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 to watch the latest movies. 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. Most had a favorite area where they liked to sit, where you could [hopefully] keep both arm-rests, to yourself. Whether you were hanging out with friends or went solo, you knew then [as you reminisce now] that nothing could take the place of that new hobby you found.
In time, you would come to have 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, they began to open up a whole 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 them. They brought people together, made us feel good about ourselves, and most importantly, they had everyone exercising and taking better care of ourselves.
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. Females 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. Some our fondest memories could probably be found, reminiscing about when we first started going to the theater. From (1973 - 1985) were the peak years for Kung Fu movies, but their effects on cultures around the world, can still be felt today.
What’s In A Name ?
Back In 1995
Beijing Video was born in February of (1995). I was thinking 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 (28) 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. At that time I begin to notice, that the only people who really care about Kung Fu movies, were the true fans of this genre.
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 99% -- 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. I get it, it's not everyone's thing -- but, for those of us who do have a website, they will tell you that maintaining one isn't fun and is very time-consuming. I like to focus my energy there. I believe that Information lasts longer than the container (content form) it usually comes in, i.e. book, magazine, poster, etc ...
I believe that every culture should be represented on film, it helps the next generation see themselves (their culture) and the infinite possibilities they could add to the output of films.
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. VHS tapes could record up to (2) hours in SP Mode [Standard Play], (4) hours in EP Mode [Extended Play], and (6) hours SLP Mode [Super Long Play]. They were also Wider than the competition. BETA MAX tapes were the choice of many others, because of its' superior quality, when it came to Color Retention. The color quality made up for the fact that its' total running time was (30) minutes less - than VHS. The images seemed much sharper and the colors were very vibrant. I think the main reason people [eventually] chose VHS over BETA MAX was because you couls put (3) 2-hrs movies on (1) tape. The quality was good, but it wasn't BETA MAX good. And, over time, the tape's quality would deteriorate when recorded in SLP Mode.
During the era of video tapes, VHS and Beta-Max fought like Apple and Android, by today’s standards. VHS tapes could record up to (2) hours in SP Mode [Standard Play], (4) hours in EP Mode [Extended Play], and (6) hours SLP Mode [Super Long Play]. They were also Wider than the competition. BETA MAX tapes were the choice of many others, because of its' superior quality, when it came to Color Retention. The color quality made up for the fact that its' total running time was (30) minutes less - than VHS. The images seemed much sharper and the colors were very vibrant. I think the main reason people [eventually] chose VHS over BETA MAX was because you couls put (3) 2-hrs movies on (1) tape. The quality was good, but it wasn't BETA MAX good. And, over time, the tape's quality would deteriorate when recorded in SLP Mode.
Betamax was launched in May 1975. That was about a year before JVC released its VHS tape.
In September 1975, the Popular Mechanics magazine mentioned Sony Betamax video tape recorder as “the only video player recorder sold in the USA, specifically for home use.”
It came with a 19-inch color TV set with a hefty price tag of $2300 (equivalent to $10, 900 in 2019).
It boasted a separate tuner, allowing you to watch one show, while recording another for later viewing.
Contents
- 1 Betamax : First Consumer Video Format
- 2 Betamax Fights Back
- 3 VHS Offered Wider Movie Selection
- 4 Betamax Closes Shop
It’s 12.7mm tape was modelled after the 19mm U-matic tape.
Betamax offered superior video quality but did not provide sufficient recording time – just an hour of recording duration.
VHS, on the other hand, allowed home users to record whole movies.
Betamax Fights BackTo counter VHS’ longer recording time, Sony introduced the Betamax SL – 8200 VCR, which allowed for recording up to 2 hours.
Still, it couldn’t compete against VHS VCRs which allowed recording of up to 4 hours, which in the ensuing years increased to 6 and 8 hours.
VHS Offered Wider Movie SelectionAnother reason for VHS’ popularity was the availability of a wide range of movies in video rental stores. Choice of movies on Betamax was rather limited.
VHS players and tapes were also cheaper than their Betamax counterparts.
Betamax Closes ShopLater, after Betamax lost out to VHS, its machines sold for lower prices than VHS VCRs but the market wasn’t really interested in the format.
Although Betamax lost out to VHS in the home entertainment scene, players continued to be produced until 2002 in Japan.
In the USA production stopped in 1993.
In November 2015, Sony announced that it will stop selling Betamax tapes after March 2016.