Collier’s Weekly: Vinegar Syndrome Pittsburgh and the Triumphant Endurance of Physical Media

For 10 hours last week, a video store was the busiest spot on East Carson Street.

The first soft opening for Vinegar Syndrome Pittsburgh, a new shop specializing in Blu-Ray and DVD movies, records and a variety of other physical media, was held last Thursday and Friday afternoons. Even on a pair of weekdays — and without much hype, as the soft opening was only announced on social media a few days in advance — the storefront was packed.

Couples debated which editions were most vital for their collections. Strangers gathered around a back rack of records sharing recommendations. Movie lovers grabbed piles of rarities from boutique labels and lined up at the register, chatting excitedly with the equally enthusiastic staff. All the patrons seemed to ask the same question: When can we come ba