Physical media is back in NYC! Industry veterans in the film and music space have announced the April 11, 2025 opening of Night Owl Video, a new retail and e-commerce store dedicated to all forms of physical media located in Williamsburg (288 Grand Street).
The future of films through the lens of the past, Night Owl Video co-founders Aaron Hamel and Jess Mills aim to create a gathering place for film fanatics, celluloid crackpots, gore hounds, cinephiles, Letterboxd patrons, and everyone in between to gather and worship at the altar of the mighty motion picture.
The storefront and online component will offer an extensive selection of 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD, VHS, LaserDiscs, posters, and film & TV collectibles, featuring both current releases and carefully curated vintage items.
Hamel hails from record label Ship to Shore PhonoCo., a record label known for releasing film and video game soundtracks on vinyl. Mills is a veteran film communications consultant and owner of Oui Oui Marketing, which specializes in independent film digital marketing.
Hamel and Mills, who met while working at Troma Entertainment and worked together at Brooklyn distribution company FilmRise, intend for Night Owl Video to create a dedicated space for film lovers and collectors who are tired of paying for scattered streaming services and want to own and preserve their favorite films and memorabilia.
“Film fans are sick of paying for fractured streaming services and losing access to their favorite movies,” says Hamel. “We’re in another golden age of killer home media releases from independent distributors and it’s driving a renewed passion for physical media. Night Owl Video will be the East Coast haven for cinephiles who have never stopped supporting independent film.”
Further, Night Owl Video will work with local and international distributors, filmmakers, and creatives to become a regular fixture at community film events, as well. This includes hosting in-store filmmaker signings and pop-ups as well as partnering with local cinema organizations on off-site events and activations.
“Through our established personal and professional networks, we know that there is an appetite for a space like this in NYC and we are excited to provide a home base for the local community to come together and connect with like-minded movie fans and celebrate film,” says Mills.
For more information, visit www.NightOwlVid.com.
