I will always have a fond way place in my heart for the Video Room. Saved me when I was pregnant and had to pee so bad. Also, saved me from what felt like the ETERNAL bed rest of preterm labor. I was able to watch Six Feet Under in its entirety. One of the best series I've watched. I've met so many wonderful people here. I hope all the firmer employees are well. I especially hope the older man who let me use the bathroom that day feels the love I will always have for him. read more

They are open until 9/15/24, then they will close for good. All their films are currently on sale, everything must go! They have some blu-ray, mostly DVD, and VHS and laserdisc too. Also lots of movie posters. They're open 11-5 Sun-Thurs and 11-6 Fri & Sat. It's a bit cluttered with moving boxes, but if you dig around you'll definitely find some gems! read more

Video Room - Owner Joseph Lum behind the counter. - Music & DVDs Near Me - Oakland, California

Over a beer last night I learned that my friend helped with the VR remodel a few years back and I wondered ... have I reviewed VR? Which then made me feel as if Yelp has taken over an aspect of my life in a sneaky way because who thinks of stuff like this when you're having a beer with a friend in Van Kleef's on a Tuesday afternoon. Who? I know I totally reviewed Van Kleef's ... In this on-demand day, in this instant gratification age, it's pleasing to see that a place like this soldiers on. Real people serving real people. Folks talking about the movies and recommending things that perhaps the electronic store might also suggest but the human algorithm, babies, will always kick the computer's ass. Broad cross section of contemporary films, hard to find films, films arranged by the director so all your favorites are conveniently proffered in a single place. Pleasant service, generally happy shiny clientele not always but generally. I've been patronizing for years and I will for years to come. Please, do also. So there will be those years to come. read more

Super easy to rent movies, and they had all the titles we wanted. It's nice to be able to go to a local shop and pick up classics or new movies just like I used to do as a kid. Friendly curbside service for covid. They also have a prepay deal where you can rent 10 movies for $5 each. read more

Video Room - Video Room in brand new location on Piedmont Ave, Oakland - Music & DVDs Near Me - Oakland, California

Where else can you go nowadays to a place that has a vast selection of DVDs for rental? Although it's quite out-of-the-way for me to get there I think it's worth it and the service is good. I also think it's good to support small businesses. Also it's nice to be able to keep a DVD for a week. read more

Update: now open for daily curbside service noon to 6pm at their new location. Best place to get videos! Support this local business. It would be a shame if we lost this gem as it's one of the only video places in Oakland. Going in here brings up nostalgia read more

Video Room - New shop - Music & DVDs Near Me - Oakland, California

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In a world where video rental stores have gone the way of the Dodo bird, these guys are trying to prove that a video store can still exist in the upcoming digital age, and with that simple aspect they have my respect. The staff is nice and knowledgable and you will find a huge selection of films. Don't let these guys die out, as they are a true gem in the Nile. Thumbs up! read more

Before the pandemic ...video room was one of the coolest places to rent videos but now since they've opened in a new location the organization is terrible. They still need to get the place organized big time. There's barely any room to even walk around and it's almost impossible to browse properly. Still get three stars for even being open read more

I finally found time to go by today, and I'm sad to report that the place is CLOSED, gutted and available for lease. "MOVED" was written on the window but there was no info about that on the window. So sad! I used to go there as a kid and I really wanted to show my daughter. What a bummer. read more

These guys take video and TV seriously.. The staff is also very friendly and knowledgeable.. read more

I guess it's time for an update seeing as I still visit the Video Room on a regular basis. Everything that I said before is still true except for the staff... Turnover has meant some are new. First, let's just find the place and park. No problem! It is at the top of PIedmont Ave. before crossing 51st/Pleasant Valley. Set into a little gathering of shops with a parking lot, you can find it between a dry cleaner and a Verizon store (Honey Baked ham is there too) so if you like to combine errands... Maybe even order a pizza from across the street? Next, they have GREAT clerks. Polite and interested in what you're seeking. No question is too vague "You know, the one where the guy gets ..." There's a large inventory, special categories that make it fun to look within your favorite genre, blu ray too, and then there's the Staff picks and newly released items. I tend to head for the staff picks, kinda like having your own personal concierge. And Any place that allows a dog inside has my vote... read more

Video Room, you rule. People have already said everything there is to say about the excellent selection, although I need to re-emphasize that the tv-show selection is unparalleled, and you don't have to be embarrassed by your nerdiness when renting Buffy, because slapped across every disc is a sticker that says "manager's choice." I'm going to have to go ahead and disagree about the bad customer service. They have always been wicked-cool to me, or at least indifferent in a very relaxed manner. On one occasion, one of the staff offered to call me when a certain dvd was returned, and then he did. I often return rentals late, and I have never received a call about that. I won't go into details, but on two different occasions, the staff at Video Room managed to unknowingly improve my horrible, horrible day just by being their mild-mannered selves and making low-key jokes that I find funny. Oh, and seeming to recognize me and saying hello, even if they have no idea who I am. Seriously, red-haired dude, Veronica Mars is worth watching. And everyone reading this who might be interested in watching good things, go rent The Wire. From Video Room. read more

How can you not love a brick and mortar video store where you can go in person and look at the movies! Also we were late on returning but the fee wasn't too bad. Support mom and pop small business! read more

I have been patronizing the Video Room for the past 10 years. Recently, they downsized in order to economize (small businesses have it tough...especially video stores). They jettisoned all the VHS tapes and only have DVDs and an increasing collection of Blu-ray discs. The great thing about this place is that they have knowledgeable staff (the Manager, Bill, has been there 10 years, and the new Assistant Manager, Art, worked at Global for 10 years), an eclectic mix of DVDs, and great prices. You can pay $3.50/movie by buying a block of 10, or $3.00/movie by buying a block of 25. You are not going to find better prices. This ends up being cheaper for me than Netflix as I rent about 2 to 4 movies a month. Also, I luh-luh-love to browse. The staff have their favorite picks, so it also gives me the opportunity to watch movies I might never see otherwise. Oh...and the late fees are only $1/day. Often, the staff will cut my late fees in half and, if I have a good excuse ("my brother crashed his motorcycle and I had to fly to Seattle in order to be in the ICU with him for two weeks"...true story, unfortunately) they will absolve you of your late fees. I highly recommend this place. read more

The Video Room is exactly the type of neighborhood small business that Yelp was built for! This little gem sits at the top of Piedmont Ave just blocks away from Blockbuster but doesn't even flinch at that. The townies love this place for its selection of documentaries, new and old school TV shows like Columbo, Flight of the Concords, Frasier, new movies on DVD and Blueray. The store is organized by flim type-foreign French, Foreing Italian, etc. and by filmmaker - An Lee to Spike Lee. If you are a true cinema buff - this is the place to come. The staff is knowledge and friendly. They have a deal where you can purchase ahead for a discount. They let you keep the movies for a week! I also like that they believe in supporting local causes like Occupy Oakland. If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything. Fall into this little gem in Piedmont! read more

This is a what a video store looks like when its run by people that really love movies. Yes they have copies of the latest special-effects laden blockbuster with crappy dialog and plot that you view as a secret shame to which you're entitled. And if that's really what you want and all you want, go to Blockbuster because they have more copies and may get it in sooner. Also, you'll make checkout quicker for me if I'm not in line behind you here. But if you're looking for, say, all of the movies made by Akira Kurosawa, or want to rent a DVD set of an spectacular BBC series made 20 years ago, this is your place. The first time I walked in here, I was continually astonished at the titles they had that I had come to accept I would only ever be able to get through Netflix. The guys up front are all walking compendiums of movie recommendations/reviews in the fussy, nerdy way you want the guys at the video rental place to be. On a recent visit when the store wasnt' too busy, I was checking out a movie starring Alec Guiness and happily entered in to a 10 minute conversation with one of the staff members on some of his greatest work, and wound up renting two other excellent DVDs because of it. Where does that kind of customer interaction still happen in this day and age? On top of this, and as other reviews pointed out, their prices very reasonable, and they are one of the few businesses along Piedmont Ave to offer parking. In closing, let me say that I'm a long-time Netflix customer and a true believer. However, Netflix and I had a long conversation over the weekend and have decided we are going to have an open-but-committed relationship. read more

I hate to be the only Jerk-O review, but this is only a good video store if you live down the street and would rather walk than get in the car to go to Reel on Shattuck. (Or if you haven't joined Netflix/GreenCine/Blockbuster for videos in your mailbox.) They have their videos organized in a miniaturized, maddening, and hmm... copied fashion as that at Reel. The staff tries to co-opt the attitude, of the aforementioned Reel. And it's overpriced for what you get- but you can buy in blocks of rentals, so I guess that's a plus. But really- they are so lacking in the customer service department it's unreal. Don't patronize them if you dislike that heeby-jeeby-having-to-apologize-for-asking-a-question feeling. read more

the best neighborhood video store in the east bay! they have what you're looking for ...it's finding it that can be a problem. Unlike silver screen, global video, reel, I have never left unsatisfied. (+) good selection, quirky/friendly/grumpy/sarcastic/funny staff (-) claustrophobics should rent elsewhere because this place is jam packed with good rentals. curiously they don't accept cash after 8pm. read more

The dvd selection is amazing, alot of obscure rentals and classics. The people that work there are well informed and offbeat. This would be a 5 star rating if they did not have an obnixious habit of calling when your movies are overdue. Charge me the fee but don't call 3 times a night after a week for "Dr Strangelove." read more

I've been patronizing this place for many years now and I'm torn if I should stop coming here or give this place another chance--all because of the repeated passive-aggressive behavior by one of the employees. I'm talking about the older woman with white, shoulder-length hair. Twice now she's made me feel very uncomfortable and even offended me with her snide remarks and demeanor. I think she's just socially awkward, maybe?? It's one of those situations where you think, "Wait, did she really say and mean that? Maybe I heard it wrong. Of course I must've heard it wrong because why would anyone say &*@&$#$# like that TO A CUSTOMER?" Then you walk away and re-play the whole thing over in your head and go, "OMG, what a...!" Anyway, there are many options to rent/watch movies. I choose to come to VR because it's a local business and quite honestly, I like most of the people working there, but she's starting to be a deal breaker for me. Oh wells.... read more

Do not ever, ever, ever, ever have these folks sell your stuff on eBay. They will take months to sell it for a pittance, then they will be unable to find your check when you come to get it after they've called you to come get it, then they will tell you that they're not sure whether they've sold all the stuff you left & that they, uh, may have misplaced (read: lost) some of it. Rarely have I encountered this level of incompetence. Are they high? Are they jerks? Have the dog pee fumes in the carpet addled their brains? Drop by and find out. Or ideally, you know, don't. read more

Video Room is awesome! I like to ask for the videos that the staff like. Most of the time I like them too. They always clean the DVDs before giving them out. Patronize this place - it's great! It's easy to park there most of the time, but some times you'll have to wait or park in the street. Don't worry - it's worth it. read more

Video Room belongs to a dying breed. They know it and are the best place to rent dvd's in the East Bay easily. The place is sorta small and cramped and packed full of dvd's. For such a small store, they still have a great selection of odd, quirky, and hard-to-find titles along with Hollywood blockbusters (and porn). I think their categories play to the crowd who frequents local shops rather than say Blockbuster. I get the vibe that Video Room is doing all they can to make renting videos from an actual store a pleasant, easy, and inexpensive experience. I highly recommend it (Where else you gonna go?!). read more

Eddie is awesome. You can describe the most incidental scene from a movie you barely remember and he will 1. know exactly what you are talking about and 2. ask if you want it in letterbox or director's cut. He even seemed to remember my phone number when I was coming in weekly. They regularly play a DVD of The Simpsons (or some other glorious comfort viewing), so you can zone out while picking a movie and easily kill twenty minutes inside. The person you left in the car will grow irate since you were only "dropping off a movie." Most, if not all of the staff, like to chat about movies and are good for a few recommendations. Extensive TV on DVD selection too. read more

Oakland's best video store, small, funky and packed full of interesting hours of viewing. The employee picks are cool because they are all over the map. You can buy a 25 movie package for a deal and they only charge a dollar late fee. They have a lot of photos with people and their dogs. Look for the red haired dude, he has knowledge, along with big beard. stick with these two. Stay away from baldy. read more

I love the Video Room. This place has what Netflix can never provide... real insight into movies. I have been recommended films that are now my favorites, that I never would have heard of otherwise. Their Academy Awards contest is also fun. I know the movie rental business has changed dramatically since Video Room was the king of Laserdiscs, but I really hope they stick with it and continue to get the community support they deserve. read more

The only place I go to rent DVDs in person. For a long time, I ditched my Netflix and just relied on the Video Room for my weekend evening entertainment. They have a great range of movies, allow me to bring my dog in with me (he loves the smells and the treats at the counter) and the staff know their films (when they feel like being social). Unlike many chains, they carry a diverse range of independent film without censorship. The only downside is you have to get there early on Friday if you want to choose a new release as folks tend to stock up for the weekend. read more

I really appreciate that Video Room is still open and operating. Why doesn't anyone understand that these stores are needed, because we aren't going to watch nothing but Netflix Originals...? Maybe we'll watch Twin Peaks and then want to look at other David Lynch but on Netflix you can't. Also, featured movies are random, dropping off all the time when they aren't "new releases". There's a lot of crap and basic classics aren't there... and the recommended films are bleak/dark/upsetting to the point that I don't want my daughter going down that path. No thanks. But at a video store like Video Room, the older films don't get phased out, and you can go back and say, "Hey, I'd like to see Lost Highway," or something obscure that I always meant to see but never did. There is value in that, and in reading the synopsis on the box and deciding for yourself, getting advice from a knowledgeable staff member, eating some of their popcorn, and hanging out for a minute... I miss Le Video in the City... but I'm glad that Video Room is still here. I used to go there and rent the films that my neighbor/boyfriend would recommend, all obscure and good... read more

I would add a star, if I could, for the clerk who gives us factoids about the Wire every time we rent the next disc. He watched the commentary so we didn't have too, and my girlfriend and I appreciate it so much, especially since, as much as we love the Wire, listening to David Simon talk about it is as much fun a raccoon tongue bath. Thank you, Video Room Guy! read more

I've only been here a couple of times, but its been a far better experience than going to the Blockbuster down the street. Apparently Blockbuster considers no late fees an excuse for not organizing anything that isn't a new release. In any case I'm much more down to hand out my cash to local folks than large chains in these hard times. On top of that here are some reasons I really like this place 1. Every new release blockbuster was out of that I've looked for, they have had in stock( I know more foot traffic and this probably wouldn't be true, but maybe more foot traffic and they'd get more in) 2. Organized very well. Want a Scorcese flick this evening? Look for the Scorcese section. 3. Waaay better parking than Blockbuster 4. Very friendly staff that know their movies and Tv shows 5. Carried Boston Legal when I had run out of loaned copies from a friend. And on that note, great tv dvd selection! No downsides other than for some reason whenever I drove by it in the past it seemed unappealing to enter, but I guarantee there is no dog smell like a previous poster stated. read more

Nowadays, it's hard to find a video rental shop, much less one with a wide and deep collection. That is exactly the kind of store that you need, with an excellently curated, but also wide ranging collection of new and old movies, TV shows, etc. And a knowledgeable staff who know and love movies. Aside from the fact that I love this store, we all need to support business such as this one to make sure that they don't just disappear one of these days. They are good and worthwhile people. read more

THE BEST PLACE TO RENT VIDEOS EVER! Anything you could want they have! I like the categories they have, and are very affordable! On top of that they guys are really laid back and are always willing to help you find the movie you want! My boyfriend and i spend a lot of time together watching movies, I usually use netflicks but hate the wait! So since i don't live far from Video room, {3 blocks} we just go there to rent movies, i cancelled netflicks!! If you are lucky and rent a box set, like i did when i wanted the first season of Nip/Tuck i was lucky enough to get the box set {6 dvd's} or only $4!! that's a fucking deal to me!! and since i'm always late, for everything in life, i love the fact the lat fees are only $1! blockbuster charges you the dvd value! WTF!!?!?!? read more

I would love to go to this place, but the dog smell is so strong I get sick if I have to wait in line. I mentioned to the owner (I guess it was the owner) once that some kid in a stroller could go into shock because of this and he "joked" "I hope it's the right kid". read more

This place is the only place I go for my movies. The staff knows their stuff and are friendly. I love the eclectic mix of selection and staff (hey, this is oakland!) It's a movie buffs store with excellent current selection to boot. I really don't want to get my stuff online - I want a local video store just like this - small mom and pop that still caters to real movie lovers and has a person behind the counter you can talk about these movies with!!! GoodOnYa Video Room. Now as for the dork bellow who can't stand the dog smell - - I say go rent "perfume" from blockbuster. read more

Being a movie nerd, I take my time and plot out what I am going to watch most nights. The video room is a great place for you to fix your need of film, I myself enjoy the euro trash gerne greatly but there is only so much in life. I give this place five stars due to the fact that my girlfriend has netflix and this is still a great place to rent from. I would suspect that most people going in here would go bananers for a store like this and if I did not spend my youth and adult life consuming films at rapid pace this would have gems, alas in my stuck up nerd ways they have good basics covered. Staff are good to talk to, I enjoy chatting up the staff about this, that and the other about films. Please go here regardless if you got netflix and more ignore blockbuster and their christo ways. I worked at west coast video for two and half years and this place does not let me down. read more

There isn't much more praise I can give here that hasn't already been said about Video Room except for one important detail about the fabulous staff. Anyone who works at a video store and drives a vintage car sporting a bumper sticker that says "Friends Don't Let Friends Drive to Blockbuster" will always immediately make me a regular patron! read more

Although I have found the staff to be friendly and the selection to be adequate, I am continually confounded by all the supposed "late fees " I keep incurring!(insert sarcasm here ) Funny. I am ordinarily a responsible adult, hold down a job, keep regular appointments etc., but somehow am completely incapable of returning a video on time. EVER. (dripping with sarcasm here ) Even if the video is a seven day rental, and I watch it within the first 24 hours and then return it to the Video Room the next day, next time I go to pick out a video, **poof**!! a late fee has been accessed to my account. (getting a bit peeved now ). This has happened on a number of occasions. I know I'm not perfect, and I'm sure I've returned a movie late from time to time, but EVERY TIME? ?!! So, I did a little test. I rented a movie, returned it the day it was due, and actually handed the movie to the clerk, asking them to look up on their computer to be sure that the video was returned ON TIME. YES! Indeed. The video was returned ON TIME, they tell me. Okay, great. Guess what? Next time I went in to rent a movie. ... They said that I had a late fee. $5 in addition to the already pricey video rental fee. They seem to make a habit of charging people late fees even when they don't owe them. My advice : keep your receipt and ask the clerk to sign off that the video was returned on time. Then bring that receipt next time you go. I know. It sounds like a pain in the butt. ...BUT I don't think I should have pay fees that I didn't incur. Let's just say I miss Silver Screen Video! !! read more

I have an interesting experience being a long time customer here. Back sometime around the years 1997-1999 I was a regular customer here when I was in a relationship with someone who lived in Oakland very near this video store. It was our regular video store and we were in there every week, and several times a week even. Looking back I think we were even renting Laser-discs back then for a while because they had such an amazing Laser-disc selection! This being back before Dvd's were the standard of course. Also during those years I was in film school at SF State, so I needed a place to rent movies for school. These included hard to find foreign and classic type films. Also their cult film selection is outstanding, as well as a very good TV series on Dvd section. If you love horror movies, you will also find their horror selection to be one that a horror fan would approve of. I love that they have the "special editions" of all kinds of movies, horror and other genres. Video Room has always impressed me by their ability to keep up with my film/tv series tastes by pretty much always having what I am looking for in the "harder to find department." I should also say, I myself was a video store clerk working at Video Maniacs in Alameda for many, many years. If I recall, I think even when I worked at Video Maniacs I may have still had to go to Video Room once in a while because my work didn't have that movie I needed. Then when my relationship ended with my ex, there was a very long gap of maybe 5-10 years when I no longer rented from Video Room, but only because I lived in Alameda and didn't want to drive to Oakland to rent. Fast forward to present day 2014, and last year I started renting again at Video Room. Why? Well first of all, here in Alameda, I have watched every single video store close one after the other until now there is only one left standing, the Video Factory. I am a regular customer there as they are my local go-to video store in Alameda. But here's the thing. I STILL haven't lost my taste for those hard to find foreign, classic, cult, horror movies and NO ONE in the East Bay has those kinds of movies anymore EXCEPT Video Room! In 2013 I was doing a book to movie challenge where I would read a book and then watch the film that was adapted from that book. Some of the books were harder to find movies like JULIUS CAESER and then I went on a Kubrick book to film kick and was renting a bunch of Kubrick movies after reading the books. [I know, I should own a Kubrick box set but I don't] The employees were always cool to be able to chat with me about my choices. Also I went on a Stephen King book to film marathon and they have a very impressive selection of King adapted films and TV series like the Shining mini series with Steven Weber for example. It may be strange to think why I would drive all the way from Alameda to Oakland [it is about a 20-25 minute drive] JUST to rent a movie, especially with things like Netflix and instant online streaming. I'm not a Netflix member anymore though my husband is and he guards his queue otherwise I'd clog it up with all my choices. And though we have the ability to stream via Netflix, we don't have the proper cords to connect our Pc to our TV. Honestly though, I just like going to Video Room and I think it says quite a lot that I am willing to drive 20-25 minutes just to rent from here. I usually call in advance to make sure they have my selection so I don't waste my drive. It being so far, I also am sometimes not able to get my Dvd back in time, [I think the rentals are for a week] but I'm willing to pay the gas to drive here and even pay a couple dollars late fee because being the movie fan that I am, there are some nights that I really am craving to watch that hard to find film and need to see it "tonight." And when that craving hits on a Saturday night, it's great to know I can take a drive to Oakland and get that movie! So for me, it IS worth the extra time and effort to drive to their store! Oh also, I have a young son, he loves their candy machines and I've seen a popcorn machine in there too. Extra bonus for having a little parking lot, which is important for video store customers! I love you Video Room, I have for over a decade, so please don't ever close! read more

wow. HUGE selection of movies. films. anything. video heaven. where i rented raising arizona and reluctantly returned it. where i've just stood and watched whatever they happened to be playing on the flatscreen TV. where i rented casablanca... now that is important, yelpers. where i rented an infinite number of movies and loved them forever. but... the staff aren't very kind to little kiddies, especially near closing time. oh wait... those dudes aren't nice to anybody near closing time or any other time. maybe it's just me. and no cash after 8?? thats when i get my cash, dudes! but i'll keep going here, because of the awesome selection of indie films. i'll still come. : ) read more

Ok on principle I don't rent from a live place since the late fees are always outrageous and I never remember to return them. Those tasty dog treats that the staff generously hand out in their dog friendly environment ensured a faithful visit by the hungry hounds. my dog Lady knew every route to get there even when it was closed! It was a sure fire way to get me to rent a DVD as I was quite embarrassed showing up for just a cookie and the guilt that ensued . I even bought rental blocks so when I didn't have any money on my walk I could still get something. The staffs dry wit, great recommendations and coolness factor are reasons to visit. It would be like a scene out of High Fidelity except DVD's instead of records. read more