Sources for rare and hard-to-find movies on video and DVD. (In the case of sources below which offer to sell copies, be sure you've checked our Video Store first, because most of them won't sell you something that's readily available in factory-sealed condition.) We don't claim that the sites on this list will help you find every rare film you're looking for, but they'll give you a place to start looking:
1st Video.com
This popular source for rare classic movies, out-of-print films and hard-to-find videos also sells used movies and video games, as well as a large selection of "cheap" movies. Some adult content.
5minutestolive.com
5MTL specializes in providing films "lost" to the public, films they feel "should be seen by any fan of extraordinary cinema." Categories include strange documentaries, educational films, 70s splatter flicks, forgotten 60s classics, rare film noir, and international films, as well. (All DVD-Rs are reproductions/conversions from public domain sources rather than original releases.) Interviews, articles, and sneak previews are also included.
Archive Films
This professional source of historical stock footage and film clips is the international leader in the field, and has recently expanded its library and updated its Web site.
Chin's Movies and Music
Doug Fullmer runs this site, named for his wife, the online home of Chin's Collectibles of Nashville, Tennessee. They specialize in VHS/videos, especially those that are out-of-print and hard to find, although they do have a few select DVDs, as well.
The CinemaTrade
An extensive source for original movie posters, lobby cards, press material, books and magazines, as well as hard-to-find DVDs. Also includes a "trading post" for messages, a want list, and links to related sites.
Classic Movies
This site features the Douris Collection, a world-renowned library of 400 classic features and 300 short subjects covering a 70-year period. You can preview film clips, read reviews, and even watch some full-length streaming videos.
Cool Stuff Toys and Video
A source for hard-to-find toys, videos, posters, and other stuff, some of which is fairly bizarre. Especially recommended for fans of sci-fi and classic cartoons.
Deep Discount DVD.com
This link will take you directly to the "classics" section of this online discount DVD source, but be sure to check out the other areas of this very extensive site, especially if you're looking for rare items that are not necessarily classic Hollywood movies. They even offer a "pay later" option if your credit is good!
Facets
This non-profit media arts organization offers a number of services to film buffs, including Facets Video, a distributor of foreign, classic, cult, art, and hard-to-find videos, plus video rentals, film screenings, and children's programs.
Glory Days Entertainment
Web site for a family owned retail and wholesale distributor of classic and rare movies on DVD based in Weatherford, Texas, near Dallas/Ft. Worth. The focus seems to be on Kung Fu movies, but they also have a lot of classics in stock.
Hard to Find Classic Movies
If you can't find an out-of-print film anywhere else, and you don't mind a less-than-perfect copy, this site might be able to help you with a copy. They normally charge $18 for DVD's and $14 for VHS.
Historic Video Archives
The collection of rare, obsolete, and unusual videotapes includes this selection of miscellaneous films with a scattering of trailers, promos, and other items of interest to classic fans. The total collection is very large, and includes many other categories of footage.
International Historic Films
The focus here is on the military, political, and social history of the 20th century, and they offer documentaries as well as theatrical films. A particularly valuable source if you're a history buff.
Jim's Rare Serials and B-Westerns
This Pennsylvania video store specializes in Cliffhanger Serials, B-Westerns, Charlie Chan Movies, Ma & Pa Kettle, and Classic Television.
Kino Online
An excellent source of silent movies and related material on video; includes annotated feature articles related to new offerings.
The Laureate Collection
Founded by Ken Barnes, this new European DVD source has as its goal the restoration and presentation of classic Hollywood films. Quality is favored over quantity here, as evidenced by the fact that only three films are presently offered. But they're good ones, as you'll see.
Movie Gold Mine
An aptly-named company that specializes in hard-to-find and out-of-print movies, with over 62,000 movies on DVD and VHS. Also includes a section of reviews from a Christian perspective, for those interested in that guidance.
Olive Films
Judging from the Web site for this distributor of independent, art house and out-of-print films from both the United States and abroad, they care a great deal about what they sell. You’ll find titles offered by indie distributors from Criterion to Zeitgeist.
Rare Video.com - The Video Den Collection
For the "serious collector" only, this company offers original VHS prerecorded video, DVD and laser discs (not copies) of everything from art house and international cinema to cult flicks and erotica. They also deal in original theatrical movie posters and Hollywood memorabilia.
Super Happy Fun
While the title sounds like an oriental gift store, this is actually a great source for DVD copies of out-of-print films, with an emphasis on foreign films. They are very honest about the quality of the products, and even rate them from 4-10 (nothing below a 4 is sold).
The Timeless Theater
A great source (which I will personally vouch for) of affordable, quality DVD reproductions (dubs, in other words) of classic films from the 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s, with special emphasis on genre films. Most are public domain or out of print.
Tory's Mystery Movies
Doug Palmer offers collectors an opportunity to obtain duplicates of out-of-print films from his collection, which includes not only mysteries, but also sci-fi, horror, comedy, drama, action, and serials. The prices seem reasonable, he is honest about the quality, and he does not sell commercially available films.
Trocadero Film Library
Web site for the California-based distributor of classic feature films, cartoons and serials, as well as documentaries and special interest titles includes a number of great scans of photos and posters. They are dedicated to the restoration of rare, out-of-print and obscure films. There's no way to order from the site, however; you'll need to write to them to join the mailing list for more information.
Video Addicts
Admitting that they're running a "dungeon of the video addicts' nightmares," the folks here make no bones about feeding your habit if you're truly a rabid collector. A large selection of hard-to-find stuff - including adult videos, so be forewarned if you're easily offended.
The Video Beat
Rare and hard to find 1950s & 1960s rock n roll and youth culture movies.
Finally, of course, there's always Ebay, but if you don't have any experience there, remember that it's strictly a case of "buyer beware."
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