Movie Groove
Category: Videos and Video Game Rental [Edit]
1200 El Camino RealRedwood City, CA 94063 (650) 367-7222
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. - Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
35 Reviews for Movie Groove
Help the mom and the pop stores!
I love movie groove as they are standing up against the Blockbuster videos and alike. I like that the employees know me by name and always let me know if new DVDs are in. And the price is cheap!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I beg to differ. We went here and walked right back out. Wasn't too impressed with their selections. Didn't find anything I liked plus, maybe I was expecting too much considering of the 5 star reviews of this place. (Ya think?)
The place was dirty, dusty and a bit chaotic. Chaotic meaning..unorganized. DVDS and VHS tapes right on top of each other. I felt like I was rummaging through a yard sale!
I don't know how anyone of you could ever spend a day here without feeling so claustrophobic. For starters, Scott needs to take down all of the handwritten signage and replace them with..gee..I don't know..a legible sign you could type up on MS Word!
I guess this place isn't for me.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
The people are usually nice and always knowledgeable, the owner (Scott) is awesome, it's a quality local business, they don't rent censored movies like Blockbuster. If they don't have something you want, it's probably because their selection of Sri Lankan midget-porn is a little thin, but practically speaking, if you want something, they have it.
And they're opening an independent coffee shop, which Redwood City desperately needs. Maybe the individual rentals are more expensive than a national chain that sucks--I get the prepaid, and recognize that I'm pumping money into the local economy, which helps keep my community a nice place to live.
I love this place. They're less than a block from me & who can pass up the $1 genre deal?
I love the Movie Groove. I would pay them $10 for a new release; it's all about the people. The also carry a few risque' titles and although I'm not a fan of these, I find it rather comforting because it means I can find the proper cuts of my elitist foreign films. Some larger stores carry only sanitized versions or not at all. In a market full of alternatives, this place is refreshingly simple and very cool. One warning if you are allergic, there's a white feline that has the run around. I hope Scott starts renting Blue Rays soon, my husband won't buy the player until the Movie Groove rents them.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
I love French films. Movie Groove has an awesome selection of foreign films and hard to find domestics. I love this place!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
Moooovie Groooooove, I love you. Let me have your $1 genre babies.
Location is easy, parking is plentiful, hours are good, blah blah blah.
These are folks who actually _care_ about movies.
They get free passes to all sorts of crazy stuff -- we saw JUNO the week before it came out!
The selection of films is quite good (I agree with Emilly: the indies are great! And the foreign-language films!).
If only you guys served donuts.
I love this place. Scott is very very cool and know his films very well.
They reserve hard to get, new releases and give a courtesy call to remind you to pick it up.
Great place just to hang out and chit chat with other customers about movies.
The Movie Groove has great location and hours. Staff is super friendly all the time and their $1/week movie genres are amaaazzingg. Also, they have a nice independent film section :) much better than your mainstream Blockbuster would ever carry at least.
*update on 5/23/08, KJ M, I agree with you also, the foriegn films rule. :)
This is a great place -- and good independent movie rental places are so rare these days.
And yeah, I still rent from Movie Groove -- even though I have a NetFlix account, and I also use Redbox. (What can I say -- we watch a lot of movies at our house.)
Sometimes I just want to browse through a bunch of great movies in all kinds of genres, and find stuff that I haven't seen anywhere else, take it home immediately and watch it. That's what Movie Groove is about.
I like NetFlix, but their movie-browsing and movie-recommendation engine doesn't seem that good. I can walk into Movie Groove and find a half-dozen movies I'd love to watch, and none of them will have been recommended to me by NetFlix. Despite the fact that we watch a wide range of things, including a lot of offbeat stuff, NetFlix seems to focus more on recommending the more mainstream stuff to us.
(Maybe because it's cheaper for NetFlix to buy zillions of the same old current hit movies, in bulk, than it is for them to buy and inventory a few copies of a whole range of obscure foreign movies. So their profit margins have to be better, renting out the mainstream stuff, instead of the smaller-audience obscure stuff.)
Movie Groove isn't the cheapest rentals -- you want cheapest, then do Redbox and mainstream movies ($1/nite/movie). But my impression isn't that Movie Groove is ripping anybody off; they're trying to stay afloat in an expensive part of the country and in a dying industry.
Move Groove does have a bulk pre-pay option, which then gives you a discount per movie -- that's what I use.
Selection is great: includes various TV series, lots of foreign stuff, adult titles, indies, mainstream, the works. They carry a lot of out-of-print disks that you can't find anywhere else (including eBay).
Two thumbs way up.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
The movie groove is great. This is the kind of place that I didn't think really existed except on TV or in the movies... I thought that real life was all Blockbuster and Hollywood Video. The store is very homey and the staff seem to be movie geeks. Also, seeing a cat run across the floor while renting a movie was really strange.
As far as rentals go; their selection is awesome, and the best thing (to me) is that you can rent whole TV seasons! Time to shred your Blockbuster card...
They have a good selection.
Holy Crap! Can this place really have a perfect five stars after 19 reviews? What is going on, did Movie Groove pay off these yelpers, or what!?!!!
Okay, I might seem extremely peeved, but I'm not: Movie Groove is an alright place to go for movies. I like mom-and-pop movie stores because it's nice to support the community, etc. But let's face it: the real reason most of us go with the underdog movie rental place is because of the personalized service and, mostly, the cheaper rentals.
Movie Groove costs more! I'm not kidding. How much does it cost to rent a new release at Blockbuster? Movie Groove charges $5. I think that is much too high for a store that is significantly smaller in selection than your average chain movie rental store.
Sure, Movie Groove has cool options such as a reduced bulk rental system (i.e. you buy 20 rental tickets in advance, pay for 18). They also have nice weekly specials (last week it was classics, this week, foreign language) where you can rent for significantly less. But you know what? Let me know when new releases are on special, otherwise, find me across the street at Blockbuster!
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
I miss this place! I used to live in Redwood City and recently moved to Mountain View.
But trust me...this place was the best! They have something for every taste, from kids to horror, scifi to drama, cult films, gay/lesbian, and even a separate room for porn if you're into the adult stuff, though you do have to ask for a key.
Their "kid" section is actually very kid-friendly, with an open space for kids to sit, a few toys around, and a small TV screen running a kid-friendly flick in the background.
They do well getting to know customers, and even have special "freebies" once in a while...I remember walking into this place and being handed a coupon for two free tickets to a sneak preview at the movie theater down the road.
And the selection they have is just amazing, even if you're looking for something very obscure. Sometimes in my random online readings I would see references to films I couldn't find at Blockbuster...but this place always had them. I remember asking for an old Danny Kaye movie "Up In Arms" that wasn't widely available on VHS at the time, and they ordered it from who-knows-where (I don't believe even amazon had it at the time), and had it in their stock within a few days.
The only problem with the place is that their parking lot is quite small, so be prepared to park across the street at the Sequoia Center, or on a side street.
Aside from that, though, you couldn't ask for a better place to rent! I'd almost want to move back to Redwood City just so I could continue renting from here.
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
I also agree that movie groove is da bomb! What's so wonderful about this place is the fact that they carry all those great foreign, locally produced, indie and arthouse movies that just can't be found at the bigger, well-known chains. I mean, where else will you find "Colma: the musical" or horror movies from Bollywood? And the staff are great resources: spunky, knowledgable and all around great people.
They don't have as much space to keep every last movie ever made by man (sadly they've nixed their video tape section), but it's great selection in terms of quality and great place to discover new movies, genres, and more.
I think the only minus is that they don't have as big a fantasy/sci-fi section as I might like, and due to space constraints they can't maintain a library of all movies ever made. But who can?
A gem--best place to rent a DVD in the area! As others have said, great selection ,and almost always have what you want, even older and rarer movies you will never find at Blockbuster. And the staff are smart as hell, with massive film knowledge. This is the way a video place ought to be.
Whenever you shop at Whole Foods, take an extra 10 min. and cross the street to browse here. Guaranteed you'll find a good video.
Also, you may see a mystery kitty wandering the aisles, or watching you from a shelf. This may be good luck.
My wife and I have been going to the Movie Groove for 10 years now. We stopped going to Blockbuster after our first visit. On one night years ago we asked the owner, Scott, about some obscure British TV show we were looking for. He didn't have it, so he ordered it, then called us up when it arrived. On another visit, we asked if we could rent a video player to copy our baby ultrasound videos. He just went to the back and made the copy, only charging us for the blank tape. We are loyal customers and don't do Netflix because we don't need it !! They have everything. WE LOVE MOVIE GROOVE
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
An awesome place to get your rare and indie movies.
I really enjoy the atmosphere of the place. I totally feel like I dont belong there! Its all kinda hip and the employees are cool and kinda quirky and they like to talk about the movie that you are renting or returning and they know way more about the cinematographical implications of lighting choices and I like that. But Im really not fittin in with my button down collar and dockers however, I enjoy playing the part. Movie Groove reminds me of the record store in the movie 'High Fidelity'. So everytime I go there to rent Hannah Montannas latest straight to video romp, I know for sure they laugh behind my back because hey, why arent you watching the complete boxed set of the Brothers Quay lifes works? But thats ok. Cause in a strange way I enjoy being a character in the movie 'Movie Groove'. The people really are nice though. And my girlfriend looks way more hip and quirky than me so I think I get some points by association.
By the way, it looks like they are trying to open a coffee house in one of the unused rooms. I really look forward to that!
If you still don't have Netflix (or you just dropped your Netflix DVD in the mail today), head on over to Movie Groove, a great independent DVD rental shop.
Be sure to ask what this week's special genre is. (Each week a different genre goes on sale.) Staff are friendly and helpful and can find just about anything they have in no time flat.
P.S. Dog friendly! I stopped in while walking the dog, tied him up outside, and they insisted I bring him in for a treat!
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (3)
This is a great video store, one of the dwindling supply of places that actually know about movies and can make relevant recommendations! Everyone who works there is both friendly and knowledgeable, so it's always a pleasure getting a movie to rent - I just wish it was a little nearer Menlo Park!
This is by far the best place to rent movies around these parts. Huge selection and they just about always have what you are looking for. Big horror section too. Don't you ever make it a Lackluster nite again. Get in the Groove..........
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (3)
Cool (2)
It's strange how people operate. I knew of the existence of this place for several years before checking it out myself. Never again will I rent from Blockbuster or Hollywood Video.
This is an independent video store to satisfy the most discriminating film fan. It has one of the largest selections of documentary, independent and foreign films along with the latest mega budget picture. Don't have cable. They've got seasons of the Sopranos, Curb Your Enthusiasm and many others. Along with discounted genre themes, frequent members get a free video for every 10? videos rented. Have a craving for Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream. Don't get it at Safeway. It's cheaper here.
The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. They used to have a cool white cat roaming the premises but have not seen it lately.
The parking lot is small so get here early on a weekend night.
Fantastic selection, dollar genres, knowledgeable and friendly staff, ice cream sandwiches. If they don't have it, they'll order it.
Movie Groove makes me feel like a kid again. Before blockbusters and all the big business corporate movie stores took over.
Movie Groove is groovy. The staff is groovy. The selections are groovy and real. You can find authentic film here, not just cheesy blockbuster hits--although they do have some of those if you're looking for it.
Rent movies from here! They're open from 10-10 everyday! Get on it!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
AWESOME! Great selection, helpful salespeople, and they sell ben and jerry's ice cream. I also heard a rumor that the now-vacant other half of the building will soon be turned into a coffee shop, run by the owners of Movie Groove. Woo hoo!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
This place is awesome! In an era where VHS tapes are dying off and independant movie rental shops and Blockbusters alike are dropping like flies, Movie Groove stands tall and proud. The customer service here is excellent, the staff is friendly and knowledgable, the rentals can be pre-paid and are decently priced...not to mention the selection! They have both VHS and DVD and they have a wide range of programs from the newest blockbuster hits outta Hollywood to cartoons to independant films, tv series, Bollywood, anime....you name it and they probably have it!
Okay I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical about this place. But when I thought about it, if this place is still open after Blockbuster and Netflix decimated all competition in this industry; I have to believe they are doing something right.
Boy are they! They have EVERYTHING and a very helpful staff!
Several years before I met my boyfriend he worked at the Movie Groove. Needless to say he converted me.They have a very extensive collection including regional DVDs, t.v. imports and most of all Queer Cinema section which definitely can't be found at just any blockbuster or hollywood video. If you rent a lot of movies it can be cheaper to get a block of pre-paid rentals. I think you can rent everything except boxed sets and the super rare movies and you get a free rental (or two, I'm not sure). Parking can be awkward, but just pull into the El Grullense lot if you are popping in and out.
The best stand-alone brick and mortor movie rental place in the bay area! No, really! Their staff is knowledgable, bordering on obsessive (which in my opinion, as a film major/snob is fantastic). They will in fact order titles that they don't have and I've rarely had to order anything. They also have a resident cat named Ghost who's super friendly and willing to escort you on your movie rental shopping experience for a few pets, purrs galore.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Patronize this place before it goes the way of so many other indie video rental stores! Having found several BBusters did not have my desired DVDs (The Wire Season 2), of course, Movie Groove had it! I hadn't been there in 3 years, but they instantly found me on their computer & had my DVD. When I got there, it was waiting on the shelf. Great guys, really know their stuff. And not only Ben & Jerry's but the only place in the Bay Area you can find all flavors of It's It bars late. Absolutely worth going the extra mile to pass chain stores! I won't even think of stopping elsewhere next time. I'm a Netflix zealot, but this is my #1 favorite supplement!
I love Movie Groove! Their selection is fantastic, I look up and down at the sections and have only HEARD of about 1/4 of the titles I see!
In addition to the fantastic titles, you can also pick up a drink and even a pint of ice cream from their fridge/freezer, perfect for a stay-at-home movie date. Or if you just broke up, a sad film ice cream stuffing fest.
This is the best place to rent a movie in the known universe. If you know what you want, they probably have it. If they don't, they'll likely order it. Take my word for it- they ordered 2001 Maniacs for me. If you don't know what you want, their eclectic, insightful staff will guide your selection to the best of their ability. If you're completely clueless, you can just pet the cute fat white kitty and then wander next door to the local tattoo parlor. They have many rare and out of print titles, loads of foreign and independent. Imagine a meticulous collector's private library made available to the public. Highly recommended.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
Fantastic, good old fashioned, pick it out in person, drop it off in the slot at the door, video store. The staff is indeed eclectic and knowledgeable; chances are, you'll find someone there who's just as interested as you are in the additional features of the three LOTR fiddy-leven disk sets, or BBC's Blackadder series, or Pooty Tang.
Stop first at the new video section - but don't let the word "new" fool you. It's not just brand new stuff, but also DVDs they've recently received which could include anything. Then browse the rest of the racks; you'll never know what you'll find.
Best video store around? Most likely, I've never had a reason to go anyplace else. Standard old school non corporate video store. Go there.
Another great thing is the location just across from Whole Foods. Easy to drop off and get videos after shopping at Whole Foods.
Movie Groove has a great selection of movies in stock, and they sell their used rentals. The staff always has great recommendations.
People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...
Related Lists
-
My Neighborhood
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,… -
In the Red-hood
What's there to do in Redwood City? Not much...… -
Redwood City Haunts
The places that I have visited near home, for… -
My Neighborhood
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,…
Hot and New
- Evvia Estiatorio
266 reviews
Palo Alto, CA
- Red Mango
229 reviews
Palo Alto, CA
- Yelp Elite Event at Mandaloun
73 reviews
Redwood City, CA
- Sky High Sports
122 reviews
Santa Clara, CA
- Sweet Breams
25 reviews
San Mateo, CA