Q:
How long has That's Rentertainment been around?
A: We opened at 10:00am on June 1st, 1985 -- a long, long time ago
(in a galaxy...)! Our first store was in the back of Johnstowne
Centre. After a couple of years we moved even farther back in Johnstowne
Centre and then up front to where Bennetton used to be. In 1994
we moved to our final resting spot on the corner of 6th and John
-- where Schrumph's Grocery sat for over 50 years. For a more complete bio check out this complete history I put together.
Q:
How many films does Rentertainment have?
A: A lot -- and we get even more new movies almost every day.
For (somewhat) up-to-date numbers of how many films we
have in each category check out our stats
page.
Q: Why
do movies have to be returned by 6:00 P.M. instead of midnight
like the other video stores?
A: So that the other kids can enjoy them that night.
(Hint: If you own a Block you can
keep your films until 9:00pm -- and all films will be three day
rentals -- including New Releases!!!)
Q: Is it
true Thats Rentertainment is part of the Academy Awards
decision making process?
A: In a round-about way, yes -- but in real life, no, not really.
We do try to stock the best of the best and the best of the fests
and some other stuff, too..
Q:
Are you connected with the stores in Iowa City that have the same
name?
A: No. They were there first and we just stole the name because
we thought it was cooler than Video-a-go-go or Ned's Video Shack
(although Bubba's Fish 'n Chips came in a close 2nd).
Q:
Where are you guys?
A: We are at the corner of 6th and John Street on Campus. Take
Green street to 5th (at Pizza Hut), turn south on 5th,
take the first left (John Street) and we are at the first
stop sign. Mapquest
can get you pretty close.
Q: One
question: Why cycling videos?
A: One word: Because. Actually, bicycle racing is one of the most
exciting sports ever. Try one if you havent already. Thats
Rentertainment has darn near every DVD available - almost
100 in stock right now! To buy your own cycling films check
out World Cycling
Productions. For a list of films that are somewhat related
to cycling (but not just race footage) check out That's
Rentertainment's Pocket Pal Guide to
Cycling Films page. Also, for some links about cycling in Champaign County check out our CCC page.
Q:
How can I get a job at Rentertainment?
A: Jobs are pretty hard to come by around these parts. Generally,
when someone starts they don't quit until they move away -- and
often times a sibling steps in to fill the void. So, we are rarely
hiring. When we do it's usually at the beginning of the fall semester. You can find more information here.
Q:
Why is parking so lame on campus and what are you going to do
about it?
A: Unfortunately, there isn't anything we can do about it but
we have suggested to our landlord that he build a parking deck
above our store. He hasn't done it yet (in fact, he doesn't
even return my calls any more). However, you can park in
the University lot across the street for free after 5:00pm and
on weekends. Otherwise, pretend you're in the big city...
Q: Will you buy my old DVDs or BluRay discs from me?
A: Maybe. If it's something we don't have in our collection we may want to add it. Otherwise, we'll might add them to our "Used films for sale" collection... but we can only give you a couple of bucks each for them (or some free rentals added to your block). Send us a list of what you've got and we'll let you know.
Q: Can
I return movies to the other store?
A: No, we no longer have another store -- it closed a few years
ago. If you are really old (and I am) you may even remember
the "original" other store on Nevada Street next to
Espresso Royal -- that closed even longer ago.
Q:
Are you open?
A: We are open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Go
here to see our hours.
Q:
I'm moving and am afraid I'll never find another video store like
That's Rentertainment. Should I just stay here?
Not neccesarily. Check out our list of "Great
Video Stores in Other Towns" -- if the town you are moving
to is listed, go ahead and move. If not, proceed with caution.
Once you arrive in an uncharted town, have a look around. If you
find a great store -- let
me know!!! I'll get it added to the list.
Q:
What was the name of that really great bar on Green Street where
you could get those awesome fish sandwiches?
A: That was "Deluxe Billiards". Word has it, when they
closed they sold the fish sandwich recipe to Legends who promptly
tore down the old building and built a giant brand new shiny building
in the same spot. Still a great fish sandwich -- but, somehow
not quite the same... maybe they changed the oil. If you would like to see a historic (ca 1987) map of campus click here (pdf).
Q:
Why do you put only really old films in the classics section?
Why isn't "Animal House" a Classic?
A: When we opened in 1985, I decided to define a classic as "any
film older than me" (with a handful of exceptions).
At that point, the newest film in the classics section would have
been 23 years old -- just like me. Skip to today and look at a
film made in 1978, "Animal House" for instance. It is
now 27 years old. Is "Animal House" a classic? Not in
my book and not because it wasn't very good (I thought it
was great) but because it's not old enough. I'm sticking
with my original rule -- to be a classic film it has to be older
than me. When you open your video store you can set the date wherever
you want.
Q: What
is the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow?
A: Depends: European or African?
Q: Why
should I rent from Rentertainment instead of those other cleaner
and brighter video stores?
A: Because Rentertainment has by far, the most superior and eclectic
selection, the grooviest people & we purposely dont
conform to some uniform corporate identity casting... its
all real, even the people!!
Q: Hey!
How do you decide what films to carry?
A: Not unlike the Farmers Almanac & the Illuminati,
our decision process is shrouded in obscure and ambiguous secrecy!
Suffice to say that the elixir of the gods known as coffee plays
a major factor (as well as Angies own Cowgirl Chili
-- available at Caffe Paradiso). If, however, you have any
suggestions, please send them our way.
Q:
I need to write a paper about some lame film for my film class.
Will you write it for me?
A: No.
Q: You didn't answer my question. How can I find the answer?
A: e-mail Thats
Rentertainment with your question... maybe we'll include it
here! At the very least, we'll send you an answer.
Computer,
take me to the Pocket Pal index page,
please.
This is crap, take me to the front page,
now. |