What's happened
Night Owl Video has opened in Brooklyn, marking the return of physical video stores in NYC. Co-founders Aaron Hamel and Jess Mills aim to create a community space for film lovers, offering a diverse selection of titles across various formats. This comes as streaming services dominate the market, but nostalgia for video rentals persists.
What's behind the headline?
The Resurgence of Video Stores
- Nostalgia vs. Convenience: The opening of Night Owl Video taps into a nostalgic yearning for the communal experience of browsing physical media, contrasting sharply with the impersonal nature of streaming algorithms.
- Cultural Significance: This revival is not just about movies; it represents a cultural shift back to community spaces where film enthusiasts can share recommendations and experiences.
- Market Demand: The success of Night Owl, evidenced by its soft opening attracting 550 visitors, indicates a potential market for physical media amidst the dominance of digital platforms.
- Future Implications: If Night Owl thrives, it could inspire similar ventures in other cities, suggesting a possible niche market for physical media in an increasingly digital world.
What the papers say
According to J Oliver Conroy in The Guardian, Night Owl Video's slogan, 'Death to streamers! Physical media forever!' encapsulates the store's mission to revive the tactile experience of film selection. Co-founder Aaron Hamel expressed a desire to recreate the joy of browsing, stating, 'I used to love going to Kim's [Video] and Videology.' Meanwhile, Ben Cost from the NY Post highlighted the store's unique inventory, noting that it offers titles unavailable on streaming platforms, which resonates with customers like Dwayne Mendez, who remarked, 'On Netflix, you’re never going to find anything that you’re searching for.' This sentiment reflects a broader frustration with the limitations of streaming services, reinforcing the relevance of Night Owl Video in today's media landscape.
How we got here
The decline of physical video stores began with the rise of streaming services, leading to the closure of iconic locations like Blockbuster and Kim's Video. Night Owl Video's opening reflects a growing interest in tangible media and community engagement among cinephiles.
Go deeper
- What titles are available at Night Owl Video?
- How does Night Owl compare to streaming services?
- What other video stores have closed in NYC?
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New York is a state in the Northeastern United States. New York was one of the original thirteen colonies that formed the United States. With more than 19 million residents in 2019, it is the fourth-most-populous state.
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Brooklyn is a borough of New York City, coterminous with Kings County, located in the U.S. state of New York. It is the most populous county in the state, the second-most densely populated county in the United States, and New York City's most populous bor