Spotlight: Tony Romano

Movieland, as you know it today, is vastly different from its origins. I revitalized the company in 2023, transforming it into a media magazine and online retail store. However, before this reboot, Movieland was a video store franchise. In the world of iconic Australian video stores, Movieland stands as a legend – a name synonymous with the golden age of home video rental in Australia. Founded in 1982 by Tony Romano, Movieland quickly became a household name, with over 135 stores spanning the length and breadth of Australia. It all began in a small corner of Bay St, Brighton, Victoria, where Tony’s vision for a one-stop movie haven took root. Under his leadership, Movieland flourished, offering a vast collection of films, unmatched customer service, and a genuine passion for home entertainment. For two decades, Movieland reigned supreme as Australia’s favorite video store, a nostalgic destination for movie lovers and an essential part of the country’s pop culture. But by 2002, after 20 years of success, Movieland closed its doors, and the brand was absorbed by Video Ezy, with many locations ultimately converting to Blockbuster stores.

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Tony Romano, the visionary behind Movieland, for a candid conversation about his remarkable journey building an empire of movie magic. From the thrilling highs of watching his dream grow into a national sensation to the challenging lows of navigating the digital age’s rise and the eventual decline of the VHS era, Tony opens up about the untold stories of Movieland’s rise and fall. Join us as we take a trip down memory lane and explore the legacy of one of Australia’s most beloved video rental chains through the eyes of the man who made it all possible.

This is the story of Movieland, told by the one who lived it.

Documentary, Interview and Editing by Shawn Montague – CEO Movieland