In the 80's, 90's and early to mid-2000's a trip to the video store and a 'night in' was typical for a Friday or Saturday in the Capital Region. There was no Hulu, or Peacock and Netflix was, at its infancy, a DVD by mail service. 'On-Demand' via cable offered a few new movies each week. But if there was a flick you wanted to catch, and it was no longer playing in theaters, a trip to the video store

Blockbuster Video

Blockbuster Targets Hispanic Market
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No doubt, the granddaddy of them all. 'Make it a Blockbuster Night'. There were around 9000 stores when it was at its peak. Here in the Capital Region there was pretty much one in every town.


 

Screen Jems

David Johnson/YouTube
David Johnson/YouTube
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A locally based video store chain, Screen Jems was around in the mid 1990's and had five locations.


 

Video World

David Johnson/YouTube
David Johnson/YouTube
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Video World was exclusive to the Capital Region. Based out of Johnstown, there were eleven stores in the area. They also had that catchy jingle

Video World's got it on the shelf, so why in the world go anywhere else?

 


 

Hollywood Video

Generic Brand Productions, Flickr (no changes made)
Generic Brand Productions, Flickr (no changes made)
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The biggest competitor to Blockbuster. They went belly up in 2010.


 

Video Environment Plus

Video Environment Plus, Yelp
Video Environment Plus, Yelp
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This was located on Full Road for years. They had quite the selection of VHS tapes. But, it was more famous for its 'backroom' where plotless movies were stored.

Where to Buy Vinyl in the Capital Region

For the first time since the 80's, record sales have outpaced CD's. Vinyl provides a big time nostalgia feel for listening to music, plus it's just kinda cool to hear it that way. If you're looking to add to your collection, here's a few places you can go.

Here's A Look at what Upstate Concert Hall Looks Like Today

Once an iconic music venue, the space now sits empty.

A Final Look Inside Mohawk Mall in Schenectady

Once a thriving shopping destination in the Niskayuna/Schenectady/Colonie area, Mohawk Mall opened in 1970 and lasted just about until the millennium.

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