Louis B. Mayer Library
Film & Video Search Tips

A frequently asked question at the Library is how to find a favorite film on video or DVD. The Library does not offer a search and referral service. The following is a list of sources that may help in locating the title you seek.

Please remember that not every film is available on video or DVD. While you may remember a film fondly, it may not be deemed popular enough for the studio to invest time and money to release on video or DVD.

VIDEOS: SOURCEBOOKS

These books can help you determine if the film you are interested in is available on video or DVD. These books and similar titles are quite common and can be found in many public libraries and major bookstores:

Bowker's Complete Video Directory. New York: R.R. Bowker.

Leonard MaltinÕs Movie Guide. New York: Plume.

VideoHound's Golden Movie Retriever. Detroit: Visible Ink Press.

VIDEOS: STORES AND MAIL ORDER

The following companies specialize in the rental or sale of hard-to-find videos.

  • Eddie Brandt's Saturday Matinee Video
    5006 Vineland Ave.
    North Hollywood, CA 91601
    818.506.4242

  • World Wide Video
    P.O. 82878
    Hapeville, GA 30354
    1.800.849.7309
    www.wwvideos.com

  • Cinefile Video
    11280 Santa Monica Blvd.
    Los Angeles, CA 90025
    310.392.8508
    www.cinefilevideo.com

  • Vidiots
    302 Pico Blvd.
    Santa Monica, CA 90405
    310.312.8836
    www.vidiotsvideo.com

  • Facets Video (mail order)
    1517 West Fullerton Ave.
    Chicago, IL 60614
    1.800.331-6197
    www.facets.org

  • Movies Unlimted (mail order)
    3015 Darnell Road
    Philadelphia, PA 19154
    1.800.668.4344
    www.moviesunlimited.com

THE INTERNET

The Internet offers a number of companies both large and small that sell both mainstream and hard-to-find videos and DVDs. Most of these companies operate exclusively on the Internet. Many specialize in television, silent and rare titles.

This is by no means an exhaustive list and no endorsement is implied. Any Internet search engine such as Google or Yahoo can help you find the many companies that offer videos and DVDs for sale.

IF YOU CANNOT FIND A VIDEO

If you cannot find your title on video or DVD, it is likely that the film or television show has not been released for sale. The decision to release a title on video or DVD is made by the company that owns the rights to that title. At this point you could try to track down the owner of the film and try to buy a copy (an extremely expensive and time consuming option) or write a letter recommending the film be released. The video directories cited above and a large public library are the places to start for information on these companies.