Vulcan Video permanently closing | KVUE
By KVUE · Published April 8, 2020
Source attribution identifies the publication and does not imply endorsement.
Vulcan Video
- Location:
- Austin, TX
- Category:
- Other
Current status
ClosedConfirmed August 16, 2026
No current status source is published.
Latest documented update
About
Last remaining video rental store in Austin. Cult films, rare DVDs, and neighborhood institution.
Plan a visit
- Access
- Access not yet confirmed
Directions are unavailable until public access and coordinates are reviewed.
Place history
Events are ordered by when they happened, even when the material was added later.
- Status: Closed
April 7, 2020
Closed
Vulcan Video closed after 35 years
Occupant: Vulcan Video
Vulcan Video announced that it could not remain in business through an uncertain pandemic shutdown. Its farewell cited high rent, online video, and COVID-19 as the final pressures on the 35-year-old Austin institution.
March 24, 2020
Status update
The pandemic forced Vulcan Video to suspend rentals
Occupant: Vulcan Video
Vulcan Video closed its storefront and suspended late fees on March 24 as Austin responded to COVID-19. The temporary shutdown compounded financial pressure that predated the pandemic.
- Status: At Risk
May 2019
Status update
Supporters rallied around a struggling Vulcan Video
Occupant: Vulcan Video
Facing escalating rent, utility costs, competition from streaming, and reduced traffic after its move, Vulcan Video launched a crowdfunding campaign. Supporters contributed nearly $30,000 in two months.
2016
Other
Vulcan Video moved to Russell Drive
Occupant: Vulcan Video
After operating at several Austin addresses, Vulcan Video consolidated at a shopping center on Russell Drive near Ben White Boulevard and South Lamar. The move placed the store farther from many longtime customers.
- Status: Stable
1985
Opened
Vulcan Video grew out of Movie Art
Occupant: Movie Art
Diane Donnell bought the unusual-movie collection inside Austin poster shop Movie Art in 1985. The operation soon moved to 29th Street and adopted the Vulcan Video name, beginning a 35-year run as an independent film archive and rental shop.
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