Wouldn't it be cool if James Rolfe and Minty did a video together? But that would be difficult to arrange. Either Minty would have to travel to the states or James would have to catch a bird to Australia. Or you could meet halfway in Hawaii? In any case, it wouldn't be cheap.
@@BigAL68xyz They'd have to do it over Skype unless James wanted to see Australia or Minty wanted to see America, but they'd ROCK in a video together talking about their childhood at the video store:):):)
I love your positivity man being driven and having vision is something a lot of people don't understand but clearly you do . I do truly believe you are destined for even bigger greater things 🤘🤓 Nerdcore Hardcore
This looks absolutely great. It's always nice to have a way to relive your memories. I myself would love to have a room dedicated to the age of arcade game rooms. Love the standing arcade.
You did an amazing job on this 🤩. I'm also an 80s baby and this really takes me back to visiting video stores every weekend with my dad and brother. P.s.: I saw how you had Super Mario Bros movie on top shelf 🤩
Hello from Canada! absolutely loved this tour. As a 90s kid, we had a blockbuster in our city, but the locally-owned family store ran them out of business. Always loved that!
I will never forget the smell of the Blockbuster store near me. It was a unique blend of videotape plastic, cardboard from the covers, and carpet deodorizer. My favorite section was always the video game section. Good times.
Out of everyone on RU-vid that I've ever come across, Minty you are the coolest. You and Simon Whistler are the 2 I'd have a beer with! Love the channel man! Thanks for all that you do!
I'm so sorry you had to go through all that but you've got such a great attitude about it! The store looks amazing and I can tell how much love you have for this aspect of your childhood. It was a great trip down memory lane for me too. Blockbuster was not available in my small home town but we did have a local video store...and I still have my membership card lol!
I basically grew up in video stores. In the early 80s, I remember how big a deal it was when we could get a movie we liked and watch it whenever we wanted. I miss it.
I have so many warm memories going to the video stores renting games and movies every week. It was truly one of the most relaxing and comforting times of my life.
What do you want to add? May I suggest some strung LEDs for the ceiling. Also maybe a couple small old school tv vcr combos playing trailers or a promo vhs. Man what a fun hobby
Amazing collection Minty! I am glad your collection wasn't too badly damaged in the flood and the arcade machines are still ok. Brings me back to the good ol' times. Thank you for sharing this.
I worked at 2 different video stores back in the day, a family owned store that started by selling Atari 2600 games back in the early 80's called Video Explosion but was sadly put out of business when Blockbuster moved into the neighborhood. I managed Hollywood Video for years which was very similar to Blockbuster and a direct competitor here in the U.S. Great job preserving the look and feel of a video store!!!
Fuckin Lucky.... not many of us get to just check off one of the biggest / challenging bucket list items . This is amazing. You can travel back in time in your own home, good on you Minty!!! Much love from Los Angeles brother!!!
I love the video store brother Minty! You are right... definitely a magic time to go in looking for treasures to take home and watch... those were the days
Minty, much respect and love from austria. I am in tears. Video Stores were my childhood and teenage years! I wish i had the space to create something beautiful as you did!
Awesome stuff! Love this. Such a nostalgia trip. I like streaming but there's nothing that can replace waling around, looking at the back of the box of a movie/game. It was such great times and it's awesome you were able to set your store up again.
Youve got an excellent and faithful reproduction of all the blockbusters I frequented in my youth! Thank you for the tour, it was lovely. I'm sorry to hear about that flood, what a nightmare! You made it through though... That's what counts
What a great video! So glad to see the video store back in order. There is something about recreating an experience that is special and you capture perfectly! Just watching this video made me smell the odor of fresh popcorn that is slowly going stale and butter!
Thanks for sharing !! My favorites were your Blob fragment, and that Carrie VHS in the Stephen King set on the bottom shelf I thought had a very striking looking cover design ! Nice work.
Awesome mate👍 Ahh the memories . I too had a flood out of my garage bloody Melbourne weather . Glad to see you got it up and running again mine is still a work in progress lol,but would love a set up like this!!!
You should be proud of it Minty, that was terrific. Loved the Inner space video, any chance you could do a ten thing about Fantastic voyage, love that movie. Thanks Minty, 🇦🇺❤️🇬🇧❤️
Love it Minty! You’ve done a great job with the video store and it looks like quite an ordeal going through that flood and having to rebuild. Always look forward to your videos, even if I don’t particularly care for the movie, I just enjoy watching you!
When I used to work at a Blockbuster, we could play G rated or PG rated videos in the store for customers to watch. A short time after I started working there it was mandatory for all Blockbuster video stores to play a promotion video on a loop over and over and over again. I think it was Leonard Maltin doing and talking about some new releases. It was in mind numbing to hear the same thing over and over.
Haha. As a customer, I remember that. I even remember when Walmart used to do the same thing with G or PG rated new releases. They don't do that anymore.
Great tour, brings back some great memories of when I owned a video store back in the early 90's about 2-3 times the size of your garage. You're missing the popcorn machine in the corner though and free popcorn with every 3rd purchase. Keep up the great work, and glad you got the garage sorted!
Minty this is just a terrific video AND accomplishment! A flood and yet you remain unbowed. Legend. I really like that your personality especially shines through in this video!
Oh, my Godness. Such a great achievement.. If I were you, I'd sell tickets to get inside that "unusual Museum".. Shall We say. I enjoyed very much watching your Video. Keep on posting and Greetings from Spain 👍
Listen you are younger than I am and I cannot agree more that the kids today really missed out on that experience. That is a real fun way to store and display all of your movies. Were there not so many poisonous and venomous everything over there I'd love to come visit, but alas I'll keep enjoying her on the RU-vids. Thanks for sharing!
Great collection! I'm impressed. Loved to see a kinda "Blockbuster/video store" type of place. Great work! I'm an old school. I truly miss going to a Blockbuster or Video Store to walk around looking at movie cases and rent a movie.
Great tour! I appreciate your dedication to the classic movie industry. It’s got a special place in my heart too! I loved visiting my Blockbuster and we also had a family owned location that my friend worked at. It always seemed like the coolest job ever!!
