Best of: Arts & Entertainment: Local video store

Orbit DVD

For the fifth-straight year, Mark McCloud’s take-home cinémathèque takes home the trophy for Best Local Video Store. Located in one of the many hearts of this year’s Best Neighborhood, West Asheville, Orbit DVD contributes in no small way to the ever-increasing mystique of the left side of town. Check out their subscription plans, which start at $20 a month for up to three movies at a time — with no late fees! (But seriously, whoever rented Elevator to the Gallows, you’re exploiting this perk a little.)

Orbit’s extensive selection grows by the day, but they still manage to keep all of their Dafoes in a row. From the traditional Oscar-sanctioned categories of Drama, Comedy and Action/Suspense, to the truly unique, multigenre Cult selections and a free (!) bootlegs section with concert videos and other ephemera, Orbit’s organization is paramount.

Don’t see what you want? They’ll usually get it for you if it’s available.

“No request is too strange,” McCloud assures. “But people are often surprised to learn that we carry what they’re looking for. We have over 20,000 movies now.”

Really? Can customers request anything?

“We did have to restrict some customer requests. We had one customer requesting way too many Paris Hilton movies — and there’s only one Paris Hilton video you need to see: One Night in Paris. It’s her best role.”

You can also buy new and used DVDs, posters, locally made snacks, Charlie Brown pins and those funny magnets with ‘50s-era housewives saying crazy things. Oh, and they also have Silly Bandz.

— Jaye Bartell