Be Kind, Rewind and Dab
There was something magical about Friday night at the video shop. You would walk through the doors with no plan, no preview and zero idea what was new. And yet, somehow, you always left with the perfect film and maybe a bag of fizzy cola bottles.
At Zingo Bingo, we believe that same cosy, chaotic energy lives on in our game nights. So let’s rewind to that familiar ritual: the smell of plastic cases, the thrill of a new release and the joy of pairing a VHS classic with a full house win.
Step 1: The Video Shop Visit Was an Event
🛍 It wasn’t just a chore. It was a highlight. A social outing. A mission. You browsed like your weekend depended on it and judged every film by its artwork, not its rating.
What we remember best:
- The New Releases wall that was always half empty
- Banned covers you were too scared (or curious) to pick
- The race to grab the last copy of Mrs. Doubtfire or The Bodyguard
- Arguing over action or rom-com while holding a tub of pick ’n’ mix
🎲 Zingo Tip: Host your own bingo movie night with a “mystery film” draw. Bonus points if it's on DVD in a box labelled with a Sharpie.
Step 2: Home Setup Was a Production
🛋 Once home, it was all about fluffing the cushions, popping the corn and negotiating who got the good seat. If someone had to rewind the tape, you knew the tension was building.
The ultimate VHS night-in checklist:
- A quilt dragged from the bedroom
- Cushions thrown on the floor for cinema seating
- Corded phone unplugged so nobody interrupted
- Slippers, snacks and the lights dimmed like a proper screening
🎲 Room Pairing: Retro Grid 75
Perfect for a visual throwback that pairs perfectly with old-school patterns and vintage vibes.
Step 3: Film Selection Was Half the Fun
📺 You picked a film by its cover, maybe because of the font or a gold sticker that said “winner.” You may have seen it already, but that didn’t matter. It was the ritual of picking it out that made it special.
Fan favourites you definitely rented more than once:
- Clueless
- Jurassic Park
- The Mask
- Grease
- Jumanji
- Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
🎲 Zingo Room Match: Monthly Mega Groove
Ideal for players who love a soundtrack, a throwback and a big feature presentation feel.
Bonus: Add Bingo to Your Movie Ritual
✅ Print bingo cards themed around the movie, think characters, quotes or props
✅ Play a round before the film starts and award snacks as prizes
✅ Use daubers to mark off clichés as they appear: “awkward slow dance,” “cheesy one-liner,” “someone falls over”
✅ Play another quick-fire round during the credits
🎲 Room Pairing: The Zingo Lounge or Fab Friday
Jump into these rooms for a calm after-film session, or keep the laughs rolling if your movie was a comedy classic.
What’s Your Favourite Friday Night Film Memory?
💬 Did you rent the same VHS over and over? Did you fall asleep mid-way every single time?
Tag your flashback with #VideoShopHeaven and #VHSBingoNight and you might see your story shared in our next nostalgic room feature.
Let’s Zingo and Rewind the Good Times
📼🎲 Because full houses and fuzzy VHS tapes both hit different on a Friday night.
