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Book Castle's-Movie World
Categories: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Newspapers & Magazines Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Newspapers & Magazines, Bookstores [Edit]
212 N San Fernando BlvdBurbank, CA 91502
Neighborhood: Burbank
(818) 845-1563
- Price Range:
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$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
24 reviews for Book Castle's-Movie World
Review Highlights
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"...but what I love about this store are the older paperbacks." In 3 reviews -
"Forget about Barnes and Noble, support the little guy and..." In 2 reviews -
"...I found was a trove of treasures from every era and genre." In 3 reviews
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24 reviews in English
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Review from I. H.
Glendale, CA
4/27/2012 1 photo
I love this place so much, I'd write an ode in its honour.
Every time I'm within a five mile radius of it, I make sure to step in and see what's new. To put it lightly, they have a very wide selection of books on every subject imaginable, old photos and magazines from decades past, old screenplays and posters and videos.... basically, you name it, they have it (except when your timing is a bit off and they've just sold the last copy of Less Than Zero).
Long story short, this place is a movie or book aficionado's dream come true.
Few things in SoCal are as delightful and zen (for lack of a better word) as stepping into this store, smelling the aged paper and tiptoeing carefully through the countless stacks, shelves and mountains of books.
The real trick here is working up the will to leave the store (especially empty handed).
One last additional note: the staff is a bit moody and they don't always know what they have in stock. You may have to resort to rearranging massive stacks of books to find what you need. -
Review from Kristel Y.
Los Angeles, CA
I always pass by here when I'm in downtown Burbank and I never go inside. Shame on me! From the store window, I always assumed it was some kind of movie poster store. Then yesterday, I stopped in to kill some time and I was welcomed with shelves upon shelves of books. In fact, there were so many book that they were spilling out of the shelves--it was a book lover's dream, really.
Tons of different genres, I think I also saw a section of magazines/newspapers and old photos or something.
Block off a lot of time if you want to really get the most out of this place. It's a treasure hunt for literary nerds! -
Review from Ritika T.
1/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS and MORE BOOKS. Galore. It really is a Book Castle in the middle of Downtown Burbank. Starting with kids' books outside, there are piles and piles of hard and soft cover books. Lots of story behind each and every book, I'm sure.
Magazines, newspapers, Polaroid film -- history section, Hollywood section, fashion section --there's really nothing that you can't find here. Everything spills out of every which way --oozing literature haven. Give yourself an hour and you'll be sure to walk out with a treasure.
There's a credit card minimum of $5. -
Review from Samantha F.
Studio City, CA
11/11/2011
I ended up here after searching fruitlessly for Dollar Book Heaven (I like novels, not directions). In fact, from reading through the reviews for Dollar Book Heaven, I thought I had found it. Okay, I did find one hardback for a buck.
I also found other gems here, but I was slightly disappointed by the prices. Remember, I was on the hunt for dirt-cheap reads. A lot of the books I found up near the front of the store were more popular and newer releases, but were very clearly used and were priced way above anything you'd find on Amazon and even in some retail shops
But what I found was a trove of treasures from every era and genre.
Maybe I'll change my rating about this once I actually make it out to Dollar Book Heaven, but for now, I am very much a fan of Movie World. -
Review from Deez N.
Glendale, CA
11/21/2011
I came here this past weekend looking for research material on Yoko Ono since I'm currently working on a musical comedy based on her life entitled "Oh No!"
When I addressed the cantankerous clerk behind the counter (who looks like a cross between Newman from Seinfeld and the Comic Book Guy from The Simpsons) he gestured flippantly to the Music section near the back corner... but I never made it there.
If you have ADD like I do and you get--oh, wow, check out that building over there. Why do they call them "buildings" anyway? They're built already. Shouldn't they call them "builts"?
Wait, what was I talking about? Oh right, if you have ADD and you get directed toward the rear of this bookstore, chances are, you're not gonna make it back there either. There is just too much distraction along the way. I got sidetracked by the Paperback Screenplay section, a welcome detour that yielded cheap, mint copies of Ed Wood, In the Bedroom, and Adaptation.
After that, I stumbled into the Film History section and encountered a colossal tome on the works of Alfred Hitchcock, which I leafed through with vim and vigor until I was suddenly interrupted by the sound of rolling thunder. A light sprinkle followed outside that eventually grew into a steady drumming of raindrops on the rooftop and I found myself looking around at the old bookstore. I regarded the dust, the fade, the decay--the signs of age and neglect that often translate into a certain kind of charm, and somehow manage to create a warm and cozy environment. All at once, I was overcome with a childlike sense of wonder. I felt like Bastian Bux when he snuck off into the school attic to read The Neverending Story during that stormy, fateful night.
I snapped out of it and I took a moment to acknowledge the glorious physical act of pursuing used entertainment literature, which made me think of a buddy of mine who recently purchased the new Kindle Ass-Flame, or whatever they're calling the latest Amazonian contraption. He was boasting just yesterday about his ability to download three books in less than a minute from the comfort of his own home, to which I replied, "Fuck the comforts of your own home, my imaginary friend. What about the DIScomforts of the real world? Don't they account for something? Isn't the reward of a good book, like most things, heightened by the efforts required to obtain it? Braving the elements, dealing with traffic, enduring the dank and musty odors of the remaining Movie Worlds of the world as you rummage through piles of recycled rubbish... you think you're gonna get that experience, that sense of accomplishment with the immediacy of e-books? e-thinks not."
Look, print may be moribund, folks, but it ain't dead yet! So get off your lazy hi-tech asses and pay your respects to these final resting places, before they evaporate once and for all into the ether of cyber-convenience. -
Review from Jessica K.
Los Angeles, CA
1/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place is the best. They have a huge assortment of books, magazines, movie memorabilia, and VHS's. In high school, I would come here to buy my required reading books (mostly classic literature) instead of a chain bookstore, because the books are priced low ($3-$7ish). Even after high school, I still come to this place to find old hardcovers, books for my nephew, and just to browse. I usually never leave this store empty-handed because the old man working behind the counter is such a sweetheart. If I ask for a specific book, he'll know exactly where it is and if it's in stock or not. He always has such a warm smile on his face also.
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Review from Milo A.
Los Angeles, CA
8/4/2011
If you like a very organized, places to sit kind of bookstore this probably isn't your place. I really like it though, it feels overwhelming almost, as if you're going through someone's storage space. The books are piled all over with narrow passages allowing you through.
The man at the counter was friendly, it really reminded me of the used bookshops I went to as a kid, it's a shame there are not more of these left. -
Review from myra b.
Burbank, CA
3/29/2011
I love this place. I highly suggest this store if you are a fan of browsing. Do not come here if you are looking for specifics. If you can deal with the idea of searching through semi alphabetized books stacked on top of each other and in front of each other, as well as all over the floor, you will be in heaven.
I came in here hoping for a Murakami book but assuming I would never find one. I did find one, but I had already read it. But I quickly found several other amazing international classics that I did not expect to find, so I was super happy. And you can't beat $3. Love it. -
Review from Miki S.
Burbank, CA
10/9/2010
This is probably one of my mot favorite places in LA! There are floor to ceiling books that are priced anywhere from $3.00 - $12.00. I bought 11 books the other day for $41. There is no way I could have done that at a B&N.
The one downfall is that there are so many books that sometimes it is hard to find something specifically. But then again, the search is half the fun! This place leaves me in awe every time I visit it. There is just so much knowledge to be found...the store manager is extremely helpful as well :) -
Review from C S.
Los Angeles, CA
I love this bookstore. Yes it's a little unorganized, but that's what makes the place great. I continually pick up some classics or other books I randomly find. I guess you could get a few of the books a little cheaper on Amazon, but not by too much, and I feel more attached to reading the book knowing I got it 2nd hand and that it has some story behind it. There is parking behind the building which is a little known secret, but only if you are going to this store not shopping in Burbank.
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Review from Lucy C.
La Crescenta-Montrose, CA
6/27/2011
This store is like a time warp back to my childhood. Books are stacked floor to ceiling and roughly organized by genre. There were newer books in the stacks, but what I love about this store are the older paperbacks. I found books published in the 80s that I'd collected as a child and given away as a teenager. It was fantastic to see them again and buy them back for half price or less. If you love old books, or all books, this is the place for you. It does get warm inside and finding your favorites may take some digging. But this place is to avid readers what the willy wonka candy store is to candy lovers.
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Review from Amy S.
Los Angeles, CA
8/13/2007
If, like me, you love yourself some YA lit, there's a whole cart outside where every book is only a dollar! Inside it's so cramped I usually just throw my stack of Meg Cabot books at the cashier and hum a little tune to myself as not to have a claustrophobic breakdown.
I find it kind of funny that people dump their old EPKs and one-sheets here (or the bookstore is somehow on the mailing list for both) and demand top dollar for them. I'm deducting a star because I think the prices charged for this stuff are a little gross. That said, if I were a rabid fangirl I'd be grateful my top dollar could buy this stuff. -
Review from Teresa M.
Glendale, CA
5/22/2009
So everyone already knows these tiny used bookstores are so much better than the huge chains. The books are really cheap, plentiful and have character and history. OK... maybe that's just me but either way this place is great.
Mr. Bookseller Man behind the counter is extremely well-informed and really helpful. The prices for books range between $3-$8 (some really big ones may be more expensive) and so the $30 you would've spent at Barnes & Noble getting a single book can now buy you about five.
If you need any old newspapers or magazines, they have a pretty big periodicals section, and some date back 50+ years. They have a huge variety when it comes to books as well... from all sorts of fiction to philosophy, politics, music and of course, movies.
They also have a huge collection of movie posters (both new and old) and scripts of various films.
The only (minor) drawbacks are that it's a bit cramped in there, and sometimes it's difficult finding exactly what you want.
No matter though. HIGHLY recommend this place. So much better than the $1 bookstore across the street. Their books may be only $1 but good luck finding anything worthwhile (or finding anything at all with their lack of organization). -
Review from Amanda M.
Northridge, CA
4/24/2011
I LOVE THIS STORE!!!! I was so happy when I found out it was still in business. It's hard to find used book stores that stay in business for long -- especially in the valley. Anyway I set aside my Friday to peruse this store and the treasures it holds. I never go in specifically looking for something because that can totally ruin my purpose of going in the first place. Their shelves, floor space, and tables are always filled and overflowing, but that makes for some great finds. The books I found on this trip were:
The Official Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Guidebook for California
Hometown Pasadena - The Insider's Guide
Lost & Found: Historic & Natural Landmarks of the San Gabriel Valley
Downtown Los Angeles - A Walking Guide (Revised)
Day Hikes Around Los Angeles
Curbside LA - An offbeat guide to the City of Angels from the pages of The Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles during the second World War
Commitments by Barbara Delinsky
From the Heart by Nora Roberts
Night Swimming by Laura Moore
A Woman Betrayed by Barbara Delinsky
Just Breathe by Dee Davis
Just the Way You Are by Christina Dodd
Tyler Brides by Kristine Rolofson, Heather McAllister, & Jacqueline Diamond
All that for under $50. I can't wait to go back. Now the only thing stopping me is lack of shelf space at home. IKEA will fix that.
I urge you to make your way to this shop -- it's totally worth it every time. -
Review from keith k.
Burbank, CA
1/8/2007
THE place to find movie memorabilia and first edition books.
Can't find those lobby cards from "Empire Strikes Back"? Lost your "Can't Buy Me Love" original one-sheet? These guys will have it. And more. Gird your loins. -
Review from Elizabeth K.
Los Angeles, CA
7/2/2008
MOVIE WORLD. what a great name for a business. so simple yet so awesome. a world consisting of anything and everything movies. how awesome that world would be if it were to actually exist?
hehe
anyways. it looked like a mom and pop store that sold used items, so i naturally assumed they sold used dvds or vhs tapes. but its actually more of a used bookstore. their collection of books regarding movies and art, culture, etc was pretty good. not quite as big or organized as the brand bookshop in glendale, but the prices were similar. organization wise, think acres of books in long beach. -
Review from Millie B.
Tujunga, CA
9/15/2008
I love Book Castle. Love love love!!
I go there every week to look for a new book.
Prices are right, the guy is very helpful.
At first glance, it looks like a jungle...take a moment, you'll see it's all in order by genre and alphabetized by author last name.
Forget about Barnes and Noble, support the little guy and expand your vocabulary at the same time!! -
Review from Nicole B.
2/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
I went into Book Castle's Movie world while wandering around with some extra time after eating at The Knight restaurant a few doors down. It's fairly typical of many used book stores - a variety of paperbacks, hardcovers, magazines, and comic books of all ages. They had several tables of books outside with books for $.50 each. There was a lot of Hollywood memorabilia and multiple printings of classic books. I only had about 15 minutes to peruse the store, but if I'm in the area again, I'll definitely stop in.
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Review from Dog C.
Los Angeles, CA
10/15/2010
I'll never go there. I was very excited to step into it at first but when the 'guy' behind the counter was so rude (not sure if he was an owner)...the guy with big thick glasses. Unhelpful, gave you short, condescending answers. Will never go again.
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Review from Eli S.
Sun Valley, CA
2/4/2011
I am a geek when it comes to movies or books. Better yet books about anything cinema. I love this place! You can find a ton of books about actors, directors, film history plus old magazines and classics. Most of the stuff is used and are less than 20 bucks. The only bad thing is that it's pretty small and i'm a bit claustrophobic. Overall a great place.
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Review from John H.
Burbank, CA
10/2/2007
Okay, I went in here looking to find some movie EPKs or promotional materials... walking in the front door and all I could see were endless isles full of books. No indication where the non book or magazine areas would be. I DID see a lot of movie posters behind the front counter, but that's about it. Wouldn't a place called "Movie World" probably have some nice MOVIE related items easily seen (other than just the stuff in the windows)? Granted I had a LONG day and was looking forward to going home soon so maybe this is the type of place where patience is a major virtue. I'll give it another shot down the line, but my initial thoughts of the place aren't too great.
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Review from Nicky G.
San Francisco, CA
5/27/2007
Within the city limits of Burbank, this is the king of used book shops, especially since many old favorites such as Book City and the book shop on Magnolia have been long closed. Movie World used to be the entertainment-focused companion store of the store down the street called simply Book Shop, but Book Shop moved its stock into Movie World and now the two make one large store jam-packed with cheap paperbacks and old magazines. I've made quite a few good scores here, and if you are looking for a piece of classic literature, you can get old paperpack copies for two or three dollars. The only downside is that the store is so full of books that it can be overwhelming for browsing, as the overstock seems to just pile up onto the floor.
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Review from Joshua P.
Los Angeles, CA
9/27/2010 2 Check-ins Here
It has movie posters, scripts, books and old magazines. I can get lost here for an hour... This place should be a historic landmark.
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Review from Edward K.
Los Angeles, CA
10/22/2011
cheap books!
