Vidiots Turns 40: Los Angeles’ Legendary Video Store Celebrates Four Decades of Cinema, Community, and Chaos

Vidiots celebrates 40 years of movie magic with a month of special screenings, guests, and a star-studded birthday bash on November 13.

Anniversary Events Include CLUE, KRUSH GROOVE, a 1985 Film Retrospective, and a Star-Studded Birthday Bash

Vidiots, the iconic Los Angeles video store and non-profit film hub that’s kept cinephilia alive for generations, is celebrating 40 years of movie magic with a year-long slate of screenings, special guests, and a massive Birthday Bash and Benefit on November 13.

Founded in 1985, Vidiots has spent four decades preserving the communal spirit of film — from the VHS era to its modern rebirth as a cultural cornerstone for L.A.’s movie lovers. Now, the nonprofit is throwing a party worthy of its history: a night of nostalgia, comedy, and big-screen love to help keep the reels spinning for another 40 years.

The Vidiots 40th Birthday Bash will feature DJs, drinks, and an epic Salute to Vidiots Comedy Show hosted by Paul Scheer, with performances from comedy favorites Ike Barinholtz, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Emily V. Gordon, Ify Nwadiwe, Kumail Nanjiani, Tai Leclaire, and Timothy Simons. A silent auction and dance party will cap off the night in the historic Eagle Theatre.

🎟️ Tickets are available now at vidiotsfoundation.org/movies/vidiots-40th-anniversary-benefit/.

November Highlights: Celebrating 1985 and Beyond

Honoring one of cinema’s most iconic years, Vidiots’ anniversary lineup features restoration premieres, audience favorites, and cast reunions from an unforgettable year in film.

Films with Special Guests:

• Nightcrawler – Q&A with director Dan Gilroy, Nov. 5

• The End of the Tour – 10th Anniversary screening with James Ponsoldt, Jason Segel, Jesse Eisenberg (via Zoom), Nov. 9

• Clue – With stars Colleen Camp and Michael McKean, Nov. 14

• Krush Groove – With director Michael Schultz and cinematographer Ernest Dickerson, Nov. 21

• The Pagemaster – With producer David J. Steinberg, Nov. 23

Films from 1985:

Lifeforce, Tampopo, The Breakfast Club, Ran, To Live and Die in L.A., The Last Dragon, Back to the Future, Police Story, Clue, Krush Groove, and more.

Specialty Programs:

• Día de los Muertos Celebration – Nov. 2 (Coco, Macario, arts, crafts, and Lotería games)

• The NeverEnding Story w/ Synth History – Nov. 8 (Live pre-show by Chrome Sparks)

• Amadeus Masquerade Ball – Nov. 17

• Remembering Diane Keaton – Screenings of Baby Boom, The Godfather I & II, and Something’s Gotta Give throughout November

A Legacy Worth Preserving

Vidiots’ 40th marks more than an anniversary — it’s a testament to community, passion, and the endurance of physical media in a streaming age. From restoring classic 35mm prints to building one of L.A.’s most inclusive screening spaces, Vidiots continues to champion both the art and accessibility of film.

“We’re celebrating not just our history, but everyone who’s kept us alive,” said a Vidiots spokesperson. “This isn’t just a party for us — it’s a love letter to Los Angeles cinema.”