Videomatica

Surprised I haven't written a review yet, but - Videomatica is one of the great Vancouver institutions for cinephilia, and even despite its shuttering as a rental service on what is now almost a decade, it still provides a wonderful gateway into the drug that is the art film. You can find a repository of genre flicks (from labels such as Vinegar Syndrome, 88 Films, and Arrow Video) as well as from boutique labels designating classic and contemporary releases (here's looking at you, Criterion) - and, so long as you're keenly aware that Videomatica sells both Region A and Region B Blu-rays, you'll find that their selection is pretty curated toward the discerning film lover and film student. Plus, their staff is there to engage with any questions you may have about the release at hand, so feel free to ask away - you may later find you've walked away with some real treasures beyond what subscription services like Netflix have to offer. Their prices are admittedly not as competitive as Amazon's might be, but they definitely don't buy their wares from Amazon either - which is evident by the typically pristine condition of their new offerings (as opposed to the sometimes slipshod condition of Amazon's shipments). Perhaps the only real omission, if you so choose to consider it as such, is that Videomatica doesn't offer literature on cinema beyond the occasional Arrow Book releases and brochures on the local cinemas in Vancouver - as far as I am aware. However, in terms of films - they have a great selection, and if they don't immediately have what you're looking for and it's in print, they can order it for you. I'd recommend Videomatica pretty highly, overall - it's a great store, with great staff who legitimately care about the products they specialize in. That's pretty rare to find these days. -- P.S. Follow their Twitter and Instagram - they often post new inventory and sales information there, and every once in a while there's a pop-up shop installed from the likes of Vinegar Syndrome as well.

Easily the best selection of Blu Ray's and DVD's in Vancouver. Tons of Criterion, all the new critically acclaimed, and a large section of cult classics. Benefit of sharing a building with a record store so its truly a collectors paradise. I'll be coming back here plenty.

This is absolutely my favorite spot in Vancouver, a candy store for cinephilles, prices are fair and let you know they appreciate the gold they sell. If you love film an absolute must in town.

Great little video store and they have some popular and underrated labels as well. Could spend hours in there. In a time when video stores are disappearing and streaming is slowly destroying physical media, it sure is a delight to see a video store like this one. Some great collection in there and they even had some rare LPs in there for $5 a piece!

The BEST video store in Vancouver, period. Have a killer cult and criterion section and are always getting in the films you can’t find anywhere else. Happy these guys are still in business during the pandemic! Liking the new digs for sure. Saw they had “Memories of Murder” on blue-ray so I rushed over at lunch to buy it, ended up chatting to the person behind the desk for a while about Bo Joon-Ho. Great people, great shop!

Been renting from here since Blockbuster days. Amazing selection of classic films. My sister and I would rent all the old MGM, Fred Astaire, and Gene Kelly movies. They carry a lot of films that arent digitized and therefore cant be streamed. Great candy selection too. Love this place. A Van City gem.

I will no longer be coming to your store. I was in today and purchased my 999 blu-ray. I was hoping to break 1000 and I wanted it to be special. Life aquatic Criterion jumped out at me. I keep getting bombarded by Black Friday Sale flyers so I asked if they had a sale or one coming up. They said yes next weekend…I asked the two guys behind the counter if they could offer the discount today. One guy nodded his head no and the other guy chuckled and said I guess not, he’s my manager today. That said to me - if Mr. No wasn’t their I would have gotten the sale price and I could have celebrated with you on my 1000 blu-ray. I got in my car and drove 35 minutes to come into the store today to celebrate a personal achievement with a business I’ve chosen to support more than a few times on my way to 1000. I left feeling disrespected and like my 1000 blu-ray mile stone was tainted. I regret buying let me in. Why support local when Amazon sells them cheaper and I have no emotion good or bad towards them. I can’t believe I let my 1000 blu-ray day get ruined. Ya’ll take care.

5 Juumon points ~ I love horror movies and classics, So this place is a real treat with a wide selection! I love the atmosphere and the inside even though I am dorky I feel super cool! I love checking out places like this with friends or just on my own. Thanks again, have a good one!!!