This sucks. This was announced today via The Cinemat’s web page. It is too early to tell exactly what will happen but I would expect that upcoming shows will be moved to alternative venues. This hits particularly hard for those kids out there who aren’t 21. You guys just lost one of the best places to catch an all ages show. I’ll keep you updated, but so far only bad news. The Funny Bone will still be open…hooray.
From The Cinemat:
“FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE • February 17, 2009

THE CINEMAT CEASES VIDEO RENTAL OPERATIONS

Bloomington, Indiana — The Cinemat has ceased video rental operations effective Monday, February 16, 2009.

The Cinemat Screening Room will continue to be open for events and performances through at least Tuesday, March 31, including this weekend’s Oscar telecast. The store hopes to be able to confirm by next week that it will take bookings, and remain open for all shows booked, through Saturday, May 16.

The Cinemat’s rental collection of more than 4500 DVDs and 1000 VHS tapes will be made available for sale to the public beginning Friday, Feb. 20. Sale hours will be 5 to 9 pm daily until the collection is sold or until March 31, whichever comes first. The Cinemat’s holdings will be searchable at thecinemat.com at that time, and titles which have been sold already will be noted there.

Cinemat members with unused rental credits will be able to put those credits toward the purchase of movies at the credits’ full value of $3.60 each.

The Cinemat recommends that its customers continue renting at Plan 9 Video, another independent video rental store two blocks north at 213 N. Walnut St. Their collections have much in common, and Plan 9 will acquire a portion of the Cinemat’s collection this week. Plan 9 will also honor Cinemat memberships and rental credits.

The Cinemat opened in August 2002 in the Knights of Columbus Building at the northeast corner of Fourth and Walnut Streets, and ends its rental service after more than six and a half years in business. A variety of factors led to owner Steve Volan’s decision to close, including the general downturn in the economy, the advent of Websites like YouTube and Hulu and new technologies like the Netflix Player by Roku.

The Funny Bone, on the second floor of the Knights of Columbus building, unaffected by this change, will continue doing its funny business as usual.”