Video Signals

I moved out of Acton a while ago, so I came here to see if this place is still open. Looks like it is. That makes me happy. Growing up, this place was always run by people who were passionate about movies, and always had great advice. I wonder if they’d still accept my «Game of the Month» card…

Great Video Store. Good selection of new releases, blue ray discs, with an unlimited monthly rental plan. I’ve successfully lived without Cable or Netflix by subscribing to this place. The good thing about this place are its wide range of hours, say its 9 or 10 pm, you can still go there and rent a movie.

Such a great little gem! We got a package for $ 10 a month for 2 movies out at a time — which, because blu-​rays are included, actually works out to CHEAPER THAN NETFLIX, without the 3 day turnaround for mailing DVDs back and forth! Plus the people are really knowledgeable and will gladly go to the ends of the earth to get you whatever obscure title you want to see. Love this place!

This is my favorite Video Rental and Used Book shop. I love movies but cable bill was soooo expensive — so a friend told me about Video Signal’s monthly plan — I pay $ 15/​month to rent up to 4 flicks at a time (return «hot new release» in a day or two :-(but can keep other movies as long as I like) — it’s like paying to be a member of a pretty good library for movies! I like that the staff know who I am and the type of movies I watch, and when something comes in I might like, they recommend it. It’s lovely to be part of a community where staff at local shops know their clientele and greet them. It’s a local business not a big huge chain, and I like the diversity in the staff also — everyone is friendly and uniquely amazing. I also like renting 4 films at a time, because occasionally I select one that is just awful and I am not stuck. I can just put in another film! They buy used books too — I don’t get much for books I have sold but I get store credit and use it to purchase books I would like. It’s great to walk in and select 4 dvds and not have to rush back the next morning to return it.
Video Signals has a vast array of films, and quite a large selection of documentaries, foreign films, and films critics praise. The only suggestion I would have is that Video Signals get more films for folks like me — at the end of the day I usually don’t want to watch a documentary. I prefer a bit of escapism — fantasy sci-​fi horror comedy etc. My university education did not dampen my childhood love of «creature double feature» and Monty-​Python-​esque comedy. I prefer less of the erudite educational films and emotionally draining dramas and more of the simple entertainment films please!
I recommend Video Signals membership to all my friends who enjoy renting a movie a few times a week — it is economical and it’s great to walk in and not have to debate «this movie or this one» — I can rent both and I don’t have my wallet on me. They can debit the membership fee from my bank account every month, and I can end that anytime I want. I moved a bit further away — to Ayer — and considered canceling my membership due to additional drive time, but I did not cancel it. I drive the extra time to go here — now THAT is a strong positive recommendation for this place. :-)

This place is run by people who really seem to love movies and books. Very nice.

Before there was Blockbuster, there were local video stores with interesting people and selection. This place as similar character and a desire to serve. Frankly, that’s enough. But these folks added a convenient monthly plan and an inventory of books. BONUS! It’s a great store and well worth supporting.

I went to Video Signals for the first time to get a movie that Blockbuster didnt have. I never liked Blockbuster to begin with and their location was not convenient but it was familiar.
The girl in the store was very very helpful and friendly. When I went to pay for the movie she informed me that for $ 10 a month I could have 2 movies out at a time and exchange them as many times as I want! Considering blockbuster charges over $ 10 to rent just 2 movies this sounded like a great deal. I signed up and went to pick out my second movie.
Now now only was I happy with the cost of the movies and the service but the girl informed me that if they didnt have something I wanted they would try and get it for me! This store is on my way to and from work, and even though they are small and look a bit outdated they are so much better than any movie store I have ever been to.

So I write this review with a hefty warning from Benjamin K that if I’ve nothing nice to say I will (implied) die. This warning affects my review in no way, but I point it out because it’s important you, the reader, know this place is beloved. And beloved places should be preserved.
Video Signals is one of the last of a dying breed: The Independent Video store. Hell, with all the streaming you can do these days, even the chain stores are on the endangered list.
It looks pretty much the same as I imagine it would have in the late 80s/​early 90s (although Ben’s review implies this location is fairly new) but it smells of books. What was probably once rows and rows of videos is now used books, which makes sense. I got lost a little in the books, but we were here for a movie soo…
The movie selection, itself, I thought was very limited with regards to newer titles, but there is a separate side room with children’s titles, for those of you with wee ones. I hear they also carry a lot of current games, which is good if you have a gaming system. And they have packages where you can «rent» so many games/​videos for $X a month, which is useful.
The guy behind the counter sounded like he knew what he was talking about, although I did not really talk to him myself.
The sign on the building is burnt out and this place screams dive, but in a good way. One major disappointment: how do you have an «old school» video store with a «back room?» Maybe that’s not their fault, though, I imagine the lawmakers in Acton are probably pretty uptight.

This is the video store I grew up with. I used to rent Zelda, Top Gun, and Ice Hockey here. Please do not let this place die. After relocating from the intersection of 2A and 27 to save money, Video Signals reopened at this new location. Fuck you in your fucking face, Netflix. Video Signals has adapted and now, in addition to movies and games, sells used books, with some gems if you’re willing to look.
The current manager, Chris, is friendly and courteous. Not a hint of movie snootage. If you can’t find something to rent, just ask him. His knowledge of movies is insane, and he’ll help you find something perfect for your mood. I also went to elementary school with him.
I know Netflix is convenient and inexpensive, but there’s still that impulsive niche for renting exactly what your mood strikes, and this is the place to do it. Don’t go to Blockbuster on the other side of town. Enjoy the local charm of Video Signals, before it fades to black.