Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by TAFKA Steve on July 04, 1999 at 16:53:38:

An AMC/Planet Hollywood joint venture just opened in Columbus, Ohio. It is a 30-plex theater complex, with accompanying Planet Hollywood restaurant and upscale mall with Virgin Megastore. Went to Virgin first, having already been to the ones in NY and LA. Big disappointment: Richard Branson must die! No new vinyl and no laserdisc section. Was told by a clerk that neither of those are being made anymore, so what was my problem? Giant video wall featured Celine Dion and Backstreet Boy videos (run, fast!). Went to the movie complex next. Movie memorabilia prominently on display included the furry dog car from "Dumb and Dumber" (ahhh, the classics!). Bunch of unemployed actors showed up for the premiere: Schwarzenegger, Stallone, James Caan, Luke Perry, Tom Arnold, Shaquille O'Neal, etc. Wanted to see "The Red Violin". With 30 theaters, they had six showing WWWest, five with South Park, only one with Red Violin with ONLY ONE daily showtime which I missed. Went back to Virgin, bought a DVD of Short Cinema Journal #4, came home.

Twelve years ago, when I first moved out here from L.A., I had no problem finding used or new vinyl. Even bought several excellent low #S Shaded Dogs for a buck or less. Retired coworker has entire Mercury Living Presence LP catalog, many signed by the original artists (I'm trying to get into his will). If I wanted to see an art house film, I could do this with no parking problems and three choice theaters. Now this town is turning into L.A.!
Forget the Fourth of July; I'm moving to Samoa!