OTHER CITIES: 
The Best Video Stores in Toronto
- Posted by Laura Mendes
- Filed in Best of Toronto
- March 29, 2008
There's a certain kind of loyalty we reserve for our local video store. Mine is of the raging soccer mom kind - that obnoxious breed who through thick or thin will stand along the sidelines shouting Mine is better than yours! louder than the rest.
The way I see it, the independent video store is a neighborhood staple - as essential as the corner market, the laundromat and the coffee shop. If you're lucky enough to have all four within walking distance from home, why ever consider moving?
In our recent Best of Toronto survey, we asked readers to choose Toronto's Best Independent Video Store. The results are in and we've narrowed it down to 10 worthy establishments. Leading the pack is none other than the granddaddy of them all - Queen Video. After nearly three decades of nurturing the eclectic palates of Toronto cinefiles, Queen Video boasts three successful locations and the second largest video collection in the world.
Top Right Photo: "Queen Video @ Night" by blogTO Flickr pooler frigante
Queen Video
With 75,000 titles to choose from, Queen Video is the Mecca for movie seekers and pop culture mavens. Looking for the 1st season of The Cosby Show? You'll find it here along with the cheapest box set rentals in the city.
Suspect Video
Unrivaled in its collection of the perverse and oddball, Suspect Video has just about something for everyone, from the blockbusters for mom, action figures for Timmy to the Eurosleaze for grandpa. More...
The Film Buff
Both East and West enders can enjoy a sinful selection of gourmet desserts while perusing The Film Buff's impressive collection of rare, foreign and Criterion films. More...
Black Dog Video
Originating in Vancouver, Black Dog Video is located on Queen West where it now serves I Deal Coffee. A gorgeous, well organized store with a revolving collection of local artwork.
Bay Street Video
Bay Street Video carries the largest DVD collection in Toronto available for rent and sale. What the store lacks in ambience is made up for in its uber organized displays. Flip frames all the way. More...
Marquee Video
This boutique video store offers a fine collection of rare titles, foreign flicks, TV box sets, docs, Criterion films, and graphic novels. If you're low on funds, skip the ice cream or espresso and opt for a complimentary bag of popcorn. More...
Big Daddy's DVD Shop
Serving organic beverages and wholesome snacks, Big Daddy's is where Junction locals go to get their indie movie fix.
Ammo Video
Going strong for over two decades, Ammo Video carries rare and mainstream films plus a massive offering of the classics. Can't find what you're looking for? Just ask, they'll happily order it in for you.
Film Fest DVD Rentals
This dog-friendly establishment is located at the pulse of Yonge & Eglinton. It carries the whole gamut, including a sizable collection of cult and horror flicks.
The Little Video Shop
It may be little, but this Baldwin Village favourite carries 6,000 titles and serves delicious gelato to boot. More...
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The best thing about Queen Video is that they never have what you want to rent so you're forced to rent something you've been meaning to see for years but never got around to it.
I mean that in a good way, but also in a bad way. New Releases are consistently OUT for months. I don't know if it's because everyone else is reserving them or if it's just bad timing but it is very frustrating.
but yes, that's where I rent my movies.