Five Star Video

Internet was down, so we had to go without Netflix. but that’s okay Five Star Video came to our rescue! Also fantasticly nice people working there.

Love this place! Great selection of old and new films *and* really knowledgeable and helpful people working there. Plus a bubble gum machine for the kids. Prices (and even late fees for forgetful people like me) are amazingly reasonable.

5 stars is a bit on the nose for a place called 5 star video. But! It’s straight up, super special.
Sure you can rent a movie with your remote (and you can pay more).
Sure you can skip the drive (or walk) up the hill in the gorgeous setting sun light, but that would be a mistake.
Sure it’s all easier BUT you also might miss:
–hearing about a film that is crazy special, recommended by knowledgable staff member
–running into the kindergarten friend and your son and he having some giggles
–chatting up neighbors in aforementioned beautiful light
–being treated kindly by super smart sweet people behind the counter
–and for the epic win this week? When the small child flips out because the promised gumball machine has gone missing, the super sweet guy digs into the back and the box and brings ‘one of each color’ to appease flipping out small person.
And they all watch (and ohh and ahh) as he totally brightens with joy as I pass on this gift.
I love my neighborhood video store.
Viva our DVD player!

In a business climate where video stores are closing right and left, we are SO lucky in Berkeley to have an eclectic, friendly video shop like Five Star. I love their selection of television series, both US and non-​US.

The people who work here are so knowledgable about movies and are super friendly. And they have dog treats behind the counter :)

I loved going to Five Star when they were situated across the street from Safeway and was so sad when they moved to the top of Solano. I never go anymore because the parking is a bit problematic for me… if I happen to be shopping at Andronico’s I’m tempted to drop in and rent again but then the thought of having to return the video’s and driving around and around to park keeps me from it. That being said, I’m a HUGE supporter of independent video rental places and would STILL be a loyal customer… they were (and I assume still are!) always so friendly & ready to give their opinions when asked. I know the new place is much larger and able to carry more and I’m glad to hear they are doing well!
And to those wailing about late fees? Get your movies back in time or pay the fee. Simple as that.

Dear all y’all. Pay your late fees with a smile. I just read Kathleen’s moaning review Kathleen, get over yourself. And all of you who balk at paying late fees I ask you, do you want to keep the rare wonderful video stores like FIVE STAR VIDEO open or do you want to lose it. Those late fees help to keep the lights on. Pay your dang late fee and move on. Life’s too short and wonderful video stores like Five Star Video are too rare. I don’t want to have to rely on streaming or on Netflix to get my films. Do you? And Five Start Video has an excellent selection including some programs that you can’t get any other way than on DVD (for example the spectacular Danish TV sereis Borgen). Thank you Five Star Video for your excellent selection and your excellent customer service. With gratitude for sticking it out in an environment that has is not too kind to brick and morter dvd stores. Justine

I have been a dedicated customer to Five Star Video for years and it is the only video store I choose to rent my films from when I am home visiting family and friends.
Located now on the top of Solano Avenue, Five Star Video has a slightly more spacious building than it’s previous Solano location which is a definitely a nice improvement.
Those who know me, know I am a complete film buff and very particular when it comes to selecting titles. Five Star Video has an unbeatable collection of films all of which are impeccably organized.
The staff are extremely friendly and clearly passionate about films. If you’re looking for suggestions, don’t hesitate to ask, or, just look through the shelf housing each staff member’s favorite films.
The staff also take great care of their films, making sure to check that all are filed away correctly, placed in the correct case at check-​out, and in pristine condition to avoid any viewing complications. They truly do go the extra mile for their customers.
Five Star Video is also dog friendly! They even keep dog biscuits on hand at the checkout counter! Just remember to be courteous and keep them on a leash.
Another wonderful thing about this video store is that not only are the rental fees very reasonably priced, they also offer the great deal of renting two films and getting the third free. In terms of returns, just be sure to drop all films off at the counter or through their door slot before noon on the specified due date to avoid a late fee. Talk about accommodating!
This independent video store is amazing and holds a great amount of love for films and customers, so, stop by and show Five Star Video some love too!

I’ve rented videos from this store 3 times all together. Today, I returned three which I had rented 3 days earlier. I was told they were late, due by noon, and it was 1:45 pm! I said I was told to return them on Friday, nothing about noon. The woman behind the desk said they always tell their clerks to say «noon,» implying that I was lying. I do not lie, and felt offended by her accusatory tone. then, I learned that my charge was $ 2.00 per film, not the $ 1.00 seen on these reviews. Thats $ 4.00 for returning the films 95 minutes «late.» I had a couple of other videos to rent, and was ready to pay, but then thought better of it, saying, «no, this is ridiculous, I was not told «noon. I’ll just pay the fine and not do business here any longer.» so, the clerk so my $ 4.00 and I walked out. No effort to cut me any kind of a break, nothing. Just the implication that I was lying.
A customer lost over $ 4.00 and a rude attitude.
So long, Five Star Video.

My sister introduced me to this place and she even put me on her account :)
I’m really happy that Five Star Video exists. There’s something about going to an actual rental store and walking around the sections that is way more fun than going online on a site like Netflix and browsing the categories from my laptop. I usually don’t have anything in mind when I go so I just look around and get around three or four DVDs each time.
I like how they make special categories depending on the time of year. For instance, I went in there the week before July 4^th and there was a fairly large selection of American war movies. There is an Oscar film section that has some of the early winners. I remember seeing the first winner for best picture ever, Wings. There’s also an even larger Criterion selection, it’s pretty neat!
There are many categories to browse and the organization is top notch. The people that work there are friendly and helpful. And the rental prices are cheeeeap.

Why I love my new ‘hood: I wanted to watch «Lord of the Flies» with my 10 year old son. Since none of the internet streaming services (itunes, Amazon, xbox, etc) had it available, I immediately called the nearby DVD rental store Five Star Video.
After they stated they indeed have it, I asked if they had the 1963 version. They curtly responded they did and added «…it’s the legit version».
‘nuf said.

Their new location at the top of Solano is bright and well organized. The staff is friendly and well informed. A nearly complete selection of Criterion collection titles and that alone could keep one renting for months. Reasonable rental rates though hard to ignore the elephant in the room. Best of luck up there, I’ll be seeing you!

All the video stores in the area keep dropping like flies. I pray Five Star Video sticks around because Netflix, as «convenient» it is, doesn’t even have a lot of the titles carried in this store and frankly, it sucks waiting between discs when you’re watching an intense TV series.
I like the new location farther up on Solano Ave. The layout is spacious and well organized. The staff is helpful and accommodating. They’re always smiling and giving customers recommendations. Really nothing to complain about. I’ve never had an issue with any of my rentals, they always play smoothly. I also like that they have a grace period for returns (if you get in the door on the day of the return before noon, no late fee). The price is right too! Ask about their 3 for the price of 2 deal.
In terms of selection, I’m still mourning the death of Reel Video on Shattuck (what local movie fanatic isn’t…) but Five Star Video is an apt substitute. It serves my television series addiction and has my favorite picks from the Criterion collection.
Please support them!

They have a great selection, very choice for aficionados and newcomers alike. Not everything, yet very high ratings on current selection. Really great new indie films. You could put blinders on and grab a film and be happy, it’s that good. Great first run selection, plus a lot of older Criterion and the like.
Friendly staff and knowledgeable. A couple older staff members know a lot about cinema.
Prices are good. Ask about the three for two deals. I think every tenth or so rental is free.
Check the place out. Their new digs are spacious and comfortable.

Good selection. Friendly, knowledgeable staff. I enjoy that you can «geek-​out» with them about films, and the staff picks are almost always worthwhile.
In an age when local businesses are falling by the wayside, I’m really glad these guys are surviving.
NOTE: These guys have moved to the top of Solano – across the street from the old Oaks Theater.

I love this little video shop. It’s cute! The staff is super friendly and always let me chat them up. Their prices are reasonable and I feel better supporting them than giving my money to big corporations like Blockbuster and Netflix. Besides, can Netflix recommend a movie for you based solely on your facial expression? I’m not kidding, this has actually happened to me at Five Star. I didn’t say a single word, and the girl picked out something for me just because she’s known me for years and could tell which genre I was feeling that night.
Whenever I’m in there I hear someone complaining that they charged them a $ 1 late fee. Get over it. It’s a dollar, people! And they told you about the late fee when you signed up! You can’t just keep their movies forever. Sheesh.

Its not spectacular, not a huge selection, and a little pricey. But I have never had a bad experience here. Lots of helpful employees that love giving their opinion. This place reminds me of what I loved about smalltown, USA where I was born and raised. I love seeing a place like this survive during the age of streaming, so go down and support them. They get movies before Netflix!

While I was fuming about last year’s uninformed charge at Five Star Video, I decided I was going to take my life back into my own hands. (CUE PROTESTERS) MEGAPHONE: «That’s right folks, you heard me, I’m going to RED BOX! FOLLOW ME!!» $ 1/​day, no rude clerks, no contracts, no late charges. Who can beat that? So, my first day of freedom, I drive down to the local supermarket, walk right into the store, up to the Red Box… and then I… WAIT…and WAIT… in a long line of screaming children, indecisive people, and my all-​time favorite — the Multitasker — the person who can review movies, talk on the phone, AND play Angry Birds all at the same time. Time passes… too much time… finally, it’s my turn. Ah, yes, at least my reward will be an endless selection of … wait a second here… what’s this? Marley & Me… Camel Spiders… GLEE THE CONCERT!!! Slowly I turn in circles, shaking my fists at the sky, face contorted, screaming «NOOOOooooooo!!!» I could feel the intelligence level slowly seeping out of my brain.
Then, I had an epiphany. I wasn’t mad at Five Star Video. Who cares about ONE little uninformed charge? It was me… ME…I was the one who didn’t return the movies on time. And, so what if clerks aren’t always smiling. What do I care? I just want my movies! I had to get out here. I had to get back to Five Star Video before it’s too late. (CUE MUSIC)
A mad dash to get outside to my car. The rain swollen clouds gently peel away to reveal a golden ray of sunshine cuddled softly aside a rainbow. Maybe there’s hope! Traffic… red lights… elderly pedestrians crossing the street, but, ALAS, I pull up to Five Star. I throw open the door and cry out, «Home! Home Sweet Home!»…well, okay, so maybe that’s not EXACTLY what I said. But, my countenance truly changed as I walked up to the wall of diverse movies and genres, sporadically peppered with those labeled «Hidden Gems» — films that are off the beaten path. LOVE it. And just look at the racks of Classics featuring Marlon Brando, Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren and so much more.
Thank you Five Star Video. You’re my hero.
(ROLL CREDITS)

Summary based on many visits over years:
–Very good selection and the staff picks are generally useful
–Good service and tries to be patient with out-​of-​it customers
–Good prices, considering the convenience
–Ok to bad parking, but, if pressed, park in the Safeway lot
Extra star for having an accessible selection that distinguishes it from Netflix.

Awesome local video place. They had a copy of the Wizard of Oz for rent so I had to stop by and check it out before seeing Wicked.
The cashier was super friendly and awesome. It was quick and easy to get membership.
Will definitely return when I need another movie to rent… although I don’t really need to do that very often.