Growing Up in the 90s and the Joy of Video Rental Stores

Kyle Tims
2 min readAug 8, 2023

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If you were fortunate enough to grow up in the 90s, then you experienced a magical era of entertainment. Before the days of streaming services and on-demand content, our weekends were filled with trips to the local video rental store. These stores held an allure like no other, becoming a gateway to a world of movies and unforgettable experiences.

The mere thought of heading to the video rental store was enough to spark excitement. It was an event, a weekly ritual that filled our hearts with anticipation. As we entered the store, we were greeted by shelves upon shelves of VHS tapes, each promising its own unique adventure. The colorful artwork on the boxes beckoned to us, fueling our imagination and igniting our desire to be transported to another world.

Browsing through the aisles, we found ourselves immersed in a treasure trove of cinematic possibilities. The process of choosing a movie was both thrilling and overwhelming. Should we opt for a classic? A new release? Or perhaps dive into a hidden gem we had heard whispers about? Every visit was an opportunity to discover something extraordinary and expand our movie knowledge.

Finally settling on the perfect movie, we rushed home, clutching our precious VHS tapes, eager to begin the movie night experience. As the familiar whir of the VCR filled the room, anticipation grew. We’d gather with loved ones, family, or friends, armed with blankets, pillows, and snacks. The flickering glow of the TV screen illuminated our faces as we embarked on an adventure together, completely immersed in the story unfolding before us.

Thinking back to those video rental store days evokes a wave of nostalgia. The smell of freshly popped popcorn, the satisfying clack of VHS tapes being slid into their cases, the feeling of rewinding the tape before returning it — these sights and sounds are etched deep within our memories. They symbolize a simpler time, where the magic of movies was tangible, and the anticipation of the unknown was electrifying.

The video rental store was not merely a place to rent movies; it was a portal to a world of imagination, connection, and shared experiences. Growing up in the 90s meant embracing the joy of browsing aisles filled with VHS tapes, engaging in passionate discussions about films, and reveling in the movie night experience. It was an era defined by anticipation and a sense of adventure, one that will forever hold a special place in our hearts

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Kyle Tims

Director and Editor… no, you probably haven’t seen my work unless you are an avid commercial watcher in the greater Lehigh Valley area. Jets. Mets. Film.