Filmzilla

Yeah, I like this place. The only problem i have with it is that about 25% of the dvds I’ve rented have been damaged, so they freeze, skip, and/​or won’t work at all. It’s frustrating. But maybe I’m just unlucky.

I think I learned everything I need to know about this place by checking it out after lunch one day. This is the «High Fidelity» of video stores.
I walked in and was greeted by a couple shelves of new movies, wondering where the checkout counter was. Walking down to the left, there were more densely-​stocked shelves of DVD cases which you could browse by looking at the titles on the spines. Meaning: there are tons of discs in here in many genres, mainstream and indie, serious films and guys gone wild. I was overwhelmed and not looking for anything in particular so I browsed the Criterion collection. Soon I couldn’t help but overhear a conversation between an unhappy customer and the clerk, who may have been a manager or had a stake in the business because he seemed to know a lot about the economics of catering to less-​than-​perfect customers.
The customer in question was attempting for a second time to get a replacement for a DVD that was skipping. The clerk, not trying very hard to hide his contempt, informed her that they would clean the disc but not give a replacement rental when it was clear the skipping was due to greasy fingerprints on the playing surface, which he surmised were caused by her children’s hands being too small. She said only she had handled the disc, then he suggested that maybe her hands were too small and maybe this isn’t the store for her. I could see both parties’ viewpoints. She had «grown up on fuckin’ VHS» and a little understanding and patience would’ve been nice … but if you’re not prepared to properly handle a DVD then you better stick to redbox.

HORRIBLE customer service! I rented 2 movies from them. While I was in the store, I watched the clerk talk to another customer on the phone and tell them he was «busy, with customers in the store in line,» and he proceeded to say that he could not check on a movie for them because of how busy the store was. THERE WERE ABSOLUTELY NO CUSTOMERS IN LINE! He just outright lied to the person on the phone (clue number 1 that the customer service sucks). Second, I rent my movies after waiting 45 minutes (not exaggerating even a minute), and I find out that one of them in scratched so I can’t finish the movie. So, I called the store to see what options I had to finish the movie (it’s for school, so I had to finish it for a grade). The clerk was so rude, very ambiguous, and didn’t even say goodbye. He simply hung up on me. All I asked was if they could provide me with another disc of the same movie or provide a refund or buff the scratch out — I provided him with the options, not vice versa. Anyway, he kept telling me that as long as the CD isn’t broken in half, it should work fine if they buff it. He actually already buffed the disc before I rented it, so I knew buffing it again would not work. But, I agreed to waste my gas and drive there so they could buff it again. I practically had to beg for another day to rent it.
I’m just shocked how rude this guy is. Also, they have a dog roaming around behind the counters. What if someone is allergic to animals? They need to hire new employees ASAP.

Every TV series on DVD! Excellent back catalog! Support local real business with real people!

The staff are unfriendly beyond belief. It’s like they know they’re the only game in town and they act in an atrocious manner. They are mean spirited, unkind and inhuman. They act like if you ask them a question you are the stupidest amateur in town. They should hire knowledgeable people with social skills, not arrogant wastes of flesh.

Wow, I was very unpleasantly surprised by my first visit to Filmzilla. From the previous reviews you would have thought their selection was akin to the Library of Congress. However, they did not stock several of the titles I was looking for, all of which were Woody Allen movies (yeah, he’s made some crap, but you’d think a self-​respecting independent video place would have the majority of his oeuvre). Unless you’re looking for Dragon Tattoos or other blockbuster big-​buck schlock, you’re sadly better off with Netflix.
Oh, as for the staff: the awkward dude manning the desk completely waived a girl’s massive late fee while I was there. In the interests of fairness to all of their customers, you should ask for the same treatment.

stepping into Filmzilla was like taking a time machine back to my favorite video store in high school. it had been so long since i’d had the opportunity to just comb the shelves looking for something weird i’d never heard of. what a great place. they have awesome cult, foreign and classics sections, and even a huge british TV section. i found what i was looking for, and thanks to the 4 for $ 5 deal, picked up some bizarro shit too. up yrs, Netflix.

The thing I like about Filmzilla is that it helps me to remember the time before Netflix when you had no choice other than to go to a video store to pick up a movie and have an absolutely ridiculous/​probably inappropriate conversation with the person working behind the counter. The other reviewers who complain about the crappy customer service have clearly forgotten that to go to a video store is to subject yourself to the bizarro people who make a career out of renting movies to people just looking for a low-​key Friday night.
For example, if I were a more uptight person I’d find it extremely irritating that the person working behind the counter tried to strike up conversation by saying that he hated the DVDs I was renting, but I happen to come from a time in American history when this seemingly autistic behavior from video rental clerks was the norm. More sporting types might even look forward to it! And for those who aren’t convinced, let me just say that the weirdos at Filmzilla PALE in comparison to the guy at the video store near my parents house in Colorado who pretends (or actually thinks?) he’s an elf that works in Santa’s workshop.
In short, for the price, convenience, and a slightly dodgy consumer interaction right here in S. Minneapolis, Filmzilla can’t be beat.

I really wish I could give this place five stars. The TV on DVD section is epic, and helped me get through the entire series of Dexter and Big Love. There’s a whole section of Criterion Collection films. Not to mention, it’s cheap as hell. Love that.
But wow, the staff here are either 1) Crabby as hell. 2) Creepy as hell. 3) Robots. I wouldn’t want to go to a video store with perky staff, as it wouldn’t fit the vibe. But a smile or something once in a while might be nice. I brought back a movie a week late once, paid the fees and was made to feel like a criminal being sent to the gulag!
But the four star remains because I am too impatient for Netflix, too choosy for Redbox and too lazy to find another video store.

Can’t find a movie at the Redbox and don’t want to wait for the Netflix? Then Filmzilla is the place for you!
Great selection of films, and a porn section to boot, you can’t get the authentic feel of walking behind curtain online. Place is packed with movies and the staff is helpful. Parking can be sparse as some of their parking is reserved.

I echo others’ thoughts. The selection is unbeatable for art/​foreign stuff. But some on the staff are just vile. I recently walked out without renting the titles I had gone there specifically to rent after this exchange–
Me: I’m confused about the parking. The sign says the lot is for Filmzilla customers but half of the spaces are marked «clinic parking only» and none of the FIlmzilla spaces are open even though no one is here. Can I park in the clinic spots?
Employee: I don’t know. I know that’s not a very good answer but I don’t drive and I don’t care.

This place has some of the best films around town. I’ve been able to improve my knowledge of John Waters and Devine, two things I would have probably never known about if Filmzilla hadn’t come into my life.
The staff is usually very friendly and willing to help you find whatever you need. The rental agreement is awesome too – 4 films for 4 days for only $ 5. Beat that, Netflix!

I’m not that sensitive. I don’t expect stellar customer service from PT wage slaves. Anyone entitled enough to expect that kind of service for dirt cheap movie rentals is out of touch with reality. You want yer salad tossed, go to a sex club or pay a professional, like everyone else.
What matters is, do they have the movie I want? And can someone find it. And ya know what… they do. Every single time.
Since the sad and untimely demise of Discount Video, NO ONE has stepped up, until now.
Netflix doesn’t have the instant gratification you crave. BB is swirling the drain. And bootlegs are grainy, pixelated & glitchy.
Okay for those of you who can’t be bothered to put the correct DVD back in the box, yer mentally deficient or a stoner. And you will be shamed as such. Get it together or suffer the public humiliation. It’s not rocket science.
So abandon your customer service expectations, they don’t have to be nice to you. Drug dealers aren’t nice either & who else are ya gonna get yer video crack from?

Don’t knock it. Just be glad that Filmzilla (formerly NVV) is there for you on that night that you HAVE TO watch The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie RIGHT NOW. The store will be a bit grubby. The staff may also be a bit grubby. The dog behind the counter, however, is not actually grubby, and enjoys having his head scratched. The staff may rib you about your choice of films. They may crack wise about your relationship, based on their observations of your behavior and choices of date movies. They will also stock the entire Criterion collection, cater to lonely porn-​seekers, and generally perform the services you need from your friendly neighborhood movie store. Be grateful. Feel thrifty.

Outstanding selection: the best of any store we’ve ever rented from. Yes, the staff does not fit the typical mold of «friendly and cheery» but we find them very helpful. And the 4 films for 4 days for $ 5 is an unbelievable deal. We have no reason to ever visit BB again, and Netflix is beginning to pale in comparison.

If you really want to support our economy, quit getting your movies from little red robot boxes and netflix. Go to a true mom and pop shop. Support the last living video store and maybe more will pop up. Feed the economy, create jobs.
This place has everything you could want. Mainstream, Indie, real people behind the counter.
Come on, don’t you miss browsing the aisles, looking at the back of boxes, asking the clerk for recommendations?
Next time you feel like a movie, don’t go to the robot box, go to Filmzilla.
And it’s cheap.

I’m done. Seriously Nicollet Village Video, I am done with you. I have cut you far too much slack over the years. Yes, you have a good selection. Yes, your prices are fair. But I will not continue to abide your unapologetically terrible customer service.
I rented a DVD on Halloween for a Halloween party. I was given the wrong disc. When I came back the next night, I was given the correct disc and a few more days to watch it. I said, that I didn’t want the disc now, the party had already passed; what I wanted was a future free rental. I was told no, and that I could come back during the day to talk to the owner.
I came back a few days later and had a pleasant experience with the daytime staff (hence my previous update). The owner wasn’t there, but upon hearing my story, the daytime clerk credited a free rental to my account.
Here’s where it gets really obnoxious. Last week I wanted to rent some movies. I hadn’t been in the store since my experience with the daytime staff. I stopped in and started picking out DVDs when it dawned on me I should make sure my free rental is actually in the computer. It wasn’t. So while the night shift is staffed by the rude to indifferent, the day shift is apparently staffed by cheerful liars.
Goodbye Nicollet Village Video; hello Netflicks.

I like everything about this place. including the big stinky dog that sleeps behind the desk. While I tend to instant queue most things on Netflix these days, Nicollet Village Video rocks for renting TV series. 4 DVDs 4 Days 5 bucks. Cant really go wrong. I took advantage of said deal last winter and got my Twin Peaks and Six Feet Under on.

I miss Village Video SO MUCH. The 4 for $ 5 (4 days) deal was amazing and they had an awesome collection of stuff you’ll never find at a major rental outlet. The staff can either be helpful or grumpy (depending on the day) and it’s stifling hot in the summer but who cares? Cheap movies, low late fee’s, open late, I’m a happy man.

Village Video has been the best video store for a very long time. They have remained the best in selection through several revisions in video technology and I don’t think this will be changing any time soon.
If they don’t have it or have access to it, you will likely have to find a friend or someone thousands of miles away to send it to you.