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Bird Dog Video - CLOSED
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Videos and Video Game Rental Videos and Video Game Rental [Edit]
1333 16 Ave SWCalgary, AB T3C 0Z7
(403) 398-2283
- Price Range:
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$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
19 reviews for Bird Dog Video
Review Highlights
"Excellent selection of great movies and tv series."
(in 9 reviews)
"...cool and interesting selection of DVD's for any film lover."
(in 6 reviews)
"...on the quality and selection in their documentary section."
(in 4 reviews)
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19 reviews in English
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Review from Sarah Louise F.
Calgary, AB
5/11/2011
To Bird Dog,
I will miss you and your incredible documentary selection and how you label your films by director upon one wall. I have loved you very much, and sometimes only visit my best friend who lives two blocs away just so that I have an excuse to go to you. I second Peter's curses upon Netflix and the interwebz. While I don't feel much sympathy for larger corporate video rental units, it is heartbreaking to see you go and I wish you guys luck in future endeavors.
To everyone else, I stopped by Bird Dog yesterday an it would seem they are selling out of their movie collection right now. I recommend that you go, say good bye to our independent movie rental friends, and pick up a few films so that the art of the tangible dvd is not lost forever.
Love,
Sarah Louise -
Review from Wendy P.
11/20/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Before I even knew where Bird Dog video was, I knew that it was the spot to find movies you wouldn't normally dig up at your local Blockbuster. And its reputation does not disappoint.
Walking into Bird Dog Video, the place even smelled of old movies. Note: That's not a bad smell. It's more like the aroma of old books. They smell of wisdom and promises of character from things past. Old movie posters adorn the wall and the choices of movies I have never heard of is endless.
Disclaimer: I'm no movie buff, there are plenty of new movies I've never heard of either.
At any rate, I can see why this place continues to get four and five star reviews. Finally, a movie rental place that likely isn't going to go under.
Bird Dog Video - the way a movie store should be.
PS - There's more movies downstairs! -
Review from Mike A.
Calgary, AB
5/6/2011
Great shop. There were movies organized by director, a skateboarding section, a relatively large documentary section, good music section, and more. But it wasn't pretentious at all. It's just a nice video store.
I don't go often, though. If they would offer rentals for a longer time period, I think I probably would. A couple days isn't enough nowadays. -
Review from Mia T.
6/17/2011
Although I do enjoy the selection of movies Bird Dog has over any other rental store, Ive never, and I mean NEVER had good service from any staff at the store, and Ive been about 8 times. No one even cracked a smile. Gave it a try , but havent been back.
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Review from Peter A.
Ottawa, ON
Updated - 5/10/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Great woe to Calgary, and curses upon the Internet! Bird Dog is closing at the end of May due to the scourge known as Netflix. Calgary is the worse for this.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/18/2010 ROTD 1/17/2011
Oh, this place is very fine. I have become a movie buff because of htis place. It's glorious. Also,… Read more »
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Review from Christopher W.
Calgary, AB
11/6/2008 1 photo
Excellent selection of great movies and tv series. But the service could have been a little better.
I was looking for a movie they didn't have and that was that. A little unsolicited advice on how I might find said movie would have helped, but that kind of stuff doesn't happen these days.
Other than that, I like Bird Dog Video. They have a huge selection of good movies, not just popular ones....... -
Review from Brad G.
Calgary, AB
11/18/2010
I judge a movie joint on the quality and selection in their documentary section. It's not an easy genre to keep current and well-rounded, and it takes the diligence and passion of a doco fan to catch my eye and keep me coming back--Bird Dog has this poodle always panting for more.
I have also decided to start judging movie joints by the quality and freshness of the jumbo sour keys--and here again Bird Dog has a hammer lock on the competition.
If you like a movie place run and staffed by film fans you can relate to, who all keep a ready eye out for both the hot and new, and cool and under-rated, then stop wasting your time at a chain and go enjoy the personalized service at Bird Dog. The place is also frequently home to art shows and silent auctions that help keep the arts community busy, and one can usually score tickets to cool film events and festivals around town from the folks at behind the counter.
Two last words on this place: Pop Shoppe. -
Review from Jeanette B.
Edmonton, AB
12/4/2008 2 photos
I am so happy this place still exists. This place first opened, when I lived in Calgary about five years ago. I remember the owner telling me that he put all his money and assets into this business. I was so hoping that they would still be in business, and when I was in Calgary recently, I was glad to see it still exists.
It's still pretty much the same, except they have way more selection now. This is the kind of place for people who love art house films, cult classics, or interesting films. You won't find much big blockbuster mindless crap here--just great movies that you can really appreciate. The hardwood floors are a nice touch too. -
Review from dinah g.
Calgary, AB
10/29/2009
Passing this establishment just reeks of alternative and underground. I am elated that I have another option to rent movies in this city that I can never find and from staff members who know who I am talking about, what section it would be in and that they actually have it to rent.
Nicely organized video store with hundreds of videos and blue rays to choose from, I especially like the alternative lifestyles area and foreign film section.
Tons of incentives here, how about new releases every month that are featured on their website and a $4 Thursday night new release special. You even get a complimentary video after a certain number of video are rented.
Ultra friendly staff and supah service. Doggone it! -
Review from Sapna G.
Calgary, AB
4/8/2010
I'm a passionate person and two of the things that I am MOST passionate about in life are: Music and Movies (notice the capital letters - I'm talking about VERY important things here).
So you can imagine how thrilled I was when I came across Bird Dog Video. They've got DVDs in-stock that no other joint in Calgary has got and the staff is composed solely of film buffs (something that I, for one, TRULY appreciate). There's nothing better than being able to walk up to someone and say "You know that movie when buddy says this to that girl?", and have someone understand EXACTLY what you're talking about :)
Bird Dog Video is a recluse for all us film buffs - in fact, it's my version of heaven on earth ;) -
Review from Mike M.
9/28/2010
Ive never enjoyed staying in on a weekends...until I found Birdog a few years ago. Now my social life has taken a dive and in my head im living in some sort of French new wave film. I am not complaining because there movie selection is so rich and introduced me to a whole new world, a new fantastic point of view. The staff have been for the most part helpful and very knowledgeable. Except for the young dude with the beard..
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Review from Chad W.
Calgary, AB
10/9/2008
Bird Dogs is straight-up the best place in the city to rent videos. They're right near the McDonald's on 17th Avenue in the city's southwest quadrant. Here, they provide cinema lovers with the best independent and avant garde films you can find.
The staff are great and ultra-knowledgeable. You obviously have to know your stuff to work here. -
Review from Cornelius V.
Calgary, AB
2/26/2009
It really is as good as it gets. No 'influence' from the big studios or distros, the clerks are the exact opposite of blockbuster clerks (the finest compliment anyone can offer), amazing TV show selection, and sections divided by individual directors. Considering the changing tide of the entertainment biz, I hope this place can stay afloat.
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Review from Jason G.
Calgary, AB
4/30/2010
If you're hunting for entertainment a little off the beaten path, then it's time you beat a path down to Bird Dog Video on 16th Ave SW. They have an impressive collection of cult classics, horror, independent, and documentary films available for rent. No Blockbuster vibe here, or a lot of Blockbuster titles, for that matter. This store is a haven for film buffs with, let's say, a taste for more exotic film fare. It's comprehensively categorized by genre and director, so it's easy to find the film you're after. If you're unsure, the friendly, knowledgeable staff are ready and willing to point you in the right direction. Bird Dog Video is a breath of fresh air for anyone in search of alternative entertainment.
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Review from Danny F.
Calgary, AB
10/9/2008
As good as it gets for renting videos. The staff is composed of all cinephiles and so they can help recommend a great pic. If you're into B-movies then nowhere beats Bird Dog's selection. They might not be able to help you find that copy of Meet the Fockers that you have been searching for but if you want more then just the same old Hollywood crap then Bird-dog is the place.
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Review from Jessica R.
8/18/2008
Bird dog video kicks so much ass, I had to review it from another country. Friendly staff, awesome stuff to choose from , they even have sectioned off the specific b-movie genres, unlike Lackluster video, which I think is their major competition in town. They have good video deals and we always went home happy with our picks. Plus the staff will totally talk politics/current events with you if there's time. If you want to rent something other than the usual give this place a shot.
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Review from Gordon L.
Calgary, AB
3/16/2010
A very cool and interesting selection of DVD's for any film lover. Love the atmosphere and the staff is very good.
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Review from Milo D.
Calgary, AB
9/7/2009
Better than Casablanca Video.
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Review from Chrissie G.
Calgary, AB
10/21/2009
The best video rental store in all of Calgary - no question. Great selection, terrific environment, wonderful staff. You will not be disappointed.
