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Video Verite

It was one of those days where I just had to get out of the house. Didn’t know where I would be going or what I would do once I got there. However, as the cliché goes, it wasn’t the destination that mattered. After a bit of wandering I found myself walking the streets of North Mississippi. It was a pleasant change to experience the neighborhood during the day as all my previous trips had been at night to the many wonderful restaurants in the area. It is amazing what you discover by the light of day.

Places like Video Verite!

Finally, a movie rental establishment with some class! Look, I love the neighborhood that I currently reside within. However, my only rental option within walking distance is a rental company that was recently made famous for their ever-so slightly fraudulent "No more late fees!" campaign, to say nothing of their reputation for editing films that they determine to be too obscene or profane. Thank the deities that corporate America wants to protect my sensibilities!

Anyway, this is not about them. This is about the fine rental establishment that is Video Verite!

I was thrilled to find this well-stocked collection on Mississippi. I know this may upset some of you Luddites out there, but with VHS going the way of cassette tapes and 8-tracks, Video Verite traffics solely in crisp and clear DVDs. While I still own a VCR, its days are numbered. As soon as Barney Miller makes the transition to DVD, I can send my tape player to the thrift shop along with my rapidly deteriorating bootleg recordings of the series.

The folks at Video Verite love movies. They feature a carefully curated selection that has nothing to do with carrying a dozen copies of the Spongebob Squarepants movie. Video Verite is better known for offering a diverse range of quality films. Within a few minutes I was able to find copies of out of print and rare films that have eluded me for many, many years. However, don't think you won't be able to find a copy of the latest Hollywood release; Video Verite carries a little bit of everything, a concept that is sorely lacking in most video rental locations.

Video Verite also encourages their patrons to stick around once they've made their media selections. A lounge area in the back of the store encourages visitors to stay a while and play board games or talk about films. Their knowledgeable and friendly staff also makes Video Verite a pleasure to browse. It was evident after speaking for just a few minutes with the staff at Video Verite that they love to talk about and study films. When a staff member sees a movie in your hand and offers up another title based on your current choice, they are doing so because then genuinely believe you will like the film; not because they were told to promote a certain product.

Video Verite wants to do more then rent videos to their customers. They also want to get people talking about and enjoy films. In doing so, Video Verite has prepared a small screening room in the basement of their store. Following a sign in the back of the store and a short set of stairs down you will discover a modest screening room in which Video Verite organizes movie nights. Although small, the screening room has the feel of an intimate art house theatre with its short rows of original theatre seating. A small but well stocked concession supply next to the checkout counter ensures you can bring home all the comforts you expect during a night at the movies.

Video Verite is a wonderful alternative to the cookie cutter video rental stores that have been slowly engulfing the American landscape over the years. Stop by Video Verite or contact them at 503-445-9902. You'll be surprised and pleased at what you find!

Video Verite
3956 N Mississippi Avenue
Portland, OR 97227
503-445-9902