MOVIE REVIEW
The Last Video Store [Limited Edition]
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Genre: Comedy, Horror
Year Released: 2023, 2024 Arrow Video Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 19m
Director(s): Cody Kennedy, Tim Rutherford
Writer(s): Joshua Roach, Tim Rutherford
Cast: Yaayaa Adams, Matthew Kennedy, Josh Lenner, Kevin Martin, Leland Tilden
Where To Watch: available now, order your copy here www.arrowvideo.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Cody Kennedy and Tim Rutherford have crafted a vibrant tribute to the VHS era with THE LAST VIDEO STORE, reviving the iconic ambiance of the 1980s and 1990s video rental boom. This film blends humor, horror, and satire to create a narrative that's as nostalgic as it is bizarre, making it a welcome homage to the era. Centering around enchanted VHS tapes and a cast of quirky characters, the film cleverly celebrates the period's B-movie classics, adding a layer of fun and complexity to the viewing experience.

In this nostalgic journey, we meet Nyla, played by Yaayaa Adams, tasked with returning a collection of old VHS tapes to Blaster Video after her father's passing. The shop is under the care of Kevin (Kevin Martin,) whose deep passion for and knowledge of film ignites the narrative from the start. What begins as a straightforward task spirals into a whirlwind adventure when they stumble upon the Videonomicon (yep, that’s a thing.) This mysterious tape releases a plethora of film antagonists into the real world, turning their day into an unexpected cinematic battle.

The essence of THE LAST VIDEO STORE lies in its ability to transport viewers back to the days of neon-lit video stores adorned with classic movie posters. The filmmakers have tapped into the low-budget cinema vibe, delivering a narrative that functions as an entertaining film and a love letter to a cherished time. The humor within the movie pokes fun at and admires the eccentricities of genre cinema from decades past, deepening the film's appeal and providing viewers with a decadent, cinematic treat.

One of the film's most distinctive features is its authentic recreation of the old-school VHS experience. From the nostalgic fuzziness of tracking lines to the charmingly outdated special effects, the film commits to a level of authenticity that celebrates not just the stories of the era but the very medium of VHS. This choice pays homage to the tactile and visual elements that define an entire generation's movie-watching habits.

Martin's role as the nostalgic shop owner infuses the story with humor and a heartfelt longing for the past. His advocacy for physical media contrasts sharply with the perceived digital era we’re unfortunately in, adding depth to his character and the film's narrative. His dynamic with Nyla offers a mix of humor and tension, grounding the film's more fantastical elements and illustrating the power of cinema to bridge generational divides.

The film's greatest strengths are its authenticity and heartfelt production. Kennedy and Rutherford's dedication is evident in every detail, from the meticulously designed sets to the script, which winks at the audience while pulling them into the fun. Their ability to blend respectful homage with creative storytelling results in a personal passion project and a universally enjoyable narrative film.

Accompanied by an 80s-inspired soundtrack reminiscent of the era it celebrates, THE LAST VIDEO STORE excels in its presentation. The production design, filled with the vibrancy of the period and retro flair, transforms a simple video store into an arena where the stakes are as high as can be.

For anyone who fondly remembers the era of VHS and video rental stores or those who appreciate a well-crafted tribute to the quirks of the past, THE LAST VIDEO STORE is a journey back in time. It captures the magic of film discovery and the pleasure of shared movie experiences.

Bonus Materials
High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray presentation
Original DTS HD M5.1 audio
Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
New audio commentary by film critics Matt Donato & Meagan Navarro
The Videonomicon Unleashed, a new visual essay by film critic Heather Wixson, co-author of In Search of Darkness
Nostalgia Fuel, a new visual essay by film critic Martyn Pedlar
’Twas the Night of the Tree Beast, a 2012 short by Cody Kennedy & Tim Rutherford
M is For Magnetic Tape, a 2013 short film by Cody Kennedy & Tim Rutherford
The Last Video Store 2013, the original short from which the feature grew
The Video Store Commercial, a 2019 short film by Cody Kennedy & Tim Rutherford
Clips from the first attempted feature version
Behind the Scenes
3 previous shorts
Trailer
Image Gallery
Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing by film critics Anton Bitel and Alexandra West
Reversible sleeve featuring newly commissioned artwork by John Pearson
Double-sided fold-out poster featuring newly commissioned artwork by John Pearson

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[photo courtesy of ARROW VIDEO, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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