Indianapolis’ Back Room Video Revives VHS Nostalgia for the Digital Age

As first reported by WRTV Indianapolis, a novel venture in Irvington is challenging the digital age’s dominance by resurrecting a treasured past. The neighborhood of Irvington now boasts a nostalgic haven: Back Room Video. This store, weaving together the threads of yesteryears with today’s business model, has quickly become a sanctuary for VHS aficionados.

Unlike conventional rental stores of the past, Back Room Video innovatively employs a subscription-based model, echoing the approach of today’s streaming platforms. For a modest fee of $10 to $15 per month, subscribers are granted unlimited access to an expansive VHS library, albeit one tape at a time.

The brainchild of Reed Brown, Back Room Video seeks to make the vast world of VHS tapes, often confined to the collections of die-hard enthusiasts, accessible to a broader audience. “No one gets to enjoy [that] media. It’s just a prop on some nerd’s wall,” Brown shared, emphasizing the store’s mission to rejuvenate the appreciation for these vintage treasures.

For many, the act of watching a VHS tape transcends beyond mere entertainment. It becomes a journey back in time, filled with memories and emotions. Brown, too, echoes this sentiment, acknowledging the bittersweet nostalgia it evokes. The tangible nature of VHS tapes, susceptible to wear and tear, adds another layer of charm, as described by Brown.

To cater to the needs of every VHS enthusiast, Back Room Video goes beyond just rentals. They provide VCRs for sale, ensuring that the nostalgic experience is within everyone’s reach. Additionally, Brown has highlighted a unique advantage of VHS tapes—exclusive content. Numerous films and TV shows, confined to the VHS format due to various reasons, remain unavailable on mainstream streaming services. Back Room Video proudly offers such rare finds, including the original ‘Star Wars’ trilogy from the 1970s.

Surprisingly, the store adopts a lenient stance on content duplication, deviating from the stringent anti-piracy measures of old. Brown acknowledges this as one of VHS’s inherent advantages over modern digital rentals.

Located snugly at the back of Irvington Vinyl & Books on 202 S. Audubon Rd., Indianapolis, Back Room Video welcomes visitors from noon to 8 p.m. on weekdays, with extended hours on weekends.

For residents of Indianapolis and visitors alike, Back Room Video promises a delightful escapade into the bygone era of VHS, offering a tangible touch of memories and an unparalleled cinematic experience.