Specializing in Black Video

To buy this website contact blackvideo@peoplepc.com.

It was a good run. The store closed in 2008. Alternative Videos began in 1989, providing a breadth of video from all genres by or about Africans in America and throughout the diaspora.   African-American female owned, the company grew out of the desire to have a video store selection of Black films for rental, particularly for children and educators.

We no longer sell videos nor produce a catalog. The rental inventory is now a collection reflecting black cast, black subject matter and the black experience. Many videos have been lost from the collection throughout the years. Though collectibles are valuable, sharing is essential. Videos, including some of the rare pieces, are available on loan to scholars, filmmakers, distributors and select long-term customers for a donation of $25.00 per tape by credit card only.

The current online listing is not comprehensive nor complete, and frankly, is not a priority. If you are interested in obtaining a title on loan, please e-mail blackvideo@peoplepc.com.

Moratorium (out of distribution) claimed a  number of films significant to the history, aesthetic and study of black film, However many are finding new life on DVD. It has been particularly devastating for those that grew up in the 60's and 70's. Titles such as "The Man," "The Cool World" and "The Liberation of L.B. Jones" are no longer available. But titles available on DVD include such vintage pieces as "The Dutchman," "Black Girl," and the venerable "Purlie Victorious." Rare jazz on video is particularly vulnerable to moratorium but is alive and well on DVD along with more documentaries and African film.