Clinton Street Video

10/10/09

Refreshingly unpretentious given the neighbourhood

by DonnaRhea

Staff is usually friendly. Frequently, if I call about a movie (my taste is obscure, probably even for this kind of store), the staff member, upon realizing they don't carry the film, will casually ask me what it's about or why I'm after it. In a humanizing way, not an attitude-laden way. Very refreshing.

I wish their rates were a little more competitive (as a frequent renter) but, then, Netflix is really giving everybody the squeeze these days.

Given that I am moving, I will miss this little gem. There's something special about this store that you won't find when you visit or call Movie Madness or Videorama and encounter one of their terminally disaffected employees.

• Pros: decent selection given the size
• Cons: they don't take credit or debit

03/11/09

My favorite video store

by booktiger

Clinton Street Video is exactly the kind of place I like to go to find a movie. The store has a very laid-back feel, but they have a wide selection of videos from the widely-released to the more arcane. Their staff are helpful and actually know something about movies, and Clinton Street feels like it's owned by real people, not by some massive conglomerate. Very Portland.

• Pros: great staff, great selection, great location
• Cons: no cons

03/05/08

A great medium sized independent video store

by JanBPortland

I've always had a great experience with Clinton St. Video. It is not a huge store but they almost always have the movies I'm looking for, even if they aren't blockbusters. Their foreign and documentary sections are solid, as are the independent films. It's nowhere near the size of Movie Madness, and they just raised their prices to $2.50 and $3.50 for regular titles and new releases, respectively, but it's a great store and a perfect place to support in the neighborhood. They've been around for quite a while and I love to try to keep locally owned businesses in my life, so I would highly recommend them. There is only one location, and the staff has always been very friendly and courteous with me.

• Pros: Good selection, friendliness of the staff, prices
• Cons: Not as big as a Blockbuster, but that's probably a good thing.