Scarecrow Video

Featured among a group of other writers, Kevin Sharp of Palo Alto, CA has his Top 10 Movies list on display at Seattle’s Scarecrow Video store — one of the largest remaining such stores in the country. As stated in its own press materials…

From its passionate founder George Latsios and former owners Carl Tostevin & Mickey McDonough… Scarecrow has existed with one vision: to bring people and film together. It began with a few hundred tapes in the back of a record store, and for more than 28 years its devoted caretakers have gradually accumulated the largest independently owned video and physical media library in the country, currently boasting over 130,000 titles. 

In this age of streaming content, most physical media video stores have closed down. Passionate film fans still support places like Scarecrow and others around the country; one big reason why is that titles come and go off streaming services, while a physical copy will always be available. In addition, video stores create a community of film fans among those behind the counter as well as the customers.

In 2014, Scarecrow's inventory became part of the Scarecrow Project, and the store reopened as a non-profit. Scarecrow also supports local film organizations and hosts  screenings.

Their new mission statement reads as follows:

Scarecrow Video is dedicated to championing the indispensable role of film arts in community, cultural, and civic life.