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Movie Madness Video & More

4.5 star rating
based on 49 reviews

Category: Videos and Video Game Rental  [Edit]

Neighborhoods: Southeast Portland, Belmont
4320 SE Belmont St
Portland, OR 97215
(503) 234-4363
Hours:

Mon-Thu. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Fri-Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.

Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Price Range:
$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Private Lot
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

49 reviews for Movie Madness Video & More

Review Highlights   

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"50 for all new releases for 3 days and $2." (in 4 reviews)
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"It's a trip inside, with all kinds of awesome Hollywood memorabilia." (in 10 reviews)
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"FANTASTIC assortment of educational/scare films." (in 9 reviews)
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Photo of David M.

Elite '09

39

114

David M.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
10/29/2009

Every movie you can imagine sorted in an adorable and sometimes unusual way. I usually end up getting lost in the maze of carefully labeled, out-of-print sections of the horror and thriller aisles. The staff are super-friendly, totally approachable and... not condescending? That's hard to find in a little independent movie rental shack.

This place is a treasure trove.

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Photo of Amber F.

 

6

29

Amber F.

Portland, OR

4 star rating
10/24/2009

I really enjoyed going here and just looking around at their vast movie collection. In a way, it reminded me of the little video store in my hometown in BFE Nevada--full of these off-the-wall movies like "Even Hitler Had a Girlfriend." Okay, so my hometown didn't have that movie. They had lots of old Disney movies and "Night of the Comet" which is pretty much the coolest movie ever. I rented that thing about a hundred times. I'm getting off-track here. What I mean to say with that is this place reminds me of everything a video store should be: free of 600 copies of "Next" starring Nicolas Cage and 800 video games and blu-rays or whatever. You get the idea. This place is here because whoever owns it loves films, loves the film culture, and well, that suits me great.

I used to live in another city in California that had a video store like this; a place you could go in and just sort of absorb the Movie-ness about it. As I moved on from the city, I really missed that sort of store, especially when all you really get in its place are a bunch of Hollywood Videos and Blockbusters.

It would have taken me days and days and days to get through what they had there and I will definitely go back. I need to ask if they have "Night of the Comet." My guess is they do.

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Photo of Jesse C.

 

2

3

Jesse C.

Oakland, CA

4 star rating
9/9/2009

Probably the best video store I've ever been to. The only reason that I'm knocking off one star is that sometimes the staff can be a bit elitist, but so am I, and I always expect that going here.

Aside from the awesome selection, their deals on TV are great. You can get an entire season of a cable show for $5 for 5 days! I was able to finish up many series this way.

Definitely for the movie buff.

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Photo of Nick P.

 

9

3

Nick P.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
9/8/2009

I used to work at a video store in Virginia with almost twice as many movie titles as this place. Movie Madness totally wins.

The greatest thing about this place is you can tell that the owner loves it. The literal museum of classic and contemporary Hollywood costumes, sets, and memorabilia will impress even the most jaded Portlander. It was pretty awesome when I saw artifacts from two of my favorite movies of all time- a set from Blade Runner and THE Maltese Falcon (ok, one of them)- right next to each other.

The staff are great. Friendly, helpful, usually willing to chat with you about movies if you bring anything interesting up to the counter. They can get irritated with people who ask where a movie is on a busy Friday, but that's what the computer database is there for, which I would rather have on hand than having to ask a clerk any day.

And the selection... whoo. Doesn't matter what you're into (I'm a cult / grindhouse / horror guy mostly but also dig lots of classic Hollywood) they've got it. Even if you just want to pick up a copy of the latest piece of Hollywood trash, they usually have ample copies on supply.

People that complain about the micro-sub-section are missing the point. First of all, if you are an aficion of schlock like I am, you maybe want to work your way through the biker section, the werewolf section, the Nazi porn section, the Christian scare film section, the revenge film section... do you see where I'm going with this? The categorization system is immensely useful for people into one or more obscure sub-genre who want to really exhaust that particular idiom. Or, conversely, for neophytes or casual fans who want more of the same. I mean, seriously, man, do you have any idea how irritating it would be to have to answer the question "I really liked Ilsa, She-Wolf of the SS. Where can I find more movies with busty concentration camp commandants sexually torturing their inames?" without a "Naughty Nazis" section?

My only complaint? Whoever filed the Something Weird stuff in the red room. I really don't want to have to go into the porn room to rent Confessions of a Psycho-Cat.

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Photo of Kris W.

 

0

7

Kris W.

Portland, OR

4 star rating
9/8/2009

I love Movie Madness, but have never used it as my sole rental source.  I save the drive for special occasions / movies that you know you're not going to find in the local rental store, or for a nice rainy day poring through endless choices.

I don't have much to offer that hasn't been said here yet, but I feel I must speak out on one point:

If you are the kind of person who isn't motivated enough to get your movie rentals returned on time, do yourself a favor and beg a more responsible friend to rent the movie!  I can't tell you how much I've spent on late fees here..

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Photo of avis d.

 

0

18

avis d.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
6/12/2009

When people tell me that I should get Netflix, I just go along with them and nod, "Yeah, Okay, sure thing," because I know they've never experienced Movie Madness, and there's no way that I can possibly make them understand.

Besides the unmatched Movie selection, I love, love, love,  all of the movie memorabilia. How cool is it to watch, say, Bonnie and Clyde, and then see the dress that Faye Dunaway actually wore in the movie? Real cool, that's how. (And while we're on the subject of costumes, you can marvel at how TINY actresses were back in the old days. One of Meg Ryan's costumes looks like a circus tent compared to Liz Taylor's.)

I found some obscure teen-rebel movies I was looking for there (of course) and there is so much more that I will never have time in this life to see.

It is simply a movie lover's Nirvana.  And they sell Red Vines.

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Photo of Michelle H.

Elite '09

19

106

Michelle H.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
6/15/2009

I have been renting movies from Movie Madness for at least a decade, and I have never in my life seen a more diverse selection of films, or a more extensive selection of international and indie films.  I love international movies very much...particulary French films, and no where else in Portland (or anywhere for that matter)  have I seen such a selection of foreign films.

What differentiates Movie Madness from places like Blockbuster or Hollywood Video is that the emphasis is not on just current releases, but on everything great.  I have found some very wonderful, obscure movies here at Movie Madness that I would never have found or heard of, if I only frequented the mainstream movie rental places.

Although I no longer live in SE, this is my movie rental store of choice.  It is just very unique, and there is no other like it that I have been able to find closer to my house, or in the Portland metro area.

The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the movie prop museum aspect adds even more interest and authenticity to the store.  

If you are a movie junkie, you will love this store.

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Photo of Katith B.

 

2

9

Katith B.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
5/14/2009

I love movies, and I love Movie Madness. They have every movie that I have ever wanted to see, and an incredible amount of movies that I never want to see. Their website is also amazing. You can search their entire collection, and find out where exactly that strange Nicholas Roeg movie you want to rent is located all before you set foot in the store! Trust me, you will look like a genius.

They also have a great selection of OOP films, and nothing makes me want to see a movie more than knowing it is out of print.

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Photo of Joe M.

Elite '09

60

139

Joe M.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
5/12/2009

Hands down, the best place in Portland to rent movies.  While stupid places like Hollywood Video and Blockbuster have  gone to the toilet in recent days, this local video store is a movie junkie's delight.  Not only can you find a lot of hard to find video's, especially on VHS, but they also have a great variety of new movies too.  While those corporate stores and charging an arm and leg these days, this place has always been affordable to go.  $3.50 for all new releases for 3 days and $2.50 for older titles. Blue-Ray has a great variety too that is worth checking out.

I remember going here 9 years shortly after graduating from high school.  I could not believe they had copies of Dragonball Z on tape from Japan.  At that time, the series had not aired all the episodes here in U.S.  Also, it was like walking into a museum at the same time.  The owner has collected various memoribilia over the years.  He has the certificate of authenticity to prove it too.  When I worked at a corporate electronic store, *cough cough* Best Buy, he would always come in and buy a ton of movies.  He always wounded up in my lane too to get rang up.  It was not until I saw the Portland Tribune it was the same guy that owned this place.  

I love the huge selection of TV Shows available to rent.  $5 for 5 days is a real steal compared to other stores.  The various categories gives something for everyonee in their taste.  The hidden red door for those into the "adult" videos reminds when I was kid when they had those sections hidden away from public.  A good insider tip, if there is a movie they do not have, talk to the owner and he will do what he can to get it.  The staff is friendly for the most, although there is one guy who just  doesn't seem to care or isn't happy.  I am surprised he is still there, but it's very scarce I see him.  Everyone else is fun to talk to; they certainly know their movies.  I will only go  here to rent since they usually have what I want.  God bless local!

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Photo of Haley M.

 

1

6

Haley M.

Portland, OR

4 star rating
4/9/2009

This place is THE TITS to rent movies in the entire NW. They have just about everything-- except the Russian movie "Irony of fate" which bummed me out. They also have quite the collection of movie costumes and props (my favorite is the building from Ghost Busters).
That being said, the people who work there aren't the nicest I've found. They usually try to get you in and out without offering much to the conversation I find myself trying to have with them.
Regardless, if you're trying to find a French art movie from 1962, there's a pretty good chance they have it on DVD and VHS.

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Photo of Petra L.

Elite '09

81

147

Petra L.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
1/8/2009

......

I had to resist the urge to sit down and cry when my friend took me inside the doors of Movie Madness. Paralyzed by the selection, you might say.

They have.. everything. No, really, I think this is true. There is a map to help you locate the section you need. Movies are then broken down by genre, director, country of origin, and a ton of other classifications. There is an outstanding classics section (oh my god, the film noir!) as well as a wall of new arrivals (albeit not new movies) on which I found at least seven movies within a span of three minutes that I must rent at some point.

They have a veritable museum of film memorabilia including original costumes (check out Barbara Streisand's lingerie from What's Up, Pussycat!) and props. It's worth a trip to the store to see that alone.

Also, their TV on DVD selection is amazing, and you can rent entire seasons for five days for $5 if, like you, you start watching a show and then can't help but chain yourself to the couch and watch entire seasons in a day or two.

I wish it were closer to my house, but maybe it's better that it's not.

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Photo of jeri j.

 

10

5

jeri j.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
5/11/2009

I love to walk through those doors! it makes me feel so good the people are great! always super friendly and smart. and there's this one guy I would do in a min!
the movie selection is great if you ever need to be taken back in time that's the place! and cheep cheep cheep!!!

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Photo of Neal W.

Elite '09

41

86

Neal W.

Portland, OR

4 star rating
4/25/2009

Even if you're not trying to rent a bunch of flicks, this place is still worth visiting. It's a trip inside, with all kinds of awesome Hollywood memorabilia. When I went they didn't have Nemo in Slumberland, which was a little disappointing. It's not a very common movie, but I figured if there was one place to find it, it would be Movie Madness. It's still a groovy place, and while I was there waiting in line, I saw James Mercer of the Shins in line! I went up and told him his music rocks. If it's good enough for James Mercer, it's good enough for me.

But seriously even if you don't see James Mercer it's worth going.

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Photo of Don B.

Elite '09

809

581

Don B.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
9/9/2008

I'll keep it simple:

Any movie store that has so many cult, classic, international and arcane movies as to have a section titled "Bizarre" deserves 5 stars in my book.  Movie Madness has just about any movie you could ever want to watch, and hundreds more. I seriously missed Scarecrow in Seattle until I found this place.

Support your local video store. Rent here instead.

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Photo of N. M.

 

3

45

N. M.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
2/22/2009

Movie Madness is the sort of place that keeps you tethered to Portland.  You just won't be able to find anything like it anywhere else.

My favorite part about this place is that you can pick up a television series on DVD (Freaks and Geeks, Twin Peaks...) for $5 and keep it for five nights.  

My other favorite part is that they have a section for everything.
Here's an example of how much "everything" they really have.  I overheard this about a month ago while standing in line:
Guy in line says to his girlfriend: They have a section for, like, every country.
Girlfriend says:  Well, sort of.  I mean, they don't have, like, CANada.  
Kid with 5 horror movies on vhs in line behind them: Yes, they do. It's right here.

It was amazing.

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Photo of Nick M.

Elite '09

11

124

Nick M.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
11/27/2008

Me: "I can't remember the name, but I'm looking for a Bollywood style film that was made in Canada"
Hipster behind counter: "Oh - you like Canadian Bollywood? I love Canadian Bollywood - let me show you where we keep that section"

OF COURSE they have a Canadian Bollywood section. They have EVERYTHING!

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Photo of Suzanne F.

Elite '09

182

429

Suzanne F.

Portland, OR

4 star rating
7/22/2008

Hopefully I will not piss off the huge number of fans of this place but I just can't give out a walloping 5 stars...I just moved here & had experienced video bliss at my old video shop (Videots in Berkeley, CA). While MM does have tons of old movies & great sets & props (I especially love the lingerie worn by Barbra Streisand in What's Up, Pussycat?), it hasn't got many copies of films I wanted to rent. Of the 4 times I have gone in, they didn't have any of the items in stock that I had come in to rent. Now mind you, I am not looking for anything obscure. I had come in to get some episodes of 'Weeds', which they didn't have. My kids wanted the DVD of 'ET', which they didn't have. I was just in to try to rent 'Batman', the 1989 version by Tim Burton. They didn't have it. They DO have every Italian or French film I have ever wanted to see, tho', which is handy to note.

The people who work here are all very well-read on films & seem to like discussing them. Maybe I just need to get used to a new system. Here's what I miss about the old place: the free popcorn in a cool vintage popcorn machine with those little striped red & white bags, the free dog biscuits to pooches (whether they are good canine citizens or not), the '2 for 1' Mon-Thurs promotions, and the many copies of HBO/Showtime shows available. So, it doesn't work like this here, & I just need to get with the (new) program. I will come here, tho', as it's in my neighborhood & does have a fantastic selection of lots of things. I'll make my own popcorn & bring my own Scooby Snacks for Ed! Looking forward to our free film ...

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Photo of Richard j.

 

7

26

Richard j.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
2/4/2009

I have never been to a video store like Movie Madness. I love that I can still call it a "Video" store because they still carry VHS. I found a DVD copy of Fantastic 4 (the 1994 version). The only thing I could think of that would make this place pure magic is if they Rented Video Games. Real Games for Real systems like Sega master system,  Genesis and Turbo Grafixxx 16. But thats just my wet dream. I would like to say that I wish their Porno section was as organize as the rest of the store. Every time you go to the porn section their is always an old man in there. Is that what all old men do in Portland? Play video poker and browse in porno sections? I cant wait to be old.

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Photo of Kelvin C.

 

5

57

Kelvin C.

Minneapolis, MN

5 star rating
4/6/2008

Best video store ever.

videos, dvds - $2. for three days
new releases - $3.50 for three days

Unbelievably comprehensive selection --- especially when it comes to the weird and obscure.  There's a $100 deposit on any out of print videos unless you've had 25 rentals.

Check out the staff picks - $1 rentals and usually good choices!

There's some pretty interesting Hollywood memorabilia (costumes and props) to check out here as well.

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Photo of Natalie G.

Elite '09

55

209

Natalie G.

San Anselmo, CA

5 star rating
6/18/2008

This place is mind boggling. This place is a mini-museum and shrine to obscure cinema. Nazi Porn? Check. Disturbing kid movies that will give you nightmares forever? Check. FANTASTIC assortment of educational/scare films? OMG CHECK.

They even knew the name of and had a totally obscure movie my girlfriend hadn't seen since she was a kid and everyone thought it was a nightmare of hers or something.

Incase you were wondering it's called "The Peanut Butter Solution".

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Photo of Brice B.

Elite '09

85

149

Brice B.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
4/5/2008

Lived in LA.

Spent the entire time searching from Santa Monica to Long Beach for a copy of Harold and Maude.  Wierd, obscure, awesome flick.  No luck, sissy boy.  Try Spider Man... I heard that's GREAT!

Moved to PDX, found Movie Madness immediately, there's Harold and Maude!  Watched with glee.  Go fig.

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Photo of Brad W.

 

12

20

Brad W.

Beaverton, OR

5 star rating
5/26/2007

We're looking for Rob Zombie's House of a 1000 Corpses...Is it in the "Serial Killer" section?  Nah, the pyschos in the movie aren't as meticulous as serial killers.  Ooh, I know, check the "Dead Teenagers" section...Nope.  Hmm.  "Demonic Demons"?  Nope, not there either.  I guess I'll go ask the guy at the counter.  "You can find that in the 'Dysfunctional Families' section dude."  Damn it!  I should have known.  The Firefly clan is a demented family that kills hapless teens.  I should have known.

Screw Blockbuster, I'm driving all the way out to Portland's East Side from Beaverton for movies from now on.

Oh yeah, I even grabbed a Night Court DVD to fall asleep to after the scary movie.  Yeah, that court room show from the early 90s with the really tall bald guy.

Awesome store.  I'm a Movie Madness lifer now.

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Photo of SAM Y.

 

1135

939

SAM Y.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
11/9/2007

FADE IN:

INT. MOVIE MADNESS - DAY

JOHN a 20 something year old film geek wearing an REI vest and jeans enters the store. SUE a 19 year old hipster is manning the register.

                                            JOHN
                   Where do you keep all your zombie flicks?

                                            SUE
                   What kind of zombie movie?

                                             JOHN
                   Japanese zombie.

                                           SUE
                      Ninja or no ninja?

                                             JOHN
                       Ohhh, let me see. Ninja!

                                          SUE
                        Check under drama

There is a moment of silence...

                                          JOHN
             I really want to kiss you right now...

                                           SUE
             Romance is also under drama

                                          THE END

                                                                                                      FADE OUT.

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Photo of Danny n.

 

36

62

Danny n.

New York, NY

5 star rating
3/8/2008

To best describe this place I would quote a friend from out of the country that I took to this place
" Danny he said: look at the patrons at this movie store they look like the caracthers in the movies they are renting".
I have to say it is true, people in the PDX area are eclectic and independent matching perfectly with this movie store.
Also it is good to clarify that the layout won't match the one found at your local blockbuster or Hollywood video store... you might feel a little lost till you get acquainted with the rooms where to find videos.

Best place to try to find that independent movie you really want to see again or just go for the fun of going to an authentic video store.

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Photo of Mark S.

Elite '09

21

119

Mark S.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
7/8/2007 22 photos

With 50,000 titles, not only is this the best Movie/Video store in Portland, it's one of the best on the planet! And, it's an excellent museum!  And... and... it's recently became larger!

I think of Movie Madness as the Powell's of video rentals in Portland.

We should all thank Mike Clark for creating this fantastic place on Belmont.  To make your movie search easier, use the video lookup feature on their website before you head for the store,  http://www.moviemadnes.../

Owner Mike Clark was a Hollywood studio technician until 1991 when he opened Movie Madness.

5,900 square feet and  room for 100,000 movies!

Don't forget to check their video clerks too, they're way cool.

I took a few photos of the "museum" portion of the store, so take a look!  The display includes a dress Julie Andrews wore in "The Sound Of Music" and one of the knives Anthony Perkins used in "Psycho."

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Photo of Joshua R.

 

41

29

Joshua R.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
11/13/2007 1 photo

If you have never visited Movie Madness, consider yourself lucky because that means the greatest video store experience is still in your future.

I stopped by Movie Madness for the first time in months today, and it has undergone some big changes.  This store used to be like a maze, with another hallway or huge room jam packed with movies just right around the corner.  Now  the layout is much more open and spacious.

I overheard the owner talking about how the Fire Marshall was not happy with the previous layout;  too many people in small spaces.  While I did like the mysteriousness of the old layout, I also appreciate not being burned to a crisp while trying to escape a DVD inferno.

The selection here is amazing, with tons of classic movies, indie movies, foreign movies, etc.

The owner has also a very nice collection of movie props and costumes on display, sort of a mini-movie museum.

The feeling here is very laid back, very Portland.  Feel free to browse at your leisure, search for your favorite movie in their computer database, or simply ask one of the helpful staff members.

Prices are very reasonable, New Releases are $3 for two days while older movies are $2 for three days.  They even have a lot of movies that come in plastic boxes and are encoded on some sort of magnetic tape.  Someone told me that these can be played on a kind of machine called a veeseear.*

After grabbing my copy of "Law & Order, the 14th Year, Disc 3" (Yeah, yeah, I hear you laughing.  Shut up) I headed to the counter where I was informed that I had outstanding late fees, and would I like to pay for them now?  Wow!  These late fees had been in my account for at least six months and not once did I get a reminder phone call, or a letter in the mail threatening to send me to collections (I'm looking at you Blockbuster); plus I also had the option to say "Screw you Movie Madness!  I'll pay my late fees when I feel like it, now give me my Sam Waterston!"

If Netflix didn't exist with it's unbeatable selection and lack of late fees, this place would get more of my business.  All the same it's nice to know that when I need my New York cop and lawyer drama urges fulfilled immediately, Movie Madness (as well as TNT, USA, Bravo and NBC) will be there for me.

p.s. *A friend informed me that despite my snarkiness about old timey technologies, a lot of the VHS movies in stock here are not currently available on any other format.

p.p.s. *After every 20 rentals, members get 1 free.

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Photo of Lisa H.

Elite '09

17

78

Lisa H.

Vancouver, WA

5 star rating
11/29/2007

This is by far the best video store ever!  My husband and I love to rent obscure horror films we read about on the internet, rare old, British television shows, and all kinds of music dvds.  Never once has this place not had what we came for!  Its amazing.  Its huge.  And its selection is unmatched.  Why would I go for something like Netflix when I can go to this place?  One great thing for us is that since we currently live across the river in Vancouver, they allow us to have the movies for 5 days instead of the normal 3.  Totally worth the drive!

I loved the previous layout with tiny rooms and the long hallway, but now that they've expanded, I think they've added even more movies.  The hallway is now a great display case for all the movie costumes and set pieces the owner has collected.  And these musuem pieces are an integral part of the experience of this store.  We've taken out of towners to this store just to show them how cool it is and not even rented a movie.  

If you need to find something, they have a great computer system that will tell you where to find it.  We use this a lot.  I've never had to ask the staff, which I do find a bit snobby each time I'm in there.  I've noticed since the remodel, they have a ton more business, which I think is great!  Perhaps they get tired of dealing with the people that come through though, a few times we've been in they've been trying to calm down irrate people that want to rent but wont follow the rules.  (Pay your $100 in late fees and then you can rent another.)

Overall, the best movie store in Portland or anywhere for that matter!

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Photo of Courtney D.

 

26

311

Courtney D.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
2/20/2007

Mad about this video store

This place is indeed a jewel amongst video stores. One thing I don't like about the mainstream stores is that they lack hard-to-find movies or the classics. This is the place for a movie that you loved 15 years ago but could never find it or remember the exact title. If you know enough details, the knowledgeable staff here will probably be able to name and find it for you. They also have a huge foreign film selection.

What you will find not only surprising but also thrilling is that this place also houses some funky movie memorabilia. I'd rather not get into specifics of what or it will ruin the surprise. Let's just say that you'll enjoy walking around so much that you might forget why you actually came in.

Tip: A criticism of this place is it lacks TV shows on DVD, so if that's important to you, know that ahead.

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1

64

Corwin M.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
5/17/2007

You like that Werner Herzog, don't you baby? Kurosawa? Or those depraved Froggies with their soft-core porn that passes itself off as art? Maybe you were drunk that night you saw "A Boy And His Dog" and only remember that the dog was a condescending smart-ass? Wait, what about that intriguing title you just saw out of the corner of your eyes: "Praise the Lord And Pass the Ammo"?

If so, then in the words of the immortal Bob Barker, come on down! This place is the largest movie rental place where you won't have your soul sucked dry by over 50 copies of...say, Spiderman 3? For $3 you get new releases for three days, and for $2 everything else for three days. To get to said movies requires meandering in a maddening labyrinth, the sorting of the movies perhaps the Riddler's greatest prank ever and a legacy to his genius. That would normally dock a star, yet it's suits to this place well.

Besides, you get to look at all the cool movie memorabilia, and the knowledgeable staff are there to guide you with their expertise and Escher space navigation prowess.

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3

20

Nicole W.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
1/10/2009

Hands down the BEST and GREATEST video store in the world!  You can find anything there...cult, horror, comedy, rare vintage, silent films, tv shows from the 50's - you name it, they've got it.  And its like a film history museum with actual costumes and props from major films - Psycho, the Outlaw Josey Wales, The Godfather, Alien, and on and on!  If you've never been you HAVE to check it out!  Also, its the best deal in town - anything not a new release is a $2 rental and you'll never find even half the stuff at a Blockbuster.  I promise.

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19

259

Abe I.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
5/3/2007

Is there any greater movie rental place in the universe? My sources say no. You could go to a blockbuster, but why. Movie Madness doesn't just stop at the normal Action, Drama, and Rom Coms, have whole movie sections sorted by director, blacksploitation, and 60s commercials. In addition to their fantastic selection, you'll have plenty to look at while you browse (which you'll spend a long time doing,) as the store is filled with movie memorabilia including the knife from "Psycho," a few "alien" props, and outfits from "Star Wars."
Go to Movie Madness. Tell me you've seen a better movie rental place, actually, don't tell me, I'll sock you.

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34

158

Monica H.

New York, NY

5 star rating
12/9/2008

Video stores are not dead! Movie Madness is perfect proof of that, the store was bustling on Friday night when a local friend took me there to check out the memorabilia collection which was equally shocking and amazing. Check this place out even if you are just visiting Portland, it's quite a sight.

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6

25

Ashli E.

Portland, OR

4 star rating
8/18/2008

Looooooooove Movie Madness. Only wish it was alphabetized.

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0

6

Leslie H.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
9/10/2008

I subscribe to NetFlix but I still have to come to Movie Madness for those hard to find videos.  I love the atmosphere here, especially when it's not busy, ( try coming Mon-Thurs).  They've recently remodeled to a nice layout but I miss the old staff and the haunted house feel of the old hallways leading to the horror and porn sections.

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8

22

Heidi C.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
10/10/2008

This really is THE place to go to rent movies. They have everything you could ever want. If they don't, I'm sure they would be happy to bring it in for you. I always spend way more time then I should browsing through the movies and at all the costumes. Portland is super lucky to have this place.

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9

32

Vegan K.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
7/4/2008

My husband is a huge movie fan, particularly of ones from the 20s-50s and this place has all the movies he's ever wanted to see but couldn't find, and then tons more he's never heard of.  You get a free rental every 20 rentals and I think we've had 5 so far after living in Portland for a few months!

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Elite '09

5

53

Terry W.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
4/22/2008

What a great store--a real institution.  In fact you'll see the occasional  customer who looks like they just slipped away from the instituion.   Huge selection, everything from uber-sicko stuff to mainstream.  Every TV series you can imagine, too, Great documentary selection.   Eclectic in every sense of the word, the owner, Mike, the selection, the customers, the employees,  the layout....  Someone complained a while back about it being "too big."  WTF?    I do have to say that I usually take a wish list in with me, so I don't just stand there like an idiot, overwhelmed by the options.  And they do have a data search computer to look up films by director, etc.  That's an easy way to find what you are looking for.   What a great place, I feel really lucky to have lived within 5 minutes of this place for 20 years.

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41

172

Christen M.

Portland, OR

4 star rating
2/12/2007

Four stars only because it's, um, a little off my usual route and so I only go there if I'm looking for something especially nutty or rare.

Huge, huge, store. Huge, huge selection. While the selection of TV shows on DVD is indeed sparse, every other section is just so overwhelming: lots of foreign, lots of cult stuff, lots of classics...It's ridiculous. Also ridiculous is that it's a Planet Hollywood (only, you know, without the hokiness)-style museum, with lots of weird film memorabilia scattered throughout. And everytime I have been there the place has been exceedingly busy, with people in the way and a much higher energy level than you typically find at a video store on a Friday night.

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1

18

jason m.

Portland, OR

4 star rating
1/20/2007

I dig this place. They have just about every movie I could ever want to rent.  The TV show selection is sparse, however.

Before you read what is coming next I must repeat that I really do like this place, and almost every single person who has, will, or currently works there is friendly, knowledgeable and has a near-adequate level of hygiene.

BUT...it is also the ONLY movie rental store at which I have had a fight with a guy wearing an outfit consisting of a matching hot-pink skirt, hot-pink cashmere sweater and hot-pink pill hat.  He accessorized nicely with what looked like a real pearl necklace.  He got real snotty one Halloween when I asked him about a DVD release date.  As if!

I never saw him again, so I assume they fired him or he marched right off to star in an off-Broadway version of Guys and Dolls.  Too bad, really, because he looked darn good in that ensemble.  Other than this guy, the staff is, was, and will be there for you, and they won't even laugh when you rent three John Candy movies at once.

It looks like the building appeared overnight when dwarves sprung from the earth and glued together some concrete blocks, a mobile home and some extra thick cardboard boxes, then painted them all bright teal and slapped some movie star murals on the side.  But who needs architectural genius when you have the best selection of movies north of San Francisco?

Go there when you have time to browse and feel adventurous.  If you see a guy dressed in pink wait for the next register to open up.

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42

Karinna A.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
4/10/2007

I miss this store, it truly is the best EVER, and I have never seen anything equal to Movie Madness in any other city I have lived.  Movie Madness is truly amazing in its range of selection and has forever ruined places like Blockbuster for me.

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