"Since the opening of our doors in late 1985, Blockbuster has become the standard by which all other video stores are judged. Blockbuster buys, stocks, and rents more movies than any other chain worldwide. Over 40 million members carry a Blockbuster card. So when it comes to knowing movies and what folks like to see at home, Blockbuster is the acknowledged leader in its field. Who then is better suited to compile a guide to what's available on video than Blockbuster?"
Well, I could think of a lot of people. Such as anyone who has any sort of respect for the art of movie making. Or, for anyone who knows how to present a decent catalog.
Yes, the insidious folks at Blockbuster Video beat their sticks together and came up with a really shabby and thrown together volume that passes itself off as the be all and end all of guides. HA!
Where should I begin? There are so many things wrong with this that it's hard to find anything right.
"In compiling this book, our one guiding principle has been to put together a reference that we would like to use at our stores. A book that would be accurate, dependable, and conveniently organized. We believe you are holding the most comprehensive and meticulous guide to movies and videos yet published. Ultimately, our goal has been to give pleasure to film lovers. Therefore our writers and editors have approached this daunting task with equal parts of knowledge and wit. Keep in mind, though, that not every movie listed in this guide is as available on video and can be rented from your local Blockbuster Video store."
Damn straight. Especially films like The Cook, the Thief, His Wife, & Her Lover which is banned at all corporate stores. You won't find a listing for Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! either or The Last Temptation of Christ. You can find Henry; Portrait of a Serial Killer but only if you look under Michael Rooker.
Other than blatant omission, cross-referencing poses as one of the biggest problems I have with this completely shitty guide. Example; Chow Yun Fat is listed as only appearing in five films (only two of them directed by John Woo; Hardboiled and The Killer) but when one looks up A Better Tomorrow (only Part One is listed), Fat becomes Yun-Fatt with no Yun-Fatt to be found in the Actors section. And no John Woo in the Directors section.
To even attempt to list the names of missing directors and stars would create a book thicker than the guide we are talking about. But even among the filmographies of the directors and stars that do appear, there are so many blatant omissions that this is the most aggravating reads of the year.
This guide tries to sell itself on the fact that it lists films that have not come out on video. What a stupid thing to do. Blockbuster Video, I stress the video, omits a bevy of videos but lists movies that will never haunt its shelves. I'd love to have a listing of movies that aren't out on video yet but not a half-assed attempt like this.
I have nothing good to say about this book.
Hey kids! If ever there's a title that you can't seem to find at your local video stores and you're at the end of your rope—or just plain lazy: try the Blockbuster Video Product Search Service. They're there to help. Just call 1-800-800-6767 and say, "Yes, I'd like to do a product search on (insert title(s) here—up to three)." Then tell them your name, phone number, and the nearest big city. When you call back in two days they'll let you know any Blockbuster video that carries your titles (if any) within a hundred miles of the city you gave them. Remember, Blockbuster doesn't carry very many obscure titles. But you'd be amazed at some of the stuff that you can find.
It might be a good idea to harass your local branch and make sure that the title you're looking for is in the computer system and what the "Part Number" is (which also aids the product search people so they don't screw up what you're looking for). I used to hesitate to tell people about this. I was greedy. I was wrong. It's their job, and they can't just stop doing it.
Could you do me a favor and tell them that a very nice Blockbuster Employee at the Wyandotte (Why-an-dot), Michigan store told you how to do this and what an invaluable employee this Mike White is? Thanx.
1-800-800-6767 is also the Blockbuster Video customer service number so if you've got a complaint about their crappy company feel free to call!