Customer profile
What was the name of your video store?
Blockbuster Video
Where was the store located?
San Antonio, Texas (United States)
When did you start shopping at this store?
1990
Describe your video store - what did it look like? What were its distinguishing
features?
It was new, back then. Its distinguishing feature was its facade; the store sign looked like it was being supported by two ice cream cones.
What were the employees and/or owners like, and what kinds of interactions
did you have with them? What particularly memorable exchanges or events
do you remember?
The store still smells new after 13 years. The employees liked to stay behind their counter. They're not really helpful even today.
What other services/products did the store offer besides the rental or sale
of videos? Did this change over time?
They offered rental players, which were discontinued about 3 years ago.
What video formats did the store offer (i.e. VHS, Beta, Laserdisc)? Where were
different formats kept in the store?
Just VHS. Nothing else.
In addition to mainstream Hollywood movies, what other kinds of videotapes
(for example children's, exercise, or X-rated) did the store rent/sell? Where were these
videos found in the store, and how often did you rent or purchase them?
Childrens, and exercise. They were usually towards the right rear of the store.
Did you tend to rent or buy videos? Why?
I rented, because buying wasn't (still isn't) really affordable. That's why I have my Betamax; I want perfect copies of rented movies.
During the period that you shopped at this store, what changes did you see?
Very few, except in recent years when they updated the store layout and graphics.
Is this store still open? If not, when did it close?
Yes, it is still open.
In your own words, tell the story of your first VCR/video player. Where
and when did you buy it, and why did you decide to make the purchase?
My first VTR was a Sony Betamax model SL-2000. I purchased it in April of 2000 at McMullen Flea Market. I decided to purchase it because it was a Betamax.
Did you ever rent a VCR or other hardware (a camera, for instance)? If so,
how often and why?
No, I did not. Never; I just didn't feel like renting one.