Rhodes Theater, 544 E. 79th Street, Chicago, IL 60619
(312) 783-4373 / 11-19-37 until 1990?
[ Where I saw my 1st Kung-fu film (Chinese Connection) ]
Gone are the days of “Old School” Kung Fu movies and Video Tapes (VHS & Beta). Yet, for the some of the biggest fans, those memories will never fade away. When the genre first came into existence, most could be found heading to their favorite movie theater. The flickering of the marquee lights, easily attracted the eyes to the name of the Double (and sometimes Triple) feature, playing that night. Waiting in line, while trying to check out the Movie posters encased behind a wall of glass, just made you [even] more anxious to get inside.
Once you stepped through those double-doors, the scent of Buttered popcorn drew you straight to the concession stand. Goobers, Raisnets, Snow-Caps, Twizzlers, etc.. had you confused on what you wanted to eat. But, when it was all said and done; there you were with Popcorn, hotdogs, and a soda - just waiting for the film to start. Whether you were hanging out with friends or solo, you knew then [as you reminisce now] that nothing could take the place of that new hobby you found.
In time, you would have your favorite stars, who you couldn’t wait to see on the screen, again and again. Bruce Lee, Jimmy Wang-Yu, Alexander Fu-Sheng, to Gordon “Master Killer” Liu, and the “Venoms" - these actors replace Western Cowboys, as we entered a new phase in our young lives. Leaving the theater - practicing moves on our way home and comparing who we thought could beat who, in real fight. It didn’t matter who you were or what you did, most sports couldn’t take the place of the magic, that we saw on the screen.
These films gave us more that just an outlet, it began to open up a new world to us. We began to explore Asian culture - beginning with the food. Then, people started wearing the “Kung-fu Gi’s” (outfits), in some cases, complete with the shoes. The shoes always gave away the true fans and when those became too slippery on concrete, we moved on to the ones that tied-up; what some used to call Janitor Shoes. Yet, throughout all of this, most never stopped to think, that no matter what color or nationality you were, these movies connected us all, as all races enjoyed these films. They brought people together, made us feel good about ourselves, and had everyone exercising.
Guys began stretching, lifting weights, practicing kicks, and many even joined Martial-arts schools. And it just wasn't the guys, who were enjoying this genre, but Females as well, began to explore various Martial-arts, gaining confidence and self-esteem, while [also] learning to protect themselves. This was a time in our lives, that we can never replace and never forget.
Once you stepped through those double-doors, the scent of Buttered popcorn drew you straight to the concession stand. Goobers, Raisnets, Snow-Caps, Twizzlers, etc.. had you confused on what you wanted to eat. But, when it was all said and done; there you were with Popcorn, hotdogs, and a soda - just waiting for the film to start. Whether you were hanging out with friends or solo, you knew then [as you reminisce now] that nothing could take the place of that new hobby you found.
In time, you would have your favorite stars, who you couldn’t wait to see on the screen, again and again. Bruce Lee, Jimmy Wang-Yu, Alexander Fu-Sheng, to Gordon “Master Killer” Liu, and the “Venoms" - these actors replace Western Cowboys, as we entered a new phase in our young lives. Leaving the theater - practicing moves on our way home and comparing who we thought could beat who, in real fight. It didn’t matter who you were or what you did, most sports couldn’t take the place of the magic, that we saw on the screen.
These films gave us more that just an outlet, it began to open up a new world to us. We began to explore Asian culture - beginning with the food. Then, people started wearing the “Kung-fu Gi’s” (outfits), in some cases, complete with the shoes. The shoes always gave away the true fans and when those became too slippery on concrete, we moved on to the ones that tied-up; what some used to call Janitor Shoes. Yet, throughout all of this, most never stopped to think, that no matter what color or nationality you were, these movies connected us all, as all races enjoyed these films. They brought people together, made us feel good about ourselves, and had everyone exercising.
Guys began stretching, lifting weights, practicing kicks, and many even joined Martial-arts schools. And it just wasn't the guys, who were enjoying this genre, but Females as well, began to explore various Martial-arts, gaining confidence and self-esteem, while [also] learning to protect themselves. This was a time in our lives, that we can never replace and never forget.
What’s In A Name ?
Back In 1995
Beijing Video was born in February of (1995). I was thinkimg about trying to acquire, as many video tapes as I could, of the films I enjoyed watching the most. Ironically, I wasn’t the one who came up with the name. I wanted to use “The Chinese Connection” - LOL, so whenever I came up with an ad or something, at the end it would say - “ ......your ‘Chinese Connection’. ” A certain Dr. Romano, said to me, “Why don’t you just call it BEIJING VIDEO ? Hell, that’s as Chinese as you can get !!”. I laughed, and thought about it, but (22) years later, here we are.
I joined the Internet, on Oct. 26, 1997. This opened up a new world to me, as I began to correspond with people all over the world, who [still] shared the passion, for ‘Old School’ kung-fu films. I found “Rindge’s Trading Post” online and began meeting [even] more people, looking & trading tapes. One of my favorite traders was a guy who went by the moniker - “Sucker MC”. To this day, I think I still have a (detailed) Trading list that he sent me. For Collectors, this was a vital time as the release of newer films, were making it harder to find the older (classic) ones.
I joined the Internet, on Oct. 26, 1997. This opened up a new world to me, as I began to correspond with people all over the world, who [still] shared the passion, for ‘Old School’ kung-fu films. I found “Rindge’s Trading Post” online and began meeting [even] more people, looking & trading tapes. One of my favorite traders was a guy who went by the moniker - “Sucker MC”. To this day, I think I still have a (detailed) Trading list that he sent me. For Collectors, this was a vital time as the release of newer films, were making it harder to find the older (classic) ones.
Going Online
Kung Fu Forums
I was initially, let's say "Invited" to a Kung Fu Forum, by someone who "slipped me an email", because some people were saying some "unfriendly" things about me. They had "heard this" and heard that", but didn't really know me and had never had any type of communication with me. They had a guy who was very popular and knew a lot about Kung Fu movies, so he was their resident 'Voice Of Reason'.
It was he, who told everyone that inviting me to the Forum would be a BIG mistake (I later, found out why).
I said it before, and I'll say it again -- "The Internet is a Vast place and is big enough, for more than one brain/person to exist". You can't play "King of the Mountain" - if you're afraid of heights (aka competition). My time on the forum, has about 97% -- been in the shadows. Most of it, almost always, turned into some sort of "Verbal Sparring" -- mostly about what someone heard about me. Now, I only had a website out there, not anything pertaining to me, personally, so I used to wonder how it always came back to me (the person).
For the most part, i laughed off (and at) people, who tried to berated me (without knowing me) and my website -- considering they always showed up on mine, but didn't have one of their own, for me to view.
It was he, who told everyone that inviting me to the Forum would be a BIG mistake (I later, found out why).
I said it before, and I'll say it again -- "The Internet is a Vast place and is big enough, for more than one brain/person to exist". You can't play "King of the Mountain" - if you're afraid of heights (aka competition). My time on the forum, has about 97% -- been in the shadows. Most of it, almost always, turned into some sort of "Verbal Sparring" -- mostly about what someone heard about me. Now, I only had a website out there, not anything pertaining to me, personally, so I used to wonder how it always came back to me (the person).
For the most part, i laughed off (and at) people, who tried to berated me (without knowing me) and my website -- considering they always showed up on mine, but didn't have one of their own, for me to view.
Be Kind, Rewind ...
VHS or BETA MAX
During the era of video tapes, VHS and Beta-Max fought like Apple and Android, by today’s standards.
During the era of video tapes, VHS and Beta-Max fought like Apple and Android, by today’s standards.
