Scarecrow
Uniting People With Film
Visit Scarecrow by Appointment
We’re very pleased to announce that we’re opening the doors for by-appointment browsing.
We’re Open for Pickup!
Click here to see all the ways you can support Scarecrow during this period (including renting by mail).
After closing our doors in March to assist with social distancing efforts, Scarecrow Video will resume renting titles via our pickup window on Tuesday, May 19. We are asking patrons to phone in their orders, pay with a card (no cash at this time), and pick up their orders at Scarecrow.
Patrons should always check scarecrow.com for the latest information, but for now our plan is:
- Pickup hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 12pm – 8pm (closed Monday)
- Please call us at (206) 524-8554 to request and pay for your rentals before arriving. Your order will be available at our pickup window (located between our main doors and our parking lot)
- During this period of limited service, we are unable to offer our 2-for-1 Wednesday promotion.
- When picking up your order, please be mindful of social distancing regulations (wear a face covering, maintain a distance of at least 6 feet between those waiting for service, etc.
- If you have rentals to return, You may always use the drop slots in the main doors which are open 24/7, and we are also still gladly accepting returns by mail.
- Consider purchasing pre-paid rental credits. They save time and money!
- Remember that we have pre-paid mailers available to make returning titles easier. These are only $4.75, hold four discs, and the postage never expires. If you wish to purchase one, please let us know when you place your pickup order.
For those who prefer it, we are still offering our Rental by Mail service (which is now serving 17 states!). Click Here for info on signing up for that program.
The Seasoned Ticket #110
Robert Horton is a Scarecrow board member and a longtime film critic. He will be contributing a series of “critic’s notes” to the Scarecrow blog—a chance to highlight worthy films playing locally and connecting them to the riches of Scarecrow’s collection.
New Releases for October 20!
by Bryan Theiss
Lions, graboids and killdozers, oh my! This week we got in some new and old horror that may enhance your seasonal celebrations, plus a timely mini-series from the creators of The Wire, a crime movie directed by the RZA, new and old works from director Stephen Frears, two Jess Franco movies, two Imelda Staunton joints, political documentaries, an inspirational chess drama, and much more.
Scarecrow Video Picks: NFFTY’s 2020 Filmmakers Share their Inspirations
It’s almost time for NFFTY! This year, the National Film Festival for Talented Youth is all online Oct. 23 – Nov. 1 with no geo-fencing, so audiences across the globe can enjoy 234 great short films from filmmakers 24 and under. In addition to film screenings, the virtual festival will feature special presentations and in-depth workshops from our alumni and industry guests.
To celebrate the 2020 festival, some of this year’s filmmakers are sharing their cinematic inspirations. Pick up a NFFTY pass to see some incredible work from emerging filmmakers and rent some of the films that inspired them to create from Scarecrow!
Director Ragini Bhasin cites Asghar Farhadi as her favorite director. Some of Farhadi’s films include A SEPARATION and EVERYBODY KNOWS (TODOS LA SABEN). She also LOVES THE GODFATHER trilogy and Bong Joon-Ho’s PARASITE. Bhasin’s film GHAZAAL, about a 13-year-old Afghan in a refugee camp, is screening as part of NFFTY’s Opening Night Showcase.
Director Q Le names Satoshi Kon as an inspiration for her work. She called out Kon’s films PAPRIKA as one of her faves, as well as THE GRANDMASTER, directed by Wong Kar-wai, and THE WIND RISES, directed by Hayao Miyazaki. Le’s film, I NEVER PICKED COTTON (a collaboration between 12 student filmmakers), is an animated documentary about one woman’s experience with racism, and is screening as part of NFFTY’s Opening Night Showcase.
Director Sam Aidan-Joshon says Alejandro Inarritu’s work cemented his belief in the power of cinema, and recommends both BIRDMAN and THE REVENANT. Aidan-Johnson co-directed CHILDREN PLAY WITH FIRE (with JaKari Thompson), about a young Chicagoan who must reconcile with the murder of his older sibling. FIRE is screening as part of NFFTY’S Centerpiece Showcase.
Director Kira Findling’s biggest inspiration is Debra Chasnoff, an activist and documentary filmmaker who inspired Kira from a young age. Two of her films that were particularly influential are THAT’S A FAMILY! and STRAIGHTLACED—HOW GENDER’S GOT US ALL TIED UP. Kira also learned a lot from watching Rose Troche’s low-budget LGBTQ+ indie drama GO FISH. Findling’s film WITNESS examines a world where women go missing every day, and is screening as part of NFFTY’s Closing Night: What Do You Stand For? Program.
Director Ciani Walker named three filmmakers and films that inspired them to make their own films: Cary Fukunaga, BEASTS OF NO NATION; Fernando Meirelles, CITY OF GOD; and Adam McKay, THE BIG SHORT. Walker’s film, MISFITS, about two sisters and leaders of the Black Panther Party who must set aside their differences to navigate one of the most turbulent nights in history, screens as part of NFFTY’s Closing Night: What Do You Stand For? Program.
NFFTY Series Passes and Pay-What-You-Can tickets are on sale now.
Viva Physical Media Episode 2
Viva Physical Media episode 2 with Emalie and Kevin! Discussed within: Space cats! British serial killers! Beast Creatures! Premutos! MAN’S BEST FRIEND! And our #VideoStoreDay livestream telethon this Saturday!
The Seasoned Ticket #109
Robert Horton is a Scarecrow board member and a longtime film critic. He will be contributing a series of “critic’s notes” to the Scarecrow blog—a chance to highlight worthy films playing locally and connecting them to the riches of Scarecrow’s collection.
New Releases for October 13!
by Bryan Theiss
This week’s new arrivals include vikings, one-eyed alien starfish people, Scott Adkins and Ruby Rose beat ‘em ups, a bunch of Arrow special editions, a couple of Criterions, some Ulysses S. Grant, a box load of Jason Voorhees, and more.
Virtual International Independent Video Store Day 2020!
This is part one of the archived livestream. For parts two and three visit our YouTube channel (and subscribe while you’re there)!
And be sure to snag some Video Store Day exclusive merch like our limited-edition tee designed by Scarecrow’s own Wil Long. We’re also featuring some insane deals on DVDs and BLU-RAYS, including 30-50% off standard retail on select Criterions, Studio Ghibli offerings, great Psychotronic titles, and more. Check it all out here! Grab them before they’re gone!
Special Thanks to Susan Voorhees for her donation of a Giant VHS sculpture, which you can bid on RIGHT HERE.
We are very grateful to our Video Store Day supporters!
Arrow, Collide-O-Scope, The Criterion Collection, Found Footage Festival, Giant VHS, Kino Lorber, Vinegar Syndrome, Shout Factory, Sub Pop
Viva Physical Media!
Huge thanks to ALL our sponsors and supporters:
The Seasoned Ticket #108
Robert Horton is a Scarecrow board member and a longtime film critic. He will be contributing a series of “critic’s notes” to the Scarecrow blog—a chance to highlight worthy films playing locally and connecting them to the riches of Scarecrow’s collection.
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