So I called every video store in Toronto looking for this video, and *finally* found it for sale.
Me: Can you hold it for me?
Clerk: Um...in the history of this store, we have *never sold a copy*. I don't think you have anything to worry about.
And then I got to actually show up at the video store and be the only person in Toronto to buy the thing. Ever. Thanks for that, Rifftrax. (In all fairness I must admit - the commentary was worth the shame.)
Same type of thing happened to me. I went to a Hollywood Video in Frisco, Texas and when I checked it out, the guy at the counter said no one had ever rented it before. Ever!! And it looked like that store had been there for a while!
Sad.
Do not feel ashamed. Be PROUD! You are a cinematic conquerer, entering unexplored territory! =o
...
Didja' do the half-mumbling explanation about Rifftrax and why you were actually buying the DVD... only to get a sad look from the clerk, like "Sure, sure... you poor, pathetic little man"?
Thankfully, there are a few clerks at the video store on my way to work that know the drill by now. Last time i went in, they actually asked if i was "the Rifftrax guy"! I'm not sure if that was meant to be like, a compliment... or something more like a Bigfoot-sighting. But, at least i don't have to explain why i'm renting Battlefield Earth and Troll 2 anymore!
-Rude
I also have trouble imagining how anyone could eloquently explain the nature of rifftrax to an unindoctrinated movie clerk.
Quote from: Rude on February 03, 2007, 06:52:16 PM
Didja' do the half-mumbling explanation about Rifftrax and why you were actually buying the DVD... only to get a sad look from the clerk, like "Sure, sure... you poor, pathetic little man"?
I did that when I bought my used copy of Battlefield Earth.... and then again when I bought Road House, Island of Dr. Moreau, Point Break, and LOTR
I always make sure I'm wearing my Rifftrax t-shirt whenever I'm in Blockbuster. Saves a lot of embarassment :)
You think you know humility?? I just got back from taking out Battlefield Earth AND Dr. Mareau at the same time. I was preparing myself to say something about Rifftrax, but the woman at the counter didn't question me. I asked if they had Joe Vs. The Volcano too, but that's a movie I actually love.
I've been in this situation. When I rent something I feel ashamed of, I take on a look of severe intensity. Throws people off.
Personally, I like the idea of messing with people in this situation. So far the most embarrassing thing I've bought in the name of Rifftrax was Over the Top, but the clerk didn't seem to care. If I ever pick up Mareau or Battlefield Earth or Glitter or anything, I hope I get an odd look so I can go off on a rant about how they're the greatest films ever made. ;D It helps that I moved states and no one here really knows me.
I rent whatever the hell I want. If any clerks try to give me shit over it... I just remind them that they work at a video rental store.
Clerk:
".... Well played, Mr. Bairman. Well played."