LESDIY Deliver Nostalgic Rental-Shop Charm

A Review of Video Store Building Blocks — Nostalgic Rental-Shop Charm


I was really excited to take on this build — film is a big theme for me, and anyone who follows my Instagram knows how much I enjoy sets inspired by movies, cinema history, and retro media. The opportunity to build a full video rental store instantly appealed to me, and I’m happy to say it absolutely did not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed putting it together, and it turned out to be a super-nice addition to my growing collection of film-themed models.

Overview & Specs

  • Set name: MOC-224017 Video Store Building Blocks (LesDiy)
  • Designer: Brick Kaiser
  • Piece count: 1,746 pieces
  • Approx. size (assembled): 28.3 × 29.4 × 23.1 cm
  • Price: US $124.99
  • What’s included: Bricks + instructions via QR code
  • What’s NOT included: Minifigures, printed tiles, posters, or stickers
  • Bag organisation: No numbered bags — all pieces mixed together

Link to item: https://www.lesdiy.com/products/moc-224017-video-store-building-blocks

Cost: US $124.99

Build & Brick Quality

The build started off with a slight surprise: no numbered bags. Everything is combined, which definitely slows the pace a little and makes the early sorting phase more time-consuming. It’s not uncommon with MOC-style kits, but it does affect the experience. As a result, I’ve marked the build experience score down slightly — not because the build experience is bad, but because it simply takes longer to hunt for the right pieces.

At the very beginning, I also noticed some bowing in the base plate. Thankfully, as soon as structural support layers were added, the entire model straightened out cleanly and ended up solid and level.

Brick quality was a little hit and miss — but far more hit than miss.
Most pieces fit snugly, colours were consistent overall, and the clutch power was generally good. A few individual parts felt slightly softer or looser than expected, but nothing that caused structural issues or frustration.

Check out my video on Instagram page: @Justapeeler 

Printed Pieces, Missing Artwork & Minifigures

One of the biggest challenges comes from the instructions referencing printed pieces that are not included. The original BrickLink design features printed posters and movie covers — such as:

  • Ghostbusters
  • Batman
  • Captain America
  • Various printed VHS/video-game box art

In this kit, all of these become blank tiles. Because I hate stickers but love proper printed pieces, I actually prefer blank tiles over inaccurate sticker substitutes — but it does mean the builder needs to use a little imagination.

This also made working out the correct colours and tile positions a bit tricky at times, but it was fine in the end.

Minifigures are not included either.
I added some figures from my own collection to complete the look.
One exception: there is a printless R2-D2, which was a fun little surprise even if it’s extremely minimal. Ultimately, the absence of prints gives me the option to create my own custom tiles later, and I probably will.

Build Experience

Despite the challenges with missing prints and mixed bags, the build itself is genuinely enjoyable.

The instructions are clear, though occasionally you need to interpret where certain blank tiles go due to the missing printed references. That’s part of the MOC experience, and once you get into the rhythm, the build flows nicely.

This set has a great sense of progression — you watch the store take shape layer by layer, inside and out, and by the time the shelves and counter are in place, it really starts to feel like a proper functioning rental shop.

Design & Aesthetic Appeal

The design of this building is fantastic — easily one of the strongest aspects of the entire set. It nails that nostalgic, slightly idealised vision of the classic 80s–90s video store. In some ways, it looks like the real stores many of us remember… and in other ways, it looks like what people imagine a video store looked like. And honestly? I love that.

Key design highlights:

  • The roof-mounted videocassette sign is a perfect retro touch.
  • The palm tree and storefront architecture capture a relaxed, West-Coast vibe.
  • The interior layout is surprisingly realistic:
    • neatly structured shelves
    • genre-sorted sections
    • space for customers to browse
    • a compact counter area
  • The proportions make the model feel inviting and “lived-in” without being cluttered.

As a film-lover, this set feels almost tailor-made for me. It instantly reads as cinematic nostalgia, and it’s a brilliant display piece for anyone who grew up renting movies.

Instructions, Sourcing & Value

The original instructions exist on BrickLink, and if you try to source this entire model purely through BrickLink sellers, you’re looking at:

  • $350–$450 USD,
  • plus several pieces that are quite rare.

LesDiy’s full kit for $124.99 is outstanding value in comparison.
Yes, you sacrifice printed parts, but the savings are enormous, and the overall model is absolutely worth the price.

 Display Value & Collection Fit

This set shines as a display model, especially if you love:

  • Movies
  • Retro culture
  • City dioramas
  • 80s/90s nostalgia

With a few custom prints or added minifigures (as I did), the store becomes even more engaging. It works beautifully on its own or integrated into a larger street layout.

Final Thoughts

Despite a few quirks — no numbered bags, missing printed tiles, slight variance in brick quality — the final product is honestly wonderful. 

The design is exceptional, the nostalgia factor is huge, and the finished build looks fantastic on display. LesDiy continues to offer excellent value for MOC builders, and this is a perfect example.

Rating (my take):

  • Build Experience: ★★★☆☆☆ (3.5/5) — slowed by unnumbered bags and missing prints
  • Brick Quality: ★★★★☆ (4/5) — mostly very good, occasional softness
  • Design & Nostalgia: ★★★★★ (5/5) — absolutely brilliant
  • Value: ★★★★★ (5/5)
  • Overall:      7.5/10

A super-enjoyable build and an excellent addition to any film-themed collection. I loved making it, and it will definitely stay on display.

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Pantasy Motorcycle Restaurant 85024 Review: Bricks, Bikes & Brilliance

Image
Pantasy Motorcycle Restaurant 85024 Review: Bricks, Bikes & Brilliance After reviewing a few off-brand building sets recently—from LumiBricks’ charming modulars to Pantasy’s jaw-dropping Pirates Pub—I’ve officially left the “off-brand = off-limits” mindset behind. These sets aren’t knockoffs anymore. They’re competition. And Pantasy? They’re leading the pack. Their latest release, the Motorcycle Restaurant (Set 85024), might just be the best argument yet that alternative brick brands aren’t just catching up—they’re innovating in ways the mainstream hasn’t touched in years. Now, full disclosure: I’ve never been a fan of motorcycle or garage themes. I even converted LEGO’s Corner Garage into a jazz club, because I just couldn’t connect with the mechanic vibe. But here? Pantasy makes it work. The aesthetic isn’t just tolerable—it’s downright charming. This set has serious modular appeal, and I wouldn’t change a thing. First Impressions At over 2,800 pieces, this set builds...
Read more

The Modern Japanese Apartment - A thoughtful, modern modular that focuses on everyday spaces and how they actually work.

Image
A thoughtful, modern modular that focuses on everyday spaces and how they actually work. Not every modular needs to rely on density or visual noise to be interesting. Some sets work best when they pay attention to layout, proportion, and realism. That’s the approach taken here — and while it isn’t flawless, it’s largely successful. The Youmko YM003 Modern Japanese Apartment is a calm, residential build that feels deliberately designed. It doesn’t overreach, and it doesn’t try to be something it isn’t. First Impressions From the start, the theme is very clear. This looks and feels like a modern Japanese apartment building. The structure is sensible, the proportions feel right, and the colour palette is mostly restrained. It immediately reads as residential rather than commercial, which already sets it apart from more common modular styles. It’s understated, but not bare. The Build Experience The build itself is straightforward and enjoyable. One of the strongest points here ...
Read more

Pantasy Architecture Firm (85041) — Modular Majesty | Designer Insight Interview

Image
The best modular set and design experience I’ve had since building a LEGO Police Station . From the moment you open the box to the final placement on the shelf, the Pantasy Architecture Firm (85041) feels special. This isn’t just another modular building — it’s a statement piece, and one that firmly places Pantasy at the front of the modular conversation. I was so impressed with this build that I reached out to the designer directly with a few questions. What came back only reinforced what I already felt during the build — this set exists because of vision, restraint, and an almost stubborn commitment to doing things properly. Box & Presentation — Premium, and Only the Beginning The box quality immediately gives that premium feel — but it quickly becomes clear that this is only the start. Not only have Pantasy introduced their first official lighting kit, they’ve done it in a way that absolutely shouts: we always could do this, we can do it better, and we’re here to sta...
Read more