New film store in Williamsburg hoping to 'bring back humanity in what you pick to watch tonight
Co-founders Aaron Hamel and Jess Millis of 'Night Owl Video' on Grand street in Williamsburg say they want to bring back the nostalgia of watching movies.
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In a world of streaming services and suggested-to-watch algorithms, heading to the nearby home video store for family movie night may seem like a long-lost memory. But a new film store opening up in Williamsburg is hoping to change that.
Co-founders Aaron Hamel and Jess Millis, of 'Night Owl Video' on Grand Street in Williamsburg, say they want to bring back the nostalgia of watching movies.
“We want to bring back humanity into what you pick to watch tonight," said Hamel.
With a mix of lesser-known films and the classics, each film is handpicked by the founders. Something people, like Maria Halska, say is refreshing in the movie-watching experience.
“It’s like personal so much better than streaming services with their suggestions. For sure I’ll be a customer," said Halska.
Night Owl Video offers Blu-ray, VHS, film merchandise and more. In a "soft-launch" over the weekend, hundreds of film fanatics lined Grand Street to get inside. The founders say that community is part of the mission.
“The best way to find new content in independent film or any film is through community and meeting other film lovers and getting their recommendations. So whether it's us working behind the counter or someone you bump into the store, there's always something new to watch and someone new to meet. And I think community is super important in the film community," said Mills.
Night Owl Video officially opens its doors on Friday. For more information you can head to their website.
