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All the United States Connecticut Hamden Best Video Film & Cultural Center

Best Video Film & Cultural Center

This Connecticut video store has a vast and varied archive that contains everything from 'Koyaanisqatsi' to 'The King's Speech.'

Hamden, Connecticut

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Paul Bisbort
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Best Video Film and Cultural Center   Google Street View © 2022
Best Video Film and Cultural Center   Google Street View © 2022
Best Video Film and Cultural Center   Google Street View © 2022
  paulb4223 / Atlas Obscura User
  Calvin the Courageous / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Despite the advent of streaming services putting most movie rental places out of business, independent video store Best Video in Hamden, Connecticut, has been able to stay afloat by turning into a non-profit center that hosts screenings, concerts, guest speakers, and other events.

Best Video is a haven for any film lover. The store was opened in 1985 by Hank Paper, who wanted to turn his vast knowledge of film into a business. When Best Video first opened, there were just 500 films in their collection. ''My idea then was to choose movies I really liked,'' Paper told the New York Times in 2001. ''In lieu of quantity, I would have a very select group of videos.''

Today, Best Video has around 30,000 films in its archive, and a staff that is extremely knowledgeable about those movies. They're are organized on shelves including, but not limited to, country, genre, director, and subject. The store's library includes classic, foreign, independent, cult, contemporary, and children’s films. Best Video's DVD, VHS, and Blu-Ray archives have been hailed as an essential "cultural jewel" for preserving cinema. Movie posters and paraphernalia can be found all around the store. 

Best Video also has a café that serves coffee and other refreshments. The perpetual smell of coffee adds to the cozy, friendly, and welcoming atmosphere of one of Hamden's most beloved contemporary cultural centers and community spaces.

Coincidentally, this video store is right next to a travel agency, Adler Travel, another business that was thought to be put out by the emergence of Internet services.

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The store is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week. Check the website for information on screenings and other events.

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Added By

paulb4223

Edited By

Calvin the Courageous

  • Calvin the Courageous

Published

October 13, 2022

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  • https://www.nytimes.com/2001/03/04/nyregion/delivered-to-the-door-wherever-the-door-is.html
Best Video Film & Cultural Center
1842 Whitney Ave
Hamden, Connecticut, 06517
United States
41.365814, -72.908636
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