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MOVIES! The Store - CLOSED
Categories: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Videos and Video Game Rental Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Music & DVDs Videos and Video Game Rental, Music & DVDs [Edit]
1407 Richmond AveHouston, TX 77006
Neighborhoods: Museum District, Montrose
(713) 527-9997
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
24 reviews for MOVIES! The Store
Review Highlights
"He stocks new releases, older releases and classics."
(in 5 reviews)
"Rob is the best and knows his stuff."
(in 15 reviews)
"Weekly specials include."
(in 3 reviews)
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24 reviews in English
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Review from Ben J.
Houston, TX
7/14/2010
After spending 30 minutes at Best Buy trying to get someone in customer service to help me find Before Sunset, I moved to my last resort, my iPhone. I desperately typed "movies" into my pocket search engine and found MOVIES! the Store only a few miles down the road.
I called the listed phone number and asked if they had Before Sunset, and the response I got was: "of course! you mean the sequel to Before Sunrise, right?"
I was beyond shocked because according to the customer service "agent" at Best Buy "Ain't nobody ever heard a it".
I rushed to the store, grabbed Before Sunrise, and browsed their selection...all I can say is...THANK GOD for MOVIES! The Store! Great selection, knowledgeable proprietor....stop by a rent a flick! We need to support this store! -
Review from David N.
3/14/2010 1 Check-in Here
Since this place has been getting such great reviews on yelp I just had to check it out for myself. I came mid day on a Wednesday and it was quiet.
I came up to not knowing what to expect, I was shocked to see it was really neat inside. So clean in fact, Rob was doing so sweeping as we entered. They have a wide selection of movies from classics to new releases. They have lots of areas where you can read their personal reviews and selections.
They offer competitive prices and there are daily specials. The best part is they are the ones who are responsible for the movies on wednesdays at Domy!Listed in: Houston: Services
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Review from Danielle S.
Houston, TX
12/14/2009
When I walked into MOVIES! The Store last Friday with my sister, the owner, Rob, was sitting on a couch in the corner watching G-Force. Yep, that's the Disney movie that came out earlier this year. I knew that if this guy was watching a movie about smart-talking guinea pigs, he straight-up loved movies and wasn't a snob about it at all. I was totally NOT going to be judged if I wanted to rent the fluffiest, cheesiest film in the place.
It's enough to make a girl consider cancelling her Netflix account. -
Review from Suzanne R.
New Orleans, LA
12/12/2008
Support your indie shops in Houston! Having said that, they only deserve your support if they work hard to keep your bizness and Rob is the hardest working man in the movie rental industry.
On Richmond and just west of 59 is Movies The Store. I always look for reasons not to go to Ball Buster, I mean, Blockbuster and so far, Movies The Store is the best reason I have found to date.
Some of the specials:
+Monday - All catalog (older titles) 1/2 off
+Tuesday - Older New releases $2
+Wednesday - Rent 1 catalog, Get 1 Free
+Thursday - All Rentals 30% off
Rob has a Wednesday Movie Nights @ Domy Books! (http://yelp.com/biz/do...) Free Admission and the shows begin @ 8:00 PM.
I had some concerns that a little shop might not be open on Sundays but no fear - Sundays Open Noon - 10 PM
Rob does not mind if you call first to see if your fav movie is in and I think his recommendations would be spot on if you're stumped on what to watch.
He stocks new releases, older releases and classics. Right now, he is having a movie poster sale. (Stocking stuffers anyone?)
Today's selections? Feeling a little bit on the retro side. I picked "24 Hour Party People" & "Basquiat" (I know, I hate Julian Schnabel too) and Andie grabbed "Basketball Diaries".
I will be back next week to check out the new releases and so should you. -
Review from Cory O.
Houston, TX
1/25/2009 20 Check-ins Here
Okay, I'm being overly generous with my stars, but seriously, if you met Rob, you would too.
I love the idea of supporting local businesses and that usually means restaurants for me. The hubs is obsessed with watching movies and when our Netflicks doesn't come in soon enough, he goes over to MOViES immediately.
We struck out quite a bit as far as selection goes, but I'm also a little weird in my tastes. Rob is ridiculously well versed in movies and I enjoy that he isn't just some teenage jerk pissed off at the world and plotting how to spend his $6/hour salary. If you ask for a recommendation, he'll give you perfect options based on what you've rented before. AND he's pretty honest about his takes on the movies.
There are plenty of specials for every day of the week which is fantastic for us and our hectic schedule. We never have a consistent "movie night", so it is nice to know that whenever we stop in on a whim that there is some kind of "deal" going on.
Oh, something worth mentioning is the AWFUL parking situation. In general you can find a spot, but there have definitely been times where there is nowhere to park and you risk it in the empty lot next door. Plus, backing outta there is a heinous task during rush hour. Yuck! -
Review from Raygan K.
Manhattan, NY
For those of you who have never met Rob Arcos, you should. Rob is Houston's greatest movie resource. And please, don't imagine a Simpson's Comic Book Guy type movie fan; Rob is a Hero, working tirelessly to bring great movies to the city of Houston. He has been manager of the Angelika, and the River Oaks Cinema, but now he has found his true calling, his Kingdom. It is called... Movies the Store.
Unlike any other movie rental place I've ever been, Rob hand picks every movie on the shelves, and they're all there for a reason. At Blockbuster, it's hard to find any real gems because they're drowned out by all the noise. (One copy of Little Miss Sunshine, but they've got a whole shelf of Anaconda vs. Python, direct to video!) At Movies the Store, the selection is based on quality, not quantity. The quantity isn't bad either, and it's always growing. Rob is nearly always there, ready with a friendly and intelligent recommendation, and always happy to chat about movies. Going to Movies doesn't feel like renting from Blockbuster, it feels like borrowing a great flick from a friend. A friend who happens to be the city's greatest movie buff.
Prices are reasonable ($3.25 for catalog, a dollar more for new releases, with weekly specials that really make you want to stop in on a Wednesday!) The late fee policy is simple and fair.
If you decide to become a member, make sure you get on the weekly email newsletter. I've never gotten more useful spam :-) Rob does a great job of letting us know what's new at the store, and even keeps us abreast of what's notable in theaters around town.Listed in: Near My Place
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Review from travis r.
Houston, TX
8/30/2007 ROTD 8/20/2008
Movies the Store,
has sprung up from the ashes of the Cactus Music and Video Store, infusing the Montrose area with a desperately needed independent and personable video rental store. The owner, Rob, always offers great suggestions and his enthusiasm for film will capture you. The late fees are super cheap and the prices are comparable to any of the big brand rental stores. The selection may be limited, but all of the choices on offer are superb, and the comfortable and good smelling atmosphere will keep you coming back. -
Review from Liz S.
Houston, TX
8/23/2007 3 photos
A super, super-independent video store, operated by the knowledgeable Rob Arcos. (Seriously, ask him about any movie - he knows about 10,000). The store is cozy, membership is free, the rental price is low, and the selection expands so often that it's hard to keep up. (Don't worry, though - you can subscribe to his email newsletter and stay on top of what's going on.)
Weekly specials include:
Monday - TV Shows 1/2 off!
Wednesday - Rent 1 Catalog, Get 1 FREE!
Friday - Rent 2 New Releases, Get the 3rd FREE!
And in general, every time you rent 5 movies you get one FREE.
There are occasionally in-store screenings, or Rob-hosted screenings at theaters around town (highly recommended).
The store's one year anniversary is coming up in October, so be on the lookout for an awesome party. (And keep in mind that the store hasn't even been around a year, so don't freak out if they don't have your favorite obscure flick - just tell Rob and he'll put it on his list.)
It is more than worth a visit. You will either fall in love with kind, funny, smart Rob, or fall in love with the welcoming neighborhood video store that you've been longing for. He remembers all of his customers by name. It's incredible.
The store is right across from the Richmont Square apartments - you might miss it the first time you drive by, so be on the lookout.Listed in: The Best and Brightest, Life in the 006
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Review from Michael A.
Houston, TX
3/17/2008
For some 20 years I watched the mallification of Manhattan spread like an unstoppable cancer that steadily diminished the character of my favorite island on earth. Ultimately, when I meditate on how much I love and miss Manhattan, I'm really thinking of a time more than a place.
That's one of the reasons I'm all about soliciting independently run enterprises like "MOViES The Store" -- even if it takes a little extra effort. Ironically, we only discovered this quirky little shop after a strategically-placed flyer at Amy's Ice Cream caught our eye; otherwise, there's nothing especially inviting about the store's generic exterior.
Inside, the whole vibe of this place reminds me of Championship Vinyl, the record store from "High Fidelity" but without the snobbery. The owner of MTS, whose name also happens to be Rob, engaged me in an interesting conversation about director Adrienne Shelly's untimely death when I recently returned "Waitress." Like that's ever going to happen at Blockbuster.
The selection is small but eclectic which perfectly suits a movie whore like myself whose tastes range from low to high brow. Since joining, Rob's emails have alerted us to several local film events and screenings. And, there are daily rental discounts worth checking out.
Even though we no longer live in the immediate vicinity, it's worth the trip to support a place like this and hopefully see it expand its selection and build a quirkier, less generic storefront. -
Review from Alberto N.
Austin, TX
9/16/2009
This place is the real deal when it comes to renting movies. Sure, you could go online and put movie sin your Netflix queue, but Netflix is not going to die a little on the inside when you return the third disc of gossip girl and then rent the fourth disc. Sometimes you need someone to let you know that you're addicted to something bad. But I can't help it! Gossip girl is so addicting!
This place is local, the owner is the Michael Jordan of movie store employees (MVP), and they will be getting back gossip girl back soon. -
Review from Lisa A.
Austin, TX
8/28/2007
I prefer to rent my movies from an independent movie store and I really try and do so if AT ALL possible (they're getting three stars just cause they are an independent video store). But, MOViES' selection of movies is tiny and their prices are high!
Having just moved to town I was looking for an independent video store and had yet to find one so I ended up at Hollywood Video (to me the lesser of two evils compared to Blockbuster) and rented an old Billy Wilder film, Ace in the Hole, that was released by Criterion. At Hollywood Video it was something like $2.25 to rent it. When I was in MOViES I was pleasantly surprised that they had it but was shocked that it was renting for $4.50. I understand it is a small, independent store that can't compete with the big box store prices but that's a big cost difference. Also, this goes back to my partner's complaint of video stores that rent old movies (that have been recently re-released) for the "new release" price.
MOViES really does have a small selection of videos (did we miss a backroom or something?). I think my partner's classic movie collection is larger than theirs and that's something we look for (along with documentaries and foreign films). I worked in a large independent video store and there are some obvious gaps and holes in what MOViES carries. I'm sure they're working on bolstering their selection and I do hope this place succeeds and grows but currently I can't afford their prices.
Also, this place smells, rather, it stinks. Can't put my finger on it... -
Review from Brandi H.
Houston, TX
1/29/2010 2 Check-ins Here
The owner here is amazingly awesome. Every time I have come in and had a question about a movie or just need recommendations for something new he has always been helpful.
This place has a great selection of things you won't find in Blockbuster or RedBox, while keeping bigger releases in stock to keep everyone happy.
Reasonable prices, great service, and an excellent selection of independent/smaller release films keep me coming back for more! -
Review from Heather N.
Washington, DC
3/21/2009
In the interest of full disclosure, I live within a block of Movies!, so a fair amount of my enthusiasm for the place stems from my ability to traipse over there in 30 seconds, wearing flip-flops no less.
Yet my devotion to the place runs so much deeper than mere convenience...Movies! and its friendly, knowledgeable proprietor Rob Arcos serve a source of inspiration...to those of us who really love film and love talking about film...to those of us who dream of quitting our day jobs and spending the rest of our days perched in a quaint, welcoming storefront, sharing what we love with an adoring and friendly patron base...to those of us who believe in entrepreneurship and independent, local business...
Much like President Obama, Movies! is a return to what I appreciate about being American, and in spite of my having (eek, confession time) a limited Netflix subscription to fill in a few gaps, I will continue to support my independently-owned, local video store. -
Review from valerie v.
Houston, TX
2/15/2010 23 Check-ins Here
I've been a member here for 3 years, and I'm so glad I stumbled upon this place.
There's a nice selection of both new releases & classics on DVD with a growing blu ray selection. The best part is Rob, who's always ready (with a smile) to suggest something if you're indecisive (like me, haha).
Also, the weekly specials make it easy on the pocketbook and it feels nice to support local business! Check it out! -
Review from Andrew J.
Austin, TX
8/7/2008
Best.Movie.Store.Period.
Seriously, I have no reason to rent movies anywhere else. I look for a more personal, more intimate experience when renting films and Rob's store will give you just that.
He gives me ideas, and usually has a ton of personalized selections. MOViES The Store has grown incredibly over the past year as well. Every week the selection expands - to the point where the store is running out of shelf space.
I look forward to seeing this store continue to grow as a milestone for Houston's independent business community. It is important for Houston that independent stores become successful in order to promote its own personalized culture - this is a prime example of what Houston has to offer. Its up for Houstonians to keep our city fun and unique by supporting our local stores.
If you like movies, you'll love this store and its owner.
Thank Jeebus for MOViES The Store.Listed in: My Houston Neighborhood
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Review from Carla R.
Friendswood, TX
9/11/2007
I cancelled my membership to Netflix as soon as I discovered this awesome local movie store. Rob is the friendliest store owner I have ever met. He is always so eager to please his customers! You can even make movie suggestions for his catalog selection and YES he actually listens to your suggestions. It's great supporting a local store like Rob's! I hope more people wander into his store and discover how AWESOME it is.
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Review from Giovanna Q.
Houston, TX
7/9/2010
Huge Fan! They have movies I haven't seen and movies I thought I could only buy online. Great cost!...Love it Love it Love it!!!!!
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Review from Michelle S.
Houston, TX
8/5/2010
Unique store a great alternative from the faceless corporation. Rob is the best and knows his stuff.
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Review from katie g.
Houston, TX
8/5/2010
It was so nice to walk in to a movie store and actually find something that BOTH me and boyfriend want to watch! We just recently became members and the service we got was personalized and genuine! They have amazing specials each and every day, and if you return your rental the next day, you'll get a dollar credit! Now that's a way to reward your customers! I feel like the pictures of the store don't really do it justice! Inside it looks really Indie and like you're walking in to a friend's home who lives in Austin! There are comfy couches and board games, I mean seriously this place is too fun :]
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Review from Spencer E.
Houston, TX
2/5/2008
I was really ticked when they closed the Montrose Blockbuster, forcing me to go ALL THE WAY over to W. Gray. But if they hadn't I'd have never discovered the best little video store in town. Now I never have any reason to go to blockbuster, and I realized they have enough of my money anyway. Now that Rob has clicked with my movie taste, I just walk in and have him pick something for me, and I'm never let down. For you big box movie store customers be prepared to see a selection of movies you've never even heard of.
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Review from Gretchen P.
Houston, TX
7/26/2008
Rob Arcos, I just want you to know that you are a true asset to us Houstonians, and I most whole-heartedly thank you!
When you walk into Movies the Store, there may not seem like much of a choice in selection (growing still, daily growing). But how wrong you are. Quality is key. I have never walked out of this video store without (at least) two gems. Movies I'd forgotten about or movies that are at the top of my list that I've been dying to watch or re-watch. Walk up to ANY shelf in his store, and you'll rethink the two selections you already have in hand. Seriously. I sincerely wish everyone good luck in narrowing your selection down. Good luck! Beyond that, his store that is, he sends out a (or couple of) great weekly update(s). Sign up on his e-list.
What does this man not do for movies and this city?! He hosts weekly viewings of movies at DOMY (Wednesdays, on Westheimer next to Brazil) and monthly discussions of a book and viewing of it's movie at the newly re-opened downtown library. Beyond that, he holds events at his store, such as Sunday evening game night.
Above and beyond the aforementioned, if you are uncertain of the choices you have narrowed down to, ask his opinion. They are always dead on. He will NOT lead you astray, but he will not lead you away from something you JUST THINK you must watch.Listed in: Hair of the Dog and Other…
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Review from nancy k.
San Francisco, CA
9/7/2007
This is the best movie store in Houston, not like the independent stores staffed with film snobs. The owner is so nice and knowledgeable, and the prices are low. If you tell him your mood, he's able to recommend the perfect one. They have a growing selection, and are very open to ideas for movies. I live a block away and now my whole street is a member.
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Review from Brian H.
Austin, TX
11/3/2007
This is a tough one to review. It's not the greatest in the world, but it is by far the greatest in Houston. On a normal scale it is maybe a 3.5, but on a Relative to Houston scale it is more than a 5. The owner is really nice, even ordering a movie for my wife that they did not have in. This will be the place that we rent from in the future; I just can't give it 5 stars because the selection is pretty small.
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Review from Lisa Marie G.
Houston, TX
4/18/2009
I love Movies the store! Rob is soooo nice and always down for chatting about flicks. I love going to a local place over a chain or ordering movies off the internet. Everyone always seems super friendly and I've gotten into many conversations with other customers.
