Everything to Entertain You: The Story of Video Headquarters Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Everything to Entertain You: The Story of Video Headquarters" on Blu Ray offers a visually engaging yet technically mixed experience. The AVC encoded image with a 1.78:1 aspect ratio primarily leverages commercial grade cameras, which occasionally face challenges with focus. The recent footage, particularly from around the store's closing in 2015, balances present-day clarity with nostalgic charm through archived VHS tapes. While detail remains satisfactory, especially in capturing skin particulars of interviewees and the dimensionality of the store’s interiors, there are occasional issues like mild banding.

Color reproduction is notably appealing, with lively primaries evident in signage and box art, effectively mirroring the vibrant aesthetics of Video Headquarters. Skin tones are rendered naturally, enhancing the documentary’s authenticity. The mix of simple documentary style face-to-face interviews and handheld crowd shots contribute to a straightforward narrative approach that captures the essence of the store and its patrons. Despite some technical limitations, the presentation successfully maintains a focus on engaging viewers with both its subject matter and visual execution.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Everything to Entertain You: The Story of Video Headquarters" impresses with its DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix. This sound configuration delivers a solid auditory experience primarily designed to showcase the on-camera dialogue, allowing for a clear understanding of the interviewees' memories. The voices are prominently highlighted throughout, ensuring clarity during the listening event. Meanwhile, the score contributes a subtle, gentle backdrop that enhances mood transitions without overshadowing the primary auditory focus.

The audio track is not overly aggressive or complex, fitting the documentary's style effectively. The soundscape benefits from additional layers, including ambient noise from shop scenes and tradeshow events, which add realistic dimension and texture to the auditory experience. These inclusions help to create a more dynamic atmosphere, making the audio lively and engaging without needing complex or flashy elements.

Of note are the music cues from Dustin Krefft, which enhance the mix with elegant auditory accents. The music is well-prioritized, maintaining a balanced presence that complements the dialogue and ambient sounds perfectly. Overall, the DTS-HD MA 2.0 track achieves an appropriate mix that satisfies the documentary's needs, ensuring a rich and immersive audio experience for listeners.

The Blu-ray extras for "Everything to Entertain You: The Story of Video Headquarters" provide a robust and insightful collection of features that delve deeply into the film's creation and the culture it celebrates. The audio commentary by director Brantley C. Palmer offers a thorough exploration of the film's development, reflecting his deep affection for Video Headquarters. The "Making Of" featurette highlights Palmer's journey from childhood movie lover to video store manager and documentarian. Complementary interviews with composer Dustin Krefft and title editor Nick Schwartz unravel the creative processes behind the film's score and visual design. The extended 62-minute interview with Video Headquarters owner Ken McAleer presents an unfiltered narrative of business trials and triumphs, while additional discussions enrich the context of video store culture. The range of supplemental materials significantly enhances the understanding and appreciation of this documentary.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Featuring insights from director Brantley C. Palmer.
• Making Of: Interview with Brantley C. Palmer on his filmmaking process and personal ties to Video Headquarters.
• Composing the Music: Interview with composer Dustin Krefft on influences and creative hurdles.
• Designing the Titles: Title editor Nick Schwartz shares the design process for visual elements.
• Interview with Ken McAleer: A comprehensive discussion with the Video Headquarters owner.
• Interview with Justin LaLiberty: Insights into video store culture from the OCN Distribution director of operations.
• Interview with Doug, Faulkner, Dave: Video conference meeting featuring former store employees.
• Radio Interview: Chat featuring Brantley C. Palmer conducted by Dan Mitchell.
• Image Gallery: Collection of personal photos, store shots, and promotional material.
• Trailer: Preview clip of the film.

"Everything to Entertain You: The Story of Video Headquarters" encapsulates the nostalgic essence of the legendary video store era, deftly weaving through the history of New Hampshire's Video Headquarters, which thrived from 1983 until its closure in 2015. Under the stewardship of Ken McAleer and Steve Mosca, this establishment significantly impacted the local community, weathering technological waves from VHS to Blu-ray. Director Brantley C. Palmer, himself a part of the Video Headquarters saga, offers an affectionate lens into this staple of home entertainment history. The documentary skillfully balances historical recount with emotional homage, enriched by interviews with former employees and insights from industry participants like artist Steve Bissette.

The narrative is compellingly structured around the vibrant culture fostered by video stores, underscoring the sense of community they nurtured. Video Headquarters was more than a business; it was a social hub where friendships flourished, and film enthusiasts thrived. The film paints vivid imagery of those bustling times through evocative anecdotes and rare footage, capturing snapshots of events such as the Video Software Dealers Association conventions set against the backdrop of the rapidly evolving home entertainment landscape. This nostalgic dive resonates deeply with anyone who fondly remembers browsing aisles filled with cinematic treasures.

Palmer's documentary succeeds not only as a nostalgic tribute but also as a poignant reminder of the cultural pivot that physical media once represented. It speaks to a time of communal interaction and discovery, contrasted starkly with today’s digital ease yet impersonal consumption. Whether showcasing the resilience of a beloved institution or highlighting personal stories behind its success, "Everything to Entertain You" is a heartfelt exploration of a definitive era in video entertainment that many still cherish, offering viewers both a historical revelation and an emotional jaunt down memory lane.

"Everything to Entertain You: The Story of Video Headquarters" serves as a heartfelt homage to a bygone era in home entertainment, deftly captured through Brantley Palmer’s lens. This documentary nostalgically delves into the rise and fall of the iconic video rental store, offering viewers a reflective journey back to the golden age of physical media. The film is rich with visuals and anecdotes that encapsulate the unique culture and community forged by Video Headquarters, presenting a sincere narrative even when it strays to focus on charming diversions, such as the memorable annual Christmas parties.

Technically, the Blu-ray release is of high quality. It boasts an impressive suite of bonus features, which are not only a treasure trove for enthusiasts keen on exploring the intricacies behind Video Headquarters but also serve to enhance the main feature. While certain storytelling choices, including some unexplained historical omissions like that of co-founder Steve Mosca, leave gaps in the narrative, it does not detract significantly from the overall viewing experience. Instead, these gaps add a layer of mystery and intrigue that invites viewers to explore further.

Ultimately, "Everything to Entertain You" delivers a touching tribute to an industry relic. While it may lack a comprehensive epic scope due to its modest production limitations, its emotional resonance and archival richness make it a worthwhile addition to any physical media collection. Palmer’s affectionate capture of the human stories behind Video Headquarters resonates with those who yearn for the nostalgia of yesteryears. This Blu-ray is highly recommended for its thoughtful encapsulation of history and the warm reminiscence it evokes in audiences.