Nothing to do with the similarly named film studio, 20th Century Flicks is a small independent DVD…read moreand video rental shop. It's better than Blockbusters for so many reasons, the chief one being that they have dedicated staff who have an encyclopaedic film knowledge. You can go in, say something along the lines of 'I want that film, I think it was Hitchcock, made 1961 or maybe '64...' and they will usually be able to work out what you're looking for. They also go to the trouble of writing little cards with their opinions of the movies, which I think is a nice touch. Their library is as comprehensive, I've always been able to get what I want and kept up to date. They do a good line in ex-rental, so it's worth going along even if you don't rent much. Walking past this morning I saw Atonement on DVD for £5, a bargain. 20th Century Flicks is a good place to find a film and has a bit more of a personal touch to it, which I always appreciate.

This is quite simply the best video rental shop in Bristol. Unfortunately I live a bit too far away…read morenow, but I used to go here all the time when I was in Clifton. Why? Well, it's independent for one, which is a bonus in any walk of life. Also, the staff know what they're talking about and are all encouraged to write cards and lists recommending their faves new and old, with art house and cult hits very much to the fore, not just the latest crap from Hollywood. It's a little bit expensive but you certainly get what you pay for. And if they don't have what you want on their heaving shelves, ask at the desk as they can dig pretty much anything, however obscure, up for you from their back-up warehouse.

If you were to take away all the things that come out of my mouth that I stole from a film…read morepredominantly from the 1990's I'd be left with probably not much more than a few lines. It was in this era too that DVD really had its day - VHS was on the way out (VCD doesn't even get a mention) and mass internet downloading hadn't started yet. Thus a shop such as Hollywood Nites (spelt this way I assume purely for the gimmick factor) is a sure find for me - rammed to the hilt with such diamonds as Passenger 57, Predator and Young Guns. The deals are incredible too with such absurdities as three films for a fiver - long gone are the days of forking out £15 at HMV for but one title. These guys also buy films, consoles, controllers - anything electrical. Ideal if you've just robbed a house I suppose but let's not concern ourselves with such details. Rather, let us think of Wesley Snipes on a plane with hoards of terrorists and awful one-liners. For £2. Get in.

My two big vices (beside my Butcher shop whoring!) has to be books and films. Everytime I see a…read moreshop that looks as if it will seel either of these at a vaugley cheap price then i'm in like a shot. Hollywood nights had a stack load of films, so many on offer. Some brilliant offers as well, like buy 2 for £5 get one free! it was amazing, this is why I should never take my wallet out with me! They buy films, consoles and games off you as well, so if you need to whittle your DVD collection down a bit then this is ideal.

I have never been into a Games Workshop before, nor did I ever think that it would suit me, but…read moreafter the experience I had in this store I will definitely return again someday. While passing by I saw some Lord of the Rings items that caught my eye and so I went inside to check them out. I felt a bit out of place when I noticed that the entire store was full of men of all ages and I the only female (a bit like Penny from The Big Bang Theory when she goes into the comic book store). I was greeted warmly by the Store Manager and he quickly introduced me to the types of products that they sell and who their typical patrons are. There were displays (game tables) all over the store with completed (painted) figures and hundreds of kits in boxes with all different types of soldiers, terrains, and scenery. I have done models before, mostly cars, so I understood the basics of assembling and painting each piece of each figure and was able to join into the conversations that were going on (did you know that there are gaming clubs that take field trips to these stores? So cool!!) I did feel a bit out of the loop since I had no experience with Warhammer before, but I was glad that the Store Manager had time to explain it to me in between helping the other patrons. Whether you are a regular visitor to this store or if you are just passing by and something catches your eye (like me) you will have a very informative and welcoming experience - I guarantee it!

Another one of those great second-hand game and video stores…read more This one, as the name of the shop suggests, specialises more in games, everything from your Wii's, PS3's & Xbox 360 to your Nintendo Ds, Gameboy Advance, and even retro PC and console games. They have a small selection of pre-owned consoles and controllers. Be prepared to be looking for quite a while if there is something specific you are after as everything is a little ramshakle The selection of DVD's is ok, with some good boxset and even some VHS's! I know... how very retro!

Long gone it would seem are the days of catapults, tipping cows and throwing eggs. This is the…read moregolden age of digitalisation where games are played not on bicycle around the estate (council not country) but across the Google-sphere - on the games consoles. Whether it's racing cars, building virtual cities or leading teams of commandoes through the Middle East (propaganda anyone?) there's a game for everyone these days. Due to the high expense of many high street retailers, places like Game Scene have set up to provide more affordable, pre-loved numbers - and fair play to them. This shop is absolutely stacked from wall to wall with games for all sorts of consoles and devices. It's not really my forte so I can't specify which ones but judging by the huge array of colour and shape I'm guessing they're pretty well stocked. There's also a really good choice of DVDs to choose from, with some blockbusters for a mere quid or two. Game on.