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A Valley Isle reportage. Shoot first, write later.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Long Live the Indie Video Store!

























Sometimes, there's nothing like going to the local video store.  Sure, I could have mailed away for Netflix, streamed via Hulu, or downloaded on a Roku.  Heck, I could have even gone to a Disney Land-like outpost of a certain mega-chain to rent the latest Blockbuster.

I live in Haiku, so the nearest rent-a-flick house is called Pauwela Video Pix.  First of all, this place is housed in a former pineapple cannery turned commercial plaza.  How cool is that!

You walk in and realize that this place has got some charisma.   Not only do you have access to the latest releases, you have a veritable grocery at your fingertips.  I mean good stuff too, like organic snacks, eggs, pastas, canned soups, frozen pizzas, and cold fruit in addition to all the other movie staples such as popcorn, candy, and ice cream.  Don't forget the microwave and cappuccino machine.

Staffed by a rotating team of film buffs, they can discuss with you at length about the latest Hollywood  thriller or an obscure Eastern European drama.

Like a certain director or actor? Just name them and the staff will guide you.  They know your tastes, and there's even a machine which buffs your discs before you rent them to minimize any chance of skipping during playback.


From Western's to controversial Documentaries, to Sci-Fi, this place has got you covered.  If they don't have a film in stock it, tell them and they will see if they can fulfill your request by placing the film in a section of rack space just for special requests.  Is the movie you're looking for already rented?  Leave your number and they'll call you when it's in and have it reserved.

I've never seen any chain store do that before.  As a matter of fact, I've been in the store and seen customers actually hang out and add to the atmosphere as if it was some kind social scene or underground sub-culture straight out of movies such as Smoke and High Fidelity.  If you know these films, you can certainly dig the vibe to I'm to which I'm alluding.

Pictured below is the wife of the owner, Keala Fernandez.




1 comment:

  1. Thanks Josh..........I love your page! Great work, each and everyday! See ya soon! Aloha Keala

    ReplyDelete