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Retro video event expected to draw numbers in Posey
By Lois Mittino Gray
Do you remember the good ole’ days of strolling down aisle after aisle of movies on display at video stores like Blockbuster on a Friday night? The Alexandrian Public Library in Mount Vernon is bringing back that fun with “Alexandrian Video,” a week-long retro video store pop-up event running from Monday, September 28 to Saturday, October 3. Library visitors will have the opportunity to step back in time and stroll up and down the shelves of their simulated store revisiting an experience that once defined weekend entertainment.
“It will be fun for all ages. Many older folks will fondly remember those days and our younger patrons, who only know scrolling through a streaming service for movie titles, will have a new experience,” said Corey Woolsey, Head of Community Relations and Marketing.
“Before home video became widely available, watching a movie usually meant going to a theater or waiting to see if it came on television. The video cassette recorder changed everything. Suddenly, people could watch movies in their living rooms, pause for snack breaks, and replay favorite scenes whenever they wanted,” explained Woolsey, a great movie aficionado himself.
Video rental stores began appearing across the country during the late 1970’s and early 1980’s to distribute films. Demand was high for the businesses located in shopping centers, grocery stores, pharmacies and neighborhood convenience stores.
Blockbuster, founded in Dallas in 1985, became the most recognizable name in movie rentals. Alas, this major part of American popular culture has fallen by the wayside. Blockbuster filed for bankruptcy protection in 2010, and the familiar blue and yellow signs were no more. Right now, there is only one Blockbuster left open in the country in Oregon. Netflix introduced a mail subscription service and Redbox kiosks popped up all over replacing stores. “No more worrying about getting to the store before closing hours,” Woolsey noted.
“Streaming then made entertainment more convenient, but something was lost in the transition. Browsing a digital menu is not quite the same as exploring shelves with a friend or talking to an employee who remembers what kinds of movies a customer enjoys. The video store made the search for entertainment part of the entertainment itself,” Woolsey reflected.
The tribute to videos event concludes on Saturday with a triple movie marathon and a guest appearance by an actor who appeared in two of the featured flicks. Rob Mello will be coming in from Indianapolis on that day to meet people and sign autographs and take photographs.
On Saturday, the movie marathon starts at 10 a.m. with “Jaws” followed by “Happy Death Day” at noon and “Happy Death Day 2U” at 2 p.m. Mello appeared as the intimidating John Tombs in both Death Day movies. “He may look intimidating, but I’ve been talking with him about his visit and he is a very nice guy and I am anxious to meet him,” Woolsey remarked.
In addition to this pair of films, Mello’s screen credits include appearances in movies such as the Best of Me, The Magnificent Seven, Bad Asses on the Bayou, and Heart, Baby! His television work includes appearances in productions such as Nashville, Outsiders, and Trailer Park Shark.
“The Happy Death Day movies are a pair of summer thriller movies that are horror-comedy built around a murder mystery and a fun repeating day theme, similar to Groundhog Day,” explained Woolsey. “I think this will be perfect for any age.”
The films and autograph session are free. Woolsey noted the only charge may be if Mello brings his own glossies to autograph to recoup some of his costs back. Everyone is welcome to attend. For more information, call the library at 812-838-3286.
