Movieland (retailer)

Last updated
Movieland
Company type Public
Founded1982(42 years ago) (1982)
Melbourne
FounderTony Romano, Paul Spano
Headquarters,
South Australia
Number of locations
145
Services Home video rentals
(VHS, Betamax, LaserDisc, DVD, Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray)
Magazine, Podcast, Online Retail
Website www.movieland.au

Movieland was a video store franchise founded by Tony Romano and Paul Spano in 1982, growing to 145 locations across Australia. The chain operated for 20 years before closing in 2002, with its first store opening in Bay Street, Brighton, Victoria, and its final location in Sandringham, a Bayside suburb. [1] [2] After its closure, many of the stores were rebranded as Video Ezy, and in some cases, Blockbuster. In 2021, Video Ezy ceased operations and liquidated its assets. [3] [4] In 2023, Movieland was revived as a media press and retail company, founded by Adam Heron and Shawn Montague in Adelaide, South Australia. [5]

History

Independent research has consistently highlighted Movieland as the most recognized movie retail franchise group in the Australian market. Founded in 1982, Movieland has evolved into a prominent, Australian-owned franchise, with a strong presence across Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia. At its peak, the brand boasted over 145 stores, with 40 locations across both metropolitan and regional areas of Victoria alone. [6] [7] [8]

The Movieland store in Victor Harbor, South Australia, earned the title of "Best Country Store of the Year" for two consecutive years, reinforcing Movieland's reputation as a leading video store franchise in regional areas. [9] [10]

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References

  1. "How DVD boutiques are fighting the online assault | ScreenHub Australia - Film & Television Jobs, News, Reviews & Screen Industry Data". www.screenhub.com.au. September 16, 2016.
  2. "Bargains on offer at Network Video Sandringham closing down sale" . heraldsun.com.au. 22 October 2019. Retrieved 14 December 2024.
  3. Commission, c=au;o=Australian Government;ou=Australian Government Australian Securities & Investments. "Notice Details". publishednotices.asic.gov.au.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  4. "End scene for two more Adelaide DVD rental stores" . The Advertiser. February 9, 2019. Retrieved 7 November 2013.
  5. "Trade Mark 2399953 | IP Australia | Trade Mark Search". search.ipaustralia.gov.au.
  6. "What's the Next Best Thing to Working in Hollywood? Owning a Movieland Franchise". The Australian Jewish News - Melbourne Edition. March 31, 1995. Retrieved 7 November 2013.
  7. "Technology killed the video store". The Sydney Morning Herald. March 10, 2015. Retrieved 7 November 2013.
  8. "Melbourne's long lost stores we used to love" . Herald Sun. July 8, 2020. Retrieved 7 November 2013.
  9. "Top country store". The Times. December 23, 1999. Retrieved 7 November 2013.
  10. "Movieland Birthday celebrations". The Times. December 17, 1999. Retrieved 7 November 2013.