Planet Video

In love with planet video, a bit pricey but have a great range of books and CDs also have calendars and cards, there’s sitting areas and a coffee shop just next door which you can walk through to and read your new book

It was a sad day for Planet regulars when we witnessed the downfall of one of the most iconic buildings in Mount Lawley. However, although it is more compact and slightly lost its vibe, it is still the best place to pick up some movies.
You want 80’s classics– they’ve got it. You want the latest documentaries and foreign films — Planet has got it. There isn’t much Planet doesn’t have, with an abundant array of films that will suit harsh critics and film students, rom-​com fans or action buffs.
After having a frustrating morning, I wanted a film to flit away the afternoon. However, with so many to choose from, I kindly asked one of the staff members to suggest a feel good movie that would hopefully increase my spirits. She asked me a range of questions about what type of movies I like and the actors and was able to choose some goodies. Maybe it was the Mandy that Claire H talks about, I’m not sure.

I originally snubbed the relocation and downsize, but was I being fair? Not really. It’s still got that ‘Planet’ character.
I like the Festival section, there are Indie films from every genre. Always interesting material to be found here.
Hot tip: If she’s around, ask Mandy for film recommendations. Tell her movies you like and she will kindly make a list of similar titles under your name for next time. A+ customer service which helps justify the $$.

While I get the 5-​star reviews on the quirkiness of Planet Video and possibly the Mt. Lawley icon… has anyone every tried to rent videos from here? It’s an absolute train wreck.
Skim any of the seasons and you notice they are completely out of order. I took the time to put them in numerical order and realized a season was missing. After speaking to a clerk, they assured me their system states it is on the shelf. However, they didn’t help me look. And, after looking for another 10 minutes I concluded their system was flawed… not a huge shock as their «system» is a PC from like 1998. I’ve been down this path far too many times to count at this place. And, have rented several scratched movies that won’t play.
Numerous duplicate films scattered all over the store in different sections. You might find a French love story in the International section and in the Drama section. But, probably with their system you might as easily find it in the Documentary section. I’m all about supporting local business, but it needs to be a smooth operation and this place needs some serious elbow grease.

Planet Video is the best video store that will ever exist in the world. No matter where I go in life, I will never find a video store as good as this one.
Planet Video (rebranded simply as Planet some years back) is split into several distinct precincts, all within in the same block, located on the corner of Beaufort Street and Walcott Street in Mt Lawley. There’s a video store, a DVD retail area, a vinyl section, a CD store and a book store. It also used to have a clothing section but I recently saw they were forced to dispose of it last time I went down.
First off is the video store. This video store has everything. I mean, literally everything. Think of a movie, any movie, and there’s a 99% chance Planet Video will have a copy on DVD. I’m pleasantly surprised with the extremely large range of movies they have here, even such obscure and hard-​to-​find cult classics as Begotten and The Discreet Charm of The Bourgeoisie There’s a small selection of VHS’s, mostly of out-​of-​print cult movies of the 70s and 80s, as well as a selection of 90s independent Australian movies (currently, Planet Video is the only place in the whole of Australia I’m aware of that carries a copy of the movie Mallboy). The staff are very knowledgable about the movies there and also offer a discount of half price on all late fees (so if you owe $ 16, they’ll cut it down to $ 8 for you instead).
All the other shops play second fiddle to the video store but shouldn’t be counted out. Unfortunately, due to the high rental value of the lot directly on the corner of Beaufort Street, the owners were forced to downsize the fabled Planet lot at the start of 2012, due to lost profits dwindling from the rental market. This meant the music store, Planet Music, originally located at the front of the shop, was forced to move upstairs into a vacant lot on the one of the adjoining townhouses at the site, a staircase adorned with posters everywhere leading the way into it. The range at Planet Music is excellent. I’m not too interested in buying CD’s anymore but their vinyl range is outstanding and easily one of the finest selections in Perth, comprised of the latest indie releases and all genres from electronica, experimental, alternative, jazz and hip-​hop, some genres even including sub-​genres for different labels or artists. If you manage to get a hold of the guy who buys all their stock, Andrew, he will be able to order you in a copy of almost any vinyl you want, regardless of current availability.
The DVD retail area, located at the edge of Planet Music, has a very good selection of DVD’s for sale, including some pretty nifty Region 1 (American) imports, all for fairly decent prices but ultimately pales in comparison to the video store. And finally the bookstore, which stocks a large selection of books, including some very funny humor books. There used to be a couple of sofas and chairs located around the bookstore for anyone who wanted to relax and read a book but they would have been removed after the downsizing of the store. And to top everything off, Planet also sells tickets to most concerts around town. I frequently buy most of my tickets for shows at Planet. Oh, and there’s also a café that opened up at the start of 2012, Daily Planet (I haven’t dined there yet, I just use their bathroom all the time as it’s the closest public toilet on that area of Beaufort Street).
All in all, Planet Video is not only an icon for Mt. Lawley and the very popular Beaufort Street, but would be regarded as iconic for Perth in general. I frequent Planet quite often, about 4 – 5 times a month and I still always find something new and original to fall in love with at this place. And best of all, it’s open till late every day, perfect for the late night midnight movie crowds (it used to be open till 11pm on weekdays and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays but they recently reduced their closing times to an hour earlier).

It looks like Planet Video will not be as you know it anymore. This Mt Lawley icon will be closing its doors and giving up their lease of the famous corner store. They will still be selling CDs and Posters but above Planet Books. This is due to high costs of rent, the owner is worried that the high streets of Perth may end up just being filled with franchises… ohhh Perth will definitely be a duller place for it too. So you havent got long to enjoy Planet Video– get in here before its too late.

I am a real fan of this place. It sells an amazing range of all my favourite things, music, DVD’s, books, clothes and accessories.
I love it in here, I went the first time quite a few years ago to get a BDO ticket, and I was shocked I hadn’t found it prior to that day. It quickly became one of my favourite shops in Perth. It is pretty well known and quite highly regarded.
The clothes it sells are really stylish and for prices that aren’t too expensive, it is a place of happiness for me.

Planet Video is quite possibly the coolest place on all of Beaufort Street. So much more than a video shop, Planet Video comprises of DVD and game rentals; DVD’s, collectables, posters, clothing, books and CD’s to buy; and tickets for local events.
One of my favourite things about Planet Video has got to be the life size Terminator and Alien that greet you as you walk through the door. At that’s only the beginning. The shop is choc-​full of geek merchandise and cult classic DVD’s, funky clothes and old fashioned movie posters. Walk through all that and you come to Planet Books, which stocks every single genre imaginable, an impressive collection of graphic novels, and cards and stationary.
The best thing about Planet is that it’s open late — every day of the week.

Planet Video feels like an American video store from the 90s. It’s moody, it’s indi, it’s got vintage clothes for sale, even CDs and records. Then of course there’s the DVD section which is comprehensive and really well categorised. Walking through the multi-​levelled store is an experience in itself. You almost feel like you’re in another world. Planet is an icon on its Walcott/​Beaufort corner, plus there’s a rad book store next door. All kinds of cool right here.

Planet Video, if nothing else, has always been a symbol of Mt. Lawley. «Is it near Planet?» is usually how locals and neighbours alike feel their way around the inner city shopping sprawl of the area. Its blue walls and bright lights never failing to draw my attention as my family drove down from the hills and into the city.
Now, I too am a local, and Planet Video is not some trendy, bohemian clique you have to weasel into, as with some other businesses in the vicinity. Friendly, knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff are always willing to find exactly what you’re looking for, whether it be an obscure album, a flamboyant outfit, or your favourite childhood film. Their range of stock in all of their ventures is outstanding, with perhaps the exception of the DVDs that are actually for sale being confined to the back corner and given a measly one cabinet and shelf to share.
Couple this with an easy to use search engine on computer terminals around the rental section, listening booths for the latest music, posters and even jewellery, Planet is a great place to go to pre-​empt a lazy weekend indoors, or buy someone a sweet gift.