Video Rentals for as Little as $1

Though some may think they’re a relic of the late 20th century, there are still video stores  near Piedmont doing brisk business.

A typical movie rental goes for around $3 to $4 for a new in-demand film, while rentals of less-sought-out and classic pictures are priced as little as $1. Most video stores also offer cheaper rentals in pre-paid packages and bulk deals.

If that’s still not cheap enough at-home entertainment, the Oakland Public Library offers thousands of DVDs and VHS tapes and for nothing, so as long as they’re returned within seven days.

, located at 3850 Grand Ave., is a big store that has been around since the early 1990s; many of its customers are Piedmont residents, said clerk James McCully. Silver Screen charges $3.91 for two-day new release rentals, while seven-day rentals of older films cost $1.99. Thursday through Saturday, any three movies can be rented for $9.99; Monday through Wednesday, any four movies can be rented for about a dollar more. On Sundays, four videos can be rented for $9.99. Pre-paid rental packages cost $29.99 for 10 films; $55 for 20; and $99.60 for 40. 

at Piedmont and Pleasant Valley avenues has been around for 25 years, and though it recently eliminated all of its VHS titles and now inhabits a smaller space, it still offers some 40,000 titles. A single rental at Video Room is a little more expensive at $4.25, though blocks of 25 rentals can be purchased for $75, bringing the price down to $3 a movie. Rentals are generally for three days, with new releases available for two days. Late fees are $1 a day. Manager Bill Wedemyer said the store prides itself on its knowledgeable and opinionated staff, as well as its large selection of cult, foreign and children’s films and TV shows on DVD. 

Down the street at , assistant manager Jay Miller sees his role as “movie bartender,” getting to know the customers and making recommendations. Hot new releases cost $4.99, while recent films with less demand cost $2.99 and “value” films are priced at 99 cents. Movie titles rent for three days and late fees go for about $1 a day. For $21.99 a month, customers can rent all the movies or video games they like, one at a time. Customers can rent all they want two at a time for $29.99 a month. The  offers the same rates. 

Self-serve Red Boxes at 7-Eleven on and at , dispense movie rentals with the swipe of a credit card. The Red Box on Piedmont Avenue offers a selection of more than 150 films that can be rented for $1 a day. Blu-ray films cost $1.50 per night and games cost $2. Used films can be purchased for $7.

For the most frugal video watchers, the Oakland Public Library is the place to go. The library system boasts 55,000 DVDs throughout its 19 branches, said supervising librarian Kathleen DiGiovanni, including feature films, television shows, documentaries, instrumental materials, concert performances and plays. The main branch at 125 14th St. also has a wide variety of VHS tapes and a small selection of video games located in its teen room. Up to eight DVDs and eight VHS tapes can be borrowed at the same time with a library card. It costs a dollar a day per item if they’re not returned within seven days.

“It’s kind of your best bet in videos,” DiGiovanni said. “It’s free.”