Blockbuster Warns It Could Go Under
7 April 2009 2:38 AM, PDT

After repeatedly maintaining that it was in no danger of going under, Blockbuster on Monday warned that if it is unable to complete loan deals, it may be unable "to continue as a going concern."

Blockbuster, the largest movie rental company, has faced daunting challenges from kiosk operators, online rental outfits (particularly Netflix), and pirates.

Although the company said last week that it had received a $250-million revolving loan maturing in 18 months, it indicated on Monday that the loan was subject to certain conditions that it might not be able to meet and that while it expected to close the deal with the lenders by about May 11, "there can be no assurance regarding these matters."

The statement, made after the markets closed on Monday, sent shares of Blockbuster tumbling more than 10 percent in early trading today (Tuesday).

-IMDB News

I'm gonna be upset if they close because i love Blockbuster Video. There's already been a few Blockbuster's in my city that have closed up. I don't like ordering movies online because most online companies want the customers to use their credit card or bank account money for payments.

I'm gonna be upset if they close because i love Blockbuster Video. There's already been a few Blockbuster's in my city that have closed up. I don't like ordering movies online because most online companies want the customers to use their credit card or bank account money for payments.

Yeah, it will suck if Blockbuster goes down. I mainly use Blockbuster for video game rentals. Few years ago I always went there for PS2 and Gamecube games I was interested in. If I liked it I went and bought it from GameStop.

I order online too, mainly for obscure movies or tv shows that movie stores don't have in stock. I use my debit card for that.

WTF. Not everyone likes to order crap off of the internet. Screw Netflix.

Boo hoo, what do they want? a bailout next?

I for one am shedding no tears, and I know our very own Jude isn't either. :lol: As for me, I just get movies/shows from the library - IT'S FREE!! :D

If I want to watch a movie, I just order them off the TV. It's cheap and I don't have to worry about returning the video.

There are two Blockbusters that have closed in my city and I'm starting to see more Red Boxes in grocery stores, malls and Home Depot stores.

There are two Blockbusters that have closed in my city and I'm starting to see more Red Boxes in grocery stores, malls and Home Depot stores.
Three of them have closed in my county, and there's only one left that's still open. For how long is anyone's guess.

Seems like every store is closing down lately.

I for one am shedding no tears, and I know our very own Jude isn't either. :lol: As for me, I just get movies/shows from the library - IT'S FREE!! :D


I just KNEW you were gonna say something! :lol:

I'm shedding crocodile tears all over this.......

and maybe I should change my user name to....."Sitcoms Online's Very Own Jude" :lol:

I just KNEW you were gonna say something! :lol:

I'm shedding crocodile tears all over this.......

and maybe I should change my user name to....."Sitcoms Online's Very Own Jude" :lol:
Maybe Charles aka Zoneboy should make a photo thing of a tombstone calling it Blockhead Video. BWAHAHAHAHAHA...

oh charrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrles!!!!!! :D

I haven't been inside a Blockbuster's in years, LOL. Hollywood video is closer to me and I rarily go there either.

What the hell....? Video stores are still around? Everytime I see one I think it's a mirage. I see an empty lot with tumbleweed rolling through the parking lot.

I haven't been inside a Blockbuster's in years, LOL. Hollywood video is closer to me and I rarily go there either.
There's a Hollywood Video right near my house. I think they're still around because they have such a big video game selection.

Years ago, there was nearly a video store or other store w/rentals everywhere in my town! WestCoast, Blockhead, Movieworld, Video One, Video Holiday among others.....now we're down to two...Block and MW...a lot of people in town are doing Netflix, redbox, movies on demand....I think the traditional way of renting will be dead in a few years.

What the hell....? Video stores are still around? Everytime I see one I think it's a mirage. I see an empty lot with tumbleweed rolling through the parking lot.


yep.....getting that way for Blockhead in my town. The hours when I worked there were 10am-midnight EVERY DAY. Now they are 12noon-9pm S-thu, 10pm Fri-Sat. That's a clear indication business is down and costs are up.

Also recent times have been a disaster for mom-and-pop video rentals.

In my area I think I can count about five that were directly around me. Four blocks this way there was one, other direction there was another....

Over the years many of them closed and one that was open since 1983 closed in December of last year. They just couldn't keep the stores open with the rise of interent downloads and internet rentals.

As for Blockbuster, there are about 2 near where I live but not in walking distance like the mom-and-pop's were.

In my state a lot of the grocery store chains used to have movie rental sections in their stores. Now many grocery stores don't rent movies anymore.

In my state a lot of the grocery store chains used to have movie rental sections in their stores. Now many grocery stores don't rent movies anymore.
I used to rent from my local supermarket all the time. Sadly, they closed the rental section several years ago. :(

In my state a lot of the grocery store chains used to have movie rental sections in their stores. Now many grocery stores don't rent movies anymore.

The PathMark near where I live used to do that. They had a pharmacy on the lower level (the seperate pharmacy part is now gone as well) and inside they had a video section where they rented and sold movies and video games.

I believe they stopped the video rentals in the late 90s but they still had them for sale. When the stock of video games they had sold out they never got in any more shipments of games and stopped with that.

Today, they still sell DVDs but only the popular ones. Like they had the new "Indiana Jones", the SAW flicks, the new "Mummy" film; they only get what's popular at the time and don't really have that big of a movie section.


I remember years ago when PathMark had a pretty decent discount bargain bin, inside I found the DVD of Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation for $7. They had a pretty good collection of obscure horror flicks and things back then that I was even surprised PathMark had in stock.

I miss those days...

Same here--the Winn Dixie used to rent movies as well as the local Shop Rite c-store chain. If one place was out of a movie, you didn't panic, you simply went to the next store down the road. those days are long gone!

Some of ya'll are wrong for dissing Blockbuster Video. Blockbuster has a large selection of old movies that some video stores don't have and Red Box i've seen also in several grocery stores and at 7 Eleven's but they don't have all of the movies that Blockbuster has so i can't see Red Box staying in business long. Amazon.com has a large selection of movies but like i said, they changed their payment policy because they don't accept money orders and checks anymore so i stopped doing business with them. I don't want strangers knowing my credit card information and bank account information. There's a mom and pop video store i go to that has a large selection of old movies on vhs for sale, not rent. I've bought a lot of old movies from there because there's a lot of old movies i haven't seen and i still have a vcr because i don't like dvd's. I hate dvd's because i get tired of taking them outta the dvd player to wipe off because they pause and the screen is messed up because of the dvd. Bring back vhs movies LOL.

I used to rent from my local supermarket all the time. Sadly, they closed the rental section several years ago. :(

Many of the grocery stores in my area had their rental sections closed down by 2004. One of the stores near my old workplace didn't close down until July 2006. I used to have a VHS/DVD combo tv so I used to rent movies to see if they were worth owning on a DVD. I rented movies from that store regularly.

The PathMark near where I live used to do that. They had a pharmacy on the lower level (the seperate pharmacy part is now gone as well) and inside they had a video section where they rented and sold movies and video games.

I believe they stopped the video rentals in the late 90s but they still had them for sale. When the stock of video games they had sold out they never got in any more shipments of games and stopped with that.

Today, they still sell DVDs but only the popular ones. Like they had the new "Indiana Jones", the SAW flicks, the new "Mummy" film; they only get what's popular at the time and don't really have that big of a movie section.


I remember years ago when PathMark had a pretty decent discount bargain bin, inside I found the DVD of Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation for $7. They had a pretty good collection of obscure horror flicks and things back then that I was even surprised PathMark had in stock.

I miss those days...

A couple of the grocery store chains in my area do similar things. There is a couple of Albertson's chain stores that only sell DVD's of movies that are popular at the time. I actually a bought a copy of Saw III from one of those stories. The Smith's chain stores here sometimes sell DVD's of obscure horror films and indie movies like Clockwatchers and Eulogy.

This really sucks for me!! I just re-joined Blockbuster's order by mail service about three hours ago, and now I hear this?? I think it would really be unfortunate if Blockbuster went under, because I've been going there for years, and love the customer service at my local Blockbuster. This sucks!!! :mad:

Some of ya'll are wrong for dissing Blockbuster Video. Blockbuster has a large selection of old movies that some video stores don't have and Red Box i've seen also in several grocery stores and at 7 Eleven's but they don't have all of the movies that Blockbuster has so i can't see Red Box staying in business long. Amazon.com has a large selection of movies but like i said, they changed their payment policy because they don't accept money orders and checks anymore so i stopped doing business with them. I don't want strangers knowing my credit card information and bank account information. There's a mom and pop video store i go to that has a large selection of old movies on vhs for sale, not rent. I've bought a lot of old movies from there because there's a lot of old movies i haven't seen and i still have a vcr because i don't like dvd's. I hate dvd's because i get tired of taking them outta the dvd player to wipe off because they pause and the screen is messed up because of the dvd. Bring back vhs movies LOL.
Jude had a bad experience working there, and I was turned down twice after "failing" a "personality test" on their applications. That's why neither of us are shedding no tears.

Jude had a bad experience working there, and I was turned down twice after "failing" a "personality test" on their applications. That's why neither of us are shedding no tears.

Iv'e heard so much about these Blockbuster personality tests, and it sounds like they're more difficult to pass then the freaking S.A.T.'s. :lol: I wonder what a person's personality has to be like to get a job at Blockbuster? I've never seen anything extra special, or that different about Blockbuster employees personalities, they just seem like average, everyday people to me. I really am curious what they're looking for?? It's weird.

Jude had a bad experience working there, and I was turned down twice after "failing" a "personality test" on their applications. That's why neither of us are shedding no tears.

Add me to the list of people who "failed" that stupid test.

Iv'e heard so much about these Blockbuster personality tests, and it sounds like they're more difficult to pass then the freaking S.A.T.'s. :lol: I wonder what a person's personality has to be like to get a job at Blockbuster? I've never seen anything extra special, or that different about Blockbuster employees personalities, they just seem like average, everyday people to me. I really am curious what they're looking for?? It's weird.
I bet the Pope wouldn't even get in. :eek: :lol:

Add me to the list of people who "failed" that stupid test.
And someone else who isn't shedding any tears. :lol:

I bet the Pope wouldn't even get in. :eek: :lol:

:rofl:

A couple of the grocery store chains in my area do similar things. There is a couple of Albertson's chain stores that only sell DVD's of movies that are popular at the time. I actually a bought a copy of Saw III from one of those stories. The Smith's chain stores here sometimes sell DVD's of obscure horror films and indie movies like Clockwatchers and Eulogy.

Come to think of it I did get SAW III from PathMark. I currently have I-IV.

I didn't pick up V yet; not really in a rush to get it. I know at some point they have to come out with a box set so maybe after the sixth one comes out it will probably surface.

and I'll diss Blockhead all I dam please......I know what a godless souless operation it is and I could go on......but don't tell me i'm wrong for dissing them!

and I'll diss Blockhead all I dam please......I know what a godless souless operation it is and I could go on......but don't tell me i'm wrong for dissing them!
Yes - and where's Charles with a snarky pic/quote?? :rofl:

I wonder if he ever came by this thread..somebody pm Charles! :lol:

Blockbuster To Close 1,000 Stores

Facing increased competition from the likes of Netflix, video-on-demand, and kiosk operators, Blockbuster now plans to shut down nearly 1,000 stores by the end of next year, according to an SEC filing.

The figure is more than twice the 410-450 unprofitable stores that it previously had said it planned to shutter. The new figure represents about 22 percent of Blockbuster's total of 4,356.

The filing also disclosed that 35 percent of Blockbuster stores account for 80 percent of its profits.

The company said that closing the unprofitable stores will save $30 million in annual losses and that $20-30 million in revenue from those stores will transfer to nearby locations.

-IMDB News

Blockbuster To Close 1,000 Stores

Facing increased competition from the likes of Netflix, video-on-demand, and kiosk operators, Blockbuster now plans to shut down nearly 1,000 stores by the end of next year, according to an SEC filing.

The figure is more than twice the 410-450 unprofitable stores that it previously had said it planned to shutter. The new figure represents about 22 percent of Blockbuster's total of 4,356.

The filing also disclosed that 35 percent of Blockbuster stores account for 80 percent of its profits.

The company said that closing the unprofitable stores will save $30 million in annual losses and that $20-30 million in revenue from those stores will transfer to nearby locations.

-IMDB News
I certainly feel for those who are losing their jobs, but I'm not shedding any tears for the corporation itself.

I certainly feel for those who are losing their jobs, but I'm not shedding any tears for the corportation itself.
I agree. I'm sorry for the individual employees who are losing their jobs. But that's as far as my sympathy goes.

I heard about this early this morning at 12:00 am and I was in shock

This news is kind of bittersweet for me, because I worked at Blockbuster twice. Once in 1992-1993 as a part time job and again in 1998 as a part time job. It actually wasn't so bad, but it definitely had it's ups and downs. I actually got my very first raise while working at a Blockbuster, which was cool. Of course, it still didn't make my check enough to live on, but it was the principle of the thing!
That's amazing that they make you take personality tests now. I never had to do that. I almost quit Blockbuster the second time I worked there because of this bitchy employee that was giving me a hard time. It wasn't that I was giving into her crap, but I basically didn't have time for it. I was going to school and working another job at the same time. I went to tell my boss and he actually talked me into staying! I did end up quitting later, but I've never had that happen where I'm talked into staying!
Actually, this news doesn't surprise me at all. I beg to differ with you Anti-Netflickers, but I think Netflix is WONDERFUL! No late fees at all (Blockbuster and Hollywood Video say they don't have late fees, but that is such a lie-at least around here it is). I don't mind at all giving my credit card number. I have so much more flexibility with Netflix than I could ever have with Blockbuster. No DVD boxes (we called the video boxes that Blockbuster had Amrays) to carry around, no late fees, you can keep the movies out as long as you want, and best of all, as soon as a movie comes out in the theatres, just go online to Netflix, pull up your movie queue and type in the name and save it. I just watched "The Great Buck Howard" last week, but I had seen in back in June of 2008. I got home and put it in my queue and even though it took over a year for it to become available, I didn't have to worry about it. Plus, you can renumber your queue so that you get a certain movie at a certain time. I love that they have TV on DVD so I can watch shows that I wouldn't necessarily want to buy. I've been a member for three years now and I don't regret it at all. I realized how great Netflix is a couple of years ago when I had been waiting for a movie and it was taking unusually long to get here. So I went online and "complained" sort of. I figured they were going to email me with a bunch of questions like when did I return the last movie, etc. But they sent me an email appologizing and saying that they would send a replacement right away! And a few times I've gotten random appologetic emails saying that the mail was delayed or they were experiencing delays in the Tacoma office and had to ship some from Georgia. That would have been enough explaination right there but then they said they were sending everyone an extra movie from their queue to make up for it! I think that's awesome!

It is sad that even more people will be out of work now, but I think this is a much more economical way to rent movies. A LOT less driving to and from the video store. Less time wasted walking around trying to read the backs of the boxes or else having the CSR's search for a movie for you on a Friday or Saturday night, when all 800 copies of the latest Mel Gibson movie are gone. I could go on and on, really.

I read about the closures on another site. I feel sorry for the employees. Movie rental stores are now a thing of the past. I agree with Schmoopie on Netflix. I have a Netflix subscription gift from my parents and I have enjoyed it so far. I only get 3-4 movies a month. I tend to put older movies in my queue. I would rather use Netflix than RedBox. RedBox is limited on titles and their machines have reputation of malfunctiong.

Cant say I find this as a surprise. The only people I feel sorry for are the ones will be out of work.


Frankly I never liked Blockbuster because they are more expensive than other video place and their selection of videos was always limited to the Hollywood hits. There are us who like to watch other stuff like old movies, doucmentaries etc., and Blockbuster failed to provide that.

We have a Blockbuster in my town, and it seems to do well cause every time I drive past it, they're pretty busy.

I personally don't rent from video stores, I'd rather just check it out from the library

We have a Blockbuster in my town, and it seems to do well cause every time I drive past it, they're pretty busy.

I personally don't rent from video stores, I'd rather just check it out from the library
YAY!! Another one who checks their DVDs/videos from the library. Why join Netflix and the like when you can see the stuff from the library FREE??

YAY!! Another one who checks their DVDs/videos from the library. Why join Netflix and the like when you can see the stuff from the library FREE??

You can add me to the list of library fans! I tend to check stuff out from there on a whim. I'm usually in there at least one day a week. The only thing is that my library branch doesn't carry a lot of DVDs (however they carry about ten times what they used to), so I really prefer Netflix, just because I don't have to drive back to the library. However, I like having both for the variety of it. No due dates with Netflix like the library has. I checked out a ton of stuff the last two weeks and admittingly went overboard. I kept a couple of titles, but today I returned most of them without watching them. I just can't seem to learn to check out just a few at a time!!:crazy:

The other night Jay Leno was talking about Blockbuster closing and he said "Even the direct to DVD titles don't want to go to Blockbuster!":brent

The other night Jay Leno was talking about Blockbuster closing and he said "Even the direct to DVD titles don't want to go to Blockbuster!":brent
I forgot about that. :rofl:

Sometime down the road if this keeps up video rental stores will be a thing of the past...

Sometime down the road if this keeps up video rental stores will be a thing of the past...
Yes, it's certainly headed in that direction. It's sad in a way, isn't it?

Yes, it's certainly headed in that direction. It's sad in a way, isn't it?

Yeah it is. I'm seeing a lot more shut down often.

The mom-and-pops have been taking it the hardest in recent times. With the rise of online rentals, buying bootleg dvd's, downloading them online, or watching things on YouTube... nobody goes out and rents things like they used to. I see a lot more movies uploaded on YouTube daily.


Growing up in the 90s there were about 5 local video rentals around me. Majority of them closed in the early 2000s and the last one around just closed Dec. of last year.

When they announced their closing a few months before I asked the owner how they even lasted as long as they did since I've seen less and less people coming in and he said that it was the adult video section keeping them open.

So yeah, they lasted on the business of people buying porn to keep them around another four years before having to close.

^ Now THAT'S sad.

^ Now THAT'S sad.

Oh yeah, you should have seen how big the adult section was here.


About maybe a decade or so ago when DVDs were coming and VHS were starting to phase out they turned the basement into the "adult section". Not just for porn but they put their old horror and action flicks on VHS down there, the classics were also there (B&W movies), and a little corner that was closed off was the porn.

Around 2004-5 they had a clearance VHS sale where they got rid of all their VHS movies to make the store mostly DVD. They fixed up the basement and turned the whole floor into porn.

Oh yeah, you should have seen how big the adult section was here.


About maybe a decade or so ago when DVDs were coming and VHS were starting to phase out they turned the basement into the "adult section". Not just for porn but they put their old horror and action flicks on VHS down there, the classics were also there (B&W movies), and a little corner that was closed off was the porn.

Around 2004-5 they had a clearance VHS sale where they got rid of all their VHS movies to make the store mostly DVD. They fixed up the basement and turned the whole floor into porn.
Was Caligula in there?? (Sorry, I couldn't resist. :rofl:)

Was Caligula in there?? (Sorry, I couldn't resist. :rofl:)

Actually it was but it was in with the regular dept.

Actually it was but it was in with the regular dept.
Oh, OK. :rofl:

Speaking of which there is a video store here that had a huge adult section. A buddy of mine who used to work there told me they made $500 a day just on porn rentals. Times that by a week and a year and we're talking a lot of money. Apperenty the owners stopped carrying porn because people at their church felt they were hypocrites. Me personally I would have told them to mind their own business, or found another church to go to. Not saying I am condonnig porn, but business is business.

Yeah it is. I'm seeing a lot more shut down often.

The mom-and-pops have been taking it the hardest in recent times. With the rise of online rentals, buying bootleg dvd's, downloading them online, or watching things on YouTube... nobody goes out and rents things like they used to. I see a lot more movies uploaded on YouTube daily.


Growing up in the 90s there were about 5 local video rentals around me. Majority of them closed in the early 2000s and the last one around just closed Dec. of last year.

When they announced their closing a few months before I asked the owner how they even lasted as long as they did since I've seen less and less people coming in and he said that it was the adult video section keeping them open.

So yeah, they lasted on the business of people buying porn to keep them around another four years before having to close.

There is a video rental store back in my hometown that is still open largely to their porn section and their Spanish language film section which is popular with the immigrant communities I haven't been there in years but I asked my cousin how it managed to stay open a few months ago when we were driving by and she said the porn section is really popular.

Also in the city I live bootleg DVD's are getting really popular. My sister's coworker is always getting from her husband's friends.

Speaking of which there is a video store here that had a huge adult section. A buddy of mine who used to work there told me they made $500 a day just on porn rentals. Times that by a week and a year and we're talking a lot of money. Apperenty the owners stopped carrying porn because people at their church felt they were hypocrites. Me personally I would have told them to mind their own business, or found another church to go to. Not saying I am condonnig porn, but business is business.

There is a full XXX shop around my area that's been there since the 70s. They were grandfathered so they are allowed to remain in a residential zone when the laws got changed here.

They are in the middle of two churches and two schools who have done everything to get them closed but the shop always remains in the legal areas and the courts rule in their favor.

Instead of closing they have expanded over the years.

There is a video rental store back in my hometown that is still open largely to their porn section and their Spanish language film section which is popular with the immigrant communities I haven't been there in years but I asked my cousin how it managed to stay open a few months ago when we were driving by and she said the porn section is really popular.

Also in the city I live bootleg DVD's are getting really popular. My sister's coworker is always getting from her husband's friends.

Yeah, in NYC it's nearly impossible to not come across bootleg DVD sellers.

Speaking of which there is a video store here that had a huge adult section. A buddy of mine who used to work there told me they made $500 a day just on porn rentals. Times that by a week and a year and we're talking a lot of money. Apperenty the owners stopped carrying porn because people at their church felt they were hypocrites. Me personally I would have told them to mind their own business, or found another church to go to. Not saying I am condonnig porn, but business is business.

I agree with you business is business. As long as a porn shop or video store is selling legal items and items that don't feature minors they should be left alone.

Yeah, in NYC it's nearly impossible to not come across bootleg DVD sellers.

My uncle used to do a lot of business in NYC and Jersey and he always brought back bootleg videos. Here in Albuquerque the police used to crackdown bootleg music and videos but in the past couple of years people head to flea markets for movies and CD's.

I purchase bootleg videos myself. Mostly TV shows, and music performances that are not on the market. Flea markets and even web pages are great spots for bootleg videos, and some have great quality to them.

I purchase bootleg videos myself. Mostly TV shows, and music performances that are not on the market. Flea markets and even web pages are great spots for bootleg videos, and some have great quality to them.

Same with me.

I have bought bootleg DVDs of things that never got officially released. I mostly get them from horror/sci-fi cons.

I heard from a customer yesterday that the Blockbuster I worked at, is one of the 1,000 BB plans to close very soon. While I hurt for the employees, I don't hurt for the corporate entity. That place robbed me of a lot during that last year I was employed with them.

Jude had a bad experience working there, and I was turned down twice after "failing" a "personality test" on their applications. That's why neither of us are shedding no tears.

I was actually at Blockbuster a few weeks ago, and asked an employee about the infamous personality tests they give, and told him many of your guys' stories of failing them, and asked him how he passed the test?? He laughed and said, yeah, four of my friends applied and failed the test as well. He said that he basically bull****ted his way throug the test, and just gave them all answers that he figured they wanted to hear. He said there's no way I'd be working here had I been honest. :lol:

Btw, I closed my account with blockbuster's mail service last week. I'm now on the Blockbuster sucks bandwagon!!! They no longer have the no late fees rule, and even if you bring it back just a few days late, they charge you. Also they never sent me the DVD's I ordered by mail. I would have to write to them and tell them that they never sent them before they'd do it. That company is a total mess right now, so I'm switching to Netflix.

I was actually at Blockbuster a few weeks ago, and asked an employee about the infamous personality tests they give, and told him many of your guys' stories of failing them, and asked him how he passed the test?? He laughed and said, yeah, four of my friends applied and failed the test as well. He said that he basically bull****ted his way throug the test, and just gave them all answers that he figured they wanted to hear. He said there's no way I'd be working here had I been honest. :lol:
Oh man, I don't think I would have been hired today had I taken this test. This must be fairly recent (like within the last 10 years), because I never had to take anything like this. I hate those stupid things anyway. When I was living in Dallas they built a Nordstrom at the Galleria. We were planning on moving to Seattle and after hearing my aunt absolutely RAVE about Nordstrom, I "pretended" that I wanted to work at the Dallas store. I had to go to this very long interview thing and we were given one of those stupid tests. It was worded so that if you picked the wrong answer, it made it appear that you would consider stealing from the store. Total garbage. After I saw what crap you had to go through to work there, I completely lost respect for that store. I bet I haven't bought 10 items in Nordstrom since we moved here in 1996. They used to have these really cool nightshirts (which was about the only thing I would buy from them) but I think they got rid of those. Oh well... their loss, not mine. I'll just shop at JC Penney.


Btw, I closed my account with blockbuster's mail service last week. I'm now on the Blockbuster sucks bandwagon!!! They no longer have the no late fees rule, and even if you bring it back just a few days late, they charge you. Also they never sent me the DVD's I ordered by mail. I would have to write to them and tell them that they never sent them before they'd do it. That company is a total mess right now, so I'm switching to Netflix.

OMG, Blockbuster charges late fees for mail rentals? :eek: That's crazy! Good for you for switching to Netflix! They are awesome, especially if there is a problem with a DVD they sent. I ordered a Sopranos DVD from Season 2 and even though the sleeve said Season 2, I put it in the player. I thought the kids looked a lot older than normal, and then I realized that they had sent me Season 6! We watched it anyway, but I reported it and they apologized and sent the other one the next day. I have a feeling that their online "rental store" is going to tank soon after their retail stores do.

Andrea

OMG, Blockbuster charges late fees for mail rentals? :eek: That's crazy! Good for you for switching to Netflix! They are awesome, especially if there is a problem with a DVD they sent. I ordered a Sopranos DVD from Season 2 and even though the sleeve said Season 2, I put it in the player. I thought the kids looked a lot older than normal, and then I realized that they had sent me Season 6! We watched it anyway, but I reported it and they apologized and sent the other one the next day. I have a feeling that their online "rental store" is going to tank soon after their retail stores do.

Andrea

No, actually they don't charge late fees for their mail in service. When you join, you can bring the movies that you recieved from the mail to blockbuster, and when you returned them, they let you rent movies from their store. It's the movies that you get from the store that they now charge late fees for. Being able to get free movies from the store, along with getting your DVD's by mail, is what originally made me switch to Blockbuster. I actually started out with Netflix. Originally when they started their in store free rental service it was awesome, because once you turned in your 3 DVD's by mail, you were allowed to rent three from the store, so instead of getting 3 movies at once, you got 6. Then a month after I joined, they changed their policy. Originally they let you have unlimited in store rentals, but they changed that, and only allowed you to get 5 a month unless you upgraded your account. I was pissed, but still stayed with them. It wasn't until they started charging late fees, and not sending my DVD's by mail, that I realized that they sucked. Netflix is just so much more professional. I like how when you rent from Netflix, and you have a movie that is unavailable at the top of your list, they'll just go down your list, and send you the next ones that are available. Blockbuster doesn't do that, if you have an unavailable DVD on top of your list, they don't send you the next one available, they just don't send any DVD's. I could write a book about the things that made me leave them, and re-join Netflix. Blockbuster is dishonest, and is total crap in my opinion. I'm glad to be going back to Netflix. I've been using my roomates account to watch their movies available online, but with that, your choices are limited, but now I can start getting DVD's by mail, as well as getting to watch movies online.

No, actually they don't charge late fees for their mail in service. When you join, you can bring the movies that you recieved from the mail to blockbuster, and when you returned them, they let you rent movies from their store. It's the movies that you get from the store that they now charge late fees for. Being able to get free movies from the store, along with getting your DVD's by mail, is what originally made me switch to Blockbuster. I actually started out with Netflix. Originally when they started their in store free rental service it was awesome, because once you turned in your 3 DVD's by mail, you were allowed to rent three from the store, so instead of getting 3 movies at once, you got 6. Then a month after I joined, they changed their policy. Originally they let you have unlimited in store rentals, but they changed that, and only allowed you to get 5 a month unless you upgraded your account. I was pissed, but still stayed with them. It wasn't until they started charging late fees, and not sending my DVD's by mail, that I realized that they sucked. Netflix is just so much more professional. I like how when you rent from Netflix, and you have a movie that is unavailable at the top of your list, they'll just go down your list, and send you the next ones that are available. Blockbuster doesn't do that, if you have an unavailable DVD on top of your list, they don't send you the next one available, they just don't send any DVD's. I could write a book about the things that made me leave them, and re-join Netflix. Blockbuster is dishonest, and is total crap in my opinion. I'm glad to be going back to Netflix. I've been using my roomates account to watch their movies available online, but with that, your choices are limited, but now I can start getting DVD's by mail, as well as getting to watch movies online.

Wow, that sucks! One of my really good friends (Veggie-tari-jenn) who posts on here occasionally said that they didn't like Blockbuster's online stuff either. I didn't realize it was that bad, though. I knew that "we don't charge late fees" stuff wouldn't last very long. :rolleyes:

I don't think Blockbuster Video will ever close all of their stores. They may close a few like they've already done in my city but they won't close all of them. I just went to Blockbuster a few minutes ago and got about 5 movies. I love the selection of movies they have. If Blockbuster was to close all of their stores, i would be upset because i would have nowhere to go to rent movies. I don't like buying movies online because nowadays a lot of online companies only accept credit cards or Paypal and i don't like that. What's wrong with money orders and checks? Amazon.com used to be a favorite online company of mine because i bought a lot of music cd's from them and now they changed their payment policy to credit cards and Paypal. They don't accept checks and money orders anymore.

I can think of two, maybe three of their stores still open in my area. There used to be seven or eight. One is now a Chipotle Mexican restaurant, and one is now an Auto Zone. The others were all torn down.

I almost thought about going with Blockbuster's mail service before I got a Netflix gift subscription from my parents. I'm glad I didn't. My cousin was over at my house today and she said didn't get any movies that she listed in her Blockbuster queue.

Has Blockbuster changed their membership policy? I keep reading posts from people who say they don't like giving their credit card info, but I remember Blockbuster's policy very well, in that you had to have a credit card to rent there or at least have a $10 membership fee for what was known as VideoGuard. Otherwise the membership was "free".

Blockbuster did change their membership policy which i think is stupid. You have to show them proof of a bill like a light bill, credit card bill, gas bill so you can sign up for a membership card. I don't understand why can't they just accept your driver's license or id to get a membership. That's how their membership was when the store first opened.

everyone i know still goes to blockbuster...maybe cause there's one right in the middle of town. i wonder if ours will be one of the ones closing? it seems pretty busy to me.

Blockbuster did change their membership policy which i think is stupid. You have to show them proof of a bill like a light bill, credit card bill, gas bill so you can sign up for a membership card. I don't understand why can't they just accept your driver's license or id to get a membership. That's how their membership was when the store first opened.

I have never understood how that is proof of having credit. What are they gonna do, call the electric company and say "Hey, Blockbuster here, we need to have you add a $40 to this person's bill because they never returned our Mean Girls DVD!!!" :lol:

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha. Blockbuster Video isn't the only store that isn't doing business smart. What sense does it make to tell people to get a membership with them that you have to have proof of a bill that you're paying instead of people just giving them their driver's license or id? Amazon.com pissed me off because they changed their payment policy and they only accept credit cards and Paypal instead of checks and money orders like they accepted before. I used to buy a lot of dvd's and music cd's from Amazon.com because their prices are pretty cheap. I haven't bought anything from them in a long time because of their changed payment policy. Several online businesses that sell movies and music cd's accept only credit cards and Paypal for payment which isn't right and it's stupid. I don't want strangers knowing my credit card information and bank account information.

Blockbuster trying to remain relevant with Hulu-like offering
Posted Jan 6th 2010
by Brad Trechak


Blockbuster Video has finally started to realize that perhaps the reason that nobody is renting anymore is that they can download whatever they want to watch at home.

With that in mind, the CEO announced that they are looking into offering a Hulu-like service that would allow people to view television shows at home.

They've already gotten VOD. Presumably, this new offering would use commercials and advertisements as an income source rather than having people pay for downloads.




Blockbuster used to be the dominant force in video-rentals back when VHS was the rage and they negotiated a "rental window" with the studios so that movies and TV shows couldn't be sold to the public until they were rented first.

The invention of DVD's ruined that for them. Now, they're struggling to stay alive in light of competitors like NetFlix.



Unless Blockbuster changes their business model (with more original ideas than "copy Hulu"), it could be just another recession victim.

http://www.tvsquad.com/2010/01/06/blockbuster-trying-to-remain-relevant-with-hulu-like-offering/

Video Stores are now long gone with internet.

YouTube is next.

It is good in a way that Blockbuster is getting into the streaming business.

Another Blockbuster in my city just recently closed. I'm getting sick of this. I can't take it anymore if i see another Blockbuster close. I went to a small video store last weekend to rent some movies and i asked the cashier lady if their store was ever gonna go out of business and she said no. She said the store has been in business for 30 years. I just hope all the Blockbusters don't close because Blockbuster has the largest selection of new and old movies and some small video stores don't have a large selection of movies. I don't like buying movies online unless i can use a money order. Redbox vending machines that sell movies is wack because you can't get a movie from them unless you have a credit card or debit card. Plus Redbox doesn't have a large selection of movies like Blockbuster does.

Blockbuster Struggling To Stay Alive
25 Feb. 2010


In a statement so cryptic that it appeared to have been plucked out of an online translation site, Blockbuster Chairman/CEO Jim Keyes on Wednesday discussed the future prospects of the video rental company.

"The next 12 to 18 months will remain challenging as we balance the secular decline of a single channel with the ascension of emerging channels; such as vending and digital," he said.


What that apparently meant was that Blockbuster is trying to determine how to make itself over from a chain of brick-and-mortar rental locations in order to compete effectively with companies renting movies online and on kiosks.

Keyes made his comment as Blockbuster reported a fourth-quarter loss of $434.9 million on revenue of $1.08 billion, an 18-percent decline from a year ago.


The company also said that is closing at least 500 additional stores. However, Keyes noted that things could be looking up for Blockbuster if all studios can make deals with NetFlix and Redbox that will force them to wait a month before offering movie rentals to their customers.

That will give Blockbuster a one-month advantage. He emphasized that point with another cryptic comment: "We remain cautiously optimistic -- with the tailwinds becoming clear."

-IMDB News

I always use Netflix, just far more convenient since we live so far away from town. The only time I go in video stores is if they're closing and I want to find rare movies during they're "closing" sale.

I have to say though I've found some of the more rare DVDs(releases you can't even find on Amazon) at some of the mom and pop grocery stores/gas stations.

Another Chip Off The Old Blockbuster
Mar. 18, 2010


Blockbuster chief Jim Keyes attempted to assure investors Wednesday that he has no imminent plans to seek bankruptcy protection for the DVD "rentailer" any time soon.

In an interview with the Dallas Morning News, Keyes said his company had other options to pursue before heading for the bankruptcy courts.

Almost all of those options involve unloading or spinning off some assets -- including entire stores -- and laying off personnel.




But some analysts see the brick-and-mortar video rental store disappearing the way drive-in movies and drive-in restaurants disappeared a generation ago with the advent of the multiplex and fast-food outlets.

On Wednesday the Fitch Ratings Service lowered Blockbuster's credit ratings once again, saying that the probability that it will default on its debt and seek protection from the bankruptcy court was "very high."

And in a note to clients, reported by the Morning News Kim Nolan, director of high yield research at Gimme Credit, wrote, "It may not be possible to turn Blockbuster's business around."




Meanwhile, Home Media Magazine reported that if Blockbuster goes under, its customers could flee to DVD kiosks.

The trade publication quoted analyst John Kraft of D.A. Davidson & Co. as saying in a note to clients, "We believe [kiosk operator] Redbox has an opportunity for significant market share gains at the expense of the brick-and-mortar players."

Blockbuster shares, which plummeted 29 percent on Wednesday, were down another 7 percent at midday today (Thursday).

-IMDB News

Blockbuster Struggling To Stay Alive
25 Feb. 2010


In a statement so cryptic that it appeared to have been plucked out of an online translation site, Blockbuster Chairman/CEO Jim Keyes on Wednesday discussed the future prospects of the video rental company.




What that apparently meant was that Blockbuster is trying to determine how to make itself over from a chain of brick-and-mortar rental locations in order to compete effectively with companies renting movies online and on kiosks.

However, Keyes noted that things could be looking up for Blockbuster if all studios can make deals with NetFlix and Redbox that will force them to wait a month before offering movie rentals to their customers.

That will give Blockbuster a one-month advantage. He emphasized that point with another cryptic comment: "We remain cautiously optimistic -- with the tailwinds becoming clear."

-IMDB News
I wonder if BB CEO is still getting his bonus? They're already making deals which isn't fair it's penelizing the online users. I'll be stubborn and wait for the dvd to hit netflix I hate going to the video store including the Redbox. With Netflix I don't have to worry about turning in dvd's late, I can turn them in when it's convenient for me.

Hollywood Video isn't in such great shape, either. The one near my house is going out of business. A shame - the people who worked there were always nice to me and they had a good selection. That said, it really is a sign of the times with Redbox, Netflix, etc.

There are about 3 Hollywood Video stores in city. They seem to be doing ok. Lately more Redbox kiosks are popping up more and more. I went to a Best Buy today and there was one being set up.

There are about 3 Hollywood Video stores in city. They seem to be doing ok. Lately more Redbox kiosks are popping up more and more. I went to a Best Buy today and there was one being set up.
Well, maybe it's just the Hollywood Videos in my area. Who knows?

Well, maybe it's just the Hollywood Videos in my area. Who knows?

Two Blockbuster stores in my area have closed. I kind of find it weird that none of the Hollywood Videos have closed. There was a Hollywood video that was down the street from where I live but that closed years ago due to an employee who was murdered in the parking lot.

I think probably within a year or two all video rental stores will probably be closed in my area. Most of the people I know are using Netflix or RedBox. I would be ok with using RedBox but I like watching a lot of older movies and documentaries so I use Netflix.

Two Blockbuster stores in my area have closed. I kind of find it weird that none of the Hollywood Videos have closed. There was a Hollywood video that was down the street from where I live but that closed years ago due to an employee who was murdered in the parking lot.

I think probably within a year or two all video rental stores will probably be closed in my area. Most of the people I know are using Netflix or RedBox. I would be ok with using RedBox but I like watching a lot of older movies and documentaries so I use Netflix.
I just check them out of the library because it's free!! Plus the Clevnet library system has an excellent selection. :D But I do agree that the days of video rental stores are rapidly becoming a memory.

Hey don't be saying you think video stores are gonna go outta business in a couple of years hahahahahahahahahahaha. I hope Blockbuster Video never goes outta business because i hate these RedBoxes that i see at every 7 Eleven and grocery stores. Blockbuster has the largest selection of movies new and old and most video stores don't have that. RedBoxes don't have a large selection of movies and i don't like the fact that they only accept credit cards and debit cards. There's a video store here that i go to that's privately owned and they have a large selection of old and new movies but their store isn't as big as Blockbuster's. I also like Bedford Video in Bedford, Ohio. I remember when i went there as a kid in the 80's and back then i didn't have a VHS vcr. Everytime i went to Bedford Video, they had more movies in VHS than Beta and i was mad because i had a Beta vcr hahahahahahahahaha.

Hey don't be saying you think video stores are gonna go outta business in a couple of years hahahahahahahahahahaha. I hope Blockbuster Video never goes outta business because i hate these RedBoxes that i see at every 7 Eleven and grocery stores. Blockbuster has the largest selection of movies new and old and most video stores don't have that. RedBoxes don't have a large selection of movies and i don't like the fact that they only accept credit cards and debit cards. There's a video store here that i go to that's privately owned and they have a large selection of old and new movies but their store isn't as big as Blockbuster's. I also like Bedford Video in Bedford, Ohio. I remember when i went there as a kid in the 80's and back then i didn't have a VHS vcr. Everytime i went to Bedford Video, they had more movies in VHS than Beta and i was mad because i had a Beta vcr hahahahahahahahaha.

Me personally, I never liked the chain rentals such as Blockbuster and Hollywood, over the mom-and-pop places.

Some mom-and-pop joints had a lot of things (mainly rare obscure horror) that a lot of the chain stores never carried. Also, the mom-and-pop were more laid back with late fees and returning.

Me personally, I never liked the chain rentals such as Blockbuster and Hollywood, over the mom-and-pop places.

Some mom-and-pop joints had a lot of things (mainly rare obscure horror) that a lot of the chain stores never carried. Also, the mom-and-pop were more laid back with late fees and returning.

Exactly, it was always the mom and pop video stores where I found the harder to find horror, the franchise mostly only carried the popular horror franchises and well known flicks.

Exactly, it was always the mom and pop video stores where I found the harder to find horror, the franchise mostly only carried the popular horror franchises and well known flicks.

I have noticed that Blockbuster/Hollywood stocked some of the Full Moon and Troma features, such as the Puppet Master and Supspecies films.

For things like.. say Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers or The Granny they would never have that there.

You guys hit it on the head about the mom and pop rental stores. All blockbuster and the others ever carried was the latest Hollywood Hits. The independent video stores can be goldmines for people like me looking for indie flicks, forgein films, doucmentaries etc. Better yet the library tops them all.

:mad:

I have noticed that Blockbuster/Hollywood stocked some of the Full Moon and Troma features, such as the Puppet Master and Supspecies films.

For things like.. say Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers or The Granny they would never have that there.

There was a great video store in Vancouver, WA that popped up in the early90's- LA Video, they took over the building that used to be a large grocery store. It was huge, they had a super long 2-sided horror section- tons and tons of rare horror flick. Another large section they had was used movies for sale, I bought a lot of cool VHS...then a couple of years later Hollywood bought them out and the selection was gone.

There was a great video store in Vancouver, WA that popped up in the early90's- LA Video, they took over the building that used to be a large grocery store. It was huge, they had a super long 2-sided horror section- tons and tons of rare horror flick. Another large section they had was used movies for sale, I bought a lot of cool VHS...then a couple of years later Hollywood bought them out and the selection was gone.

One of my favorite local mom and pop's had something similar.

They had the whole basement stacked with horror, both the current "popular" ones and the obscure. When they got rid of their VHS in the early 2000s I bought a lot of them.


Also, a lot of the mom and pops had pretty impressive adult video sections (for some that's what kept them open).

Blockbuster to file bankruptcy in September

Source says that video retailer could close 500 to 800 of its stores
msnbc.com news services
updated 8/26/2010 7:35:12 PM ET



Blockbuster Inc. will file bankruptcy next month, people familiar with the matter have told the Los Angeles Times.


In a report on the Times website, the sources said the pre-planned Chapter 11 filing would be used to restructure a debt load of nearly $1 billion. A planned bankruptcy allows the debtor to work with creditors about payment terms ahead of the filing.







Sources said the bankruptcy would take five months.

During that time, the company would be able to shed some costly leases of its worst-performing stores. The source said Blockbuster would close 500 to 800 outlets.






Movie studios, the Times reported, want the Dallas-based company to succeed so it can be a viable competitor to Netflix and Redbox.

Netflix's success already contributed to the downfall of video rental chain Movie Gallery, which filed for bankruptcy protection for the second time earlier this year.







The company, which also owns Hollywood Video, is in the process of closing its remaining 1,050 stores.

Blockbuster also has been closing hundreds of unprofitable stores during the past two years. It still lost $65.4 million during the first three months of this year.



The Associated Press contributed to this report.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38873287/ns/business-retail/

I'm surprised they haven't already filed. All the Hollywood Videos in my area are gone (I think the entire chain went under), and I think there are only 2-3 remaining Blockbusters around here.

I'm surprised they haven't already filed. All the Hollywood Videos in my area are gone (I think the entire chain went under), and I think there are only 2-3 remaining Blockbusters around here.

Hollywood Video was never popular around my area, there are a few in Brooklyn but not around where I am.

There are (were) a lot up in New Jersey but they seemed to be slowly closing down as well.

The chain is soon to go under as they plan on closing down all of there remaining locations.




About 3 or so months ago, another Blockbuster near me closed down. It's been there since the franchise first started.

Now there's only 1 location near me open when there used to be about 5.

Looking at their recent financial statements, it's no surprise. The Blockbuster we used to go to closed last summer. I'm curious if the new one we go to will also shut down now.

Well, maybe it's just the Hollywood Videos in my area. Who knows?

Hollywood Video was always a bit more popular in my area because their prices were a bit lower than Blockbuster. I have relatives and friends who live away from me and they have said that Blockbusters in their areas seem to do ok..

I'm not surprised by Blockbuster filing for bankruptcy. I think their attempts with by mail and streaming services didn't go over to well.

I'm surprised they haven't already filed. All the Hollywood Videos in my area are gone (I think the entire chain went under), and I think there are only 2-3 remaining Blockbusters around here.



All the Hollywood Videos here are closed up as well.

It's a shame, because I liked Hollywood Video a lot. They had a good selection, and the employees were so nice to me.

I haven't gone to a Blockbuster or any video store in years myself. I'm more into TV-on DVD than movies on DVD, and they don't have as much of a selection as online retailers (none in my area do, anyway). One thing I used to like about Blockbuster, however, is their deals for pre-viewed DVD's (2 for $20, 3 for $24, ect.).

There is a new movie format war going on.

Before it was the new HD-DVD and Blu-ray in which the Blu-ray was the winner.

Now it is between the physical media (DVDs and Blu-rays) vs. online-download/bootleg content.







People today simply are not renting from video stores like they used to; which is why a lot of the mom-and-pops went under and now the chains are hurting too.



People today are either:

a) downloading movies illegally online by the bulk
b) purchasing bootlegs from street vendors
c) paying to download them online via legit companies like iTunes, XBOX...
d) subscribing to the mail-carrying services such as Netflix


Some television episodes are also available via-iTunes for $1.99 an episode or something like that.






Some folk like me prefer to have the physical DVD/Blu-ray from what you purchase but more-and-more are simply using online services.

The use of the online / bootleg / mail-carrying services have been killing off the video stores.

You can also just order them off the tv. When I had Comcast, I would do that and it wasn't that expensive. I didn't have to worry about taking it back either and if I wanted to tape it for myself I could. lol

You can also just order them off the tv. When I had Comcast, I would do that and it wasn't that expensive. I didn't have to worry about taking it back either and if I wanted to tape it for myself I could. lol

Also, when you have over 1000 channels there are movies always playing non-stop so you can always find something...

Just DVR the movie, copy it onto a DVD, and you have it.

In a few years, the new movies out now will be playing there.



I prefer to have the features and everything so I don't usually do that; but some do.

Pay-per-view movies have gone up price over the past few years. I remember years ago on DirecTV it was like 2.99 or 3.99 now it's 5.99 or something.

I for one am shedding no tears, and I know our very own Jude isn't either. :lol: As for me, I just get movies/shows from the library - IT'S FREE!! :Dmy sister does that alot too

There was a great video store in Vancouver, WA that popped up in the early90's- LA Video, they took over the building that used to be a large grocery store. It was huge, they had a super long 2-sided horror section- tons and tons of rare horror flick. Another large section they had was used movies for sale, I bought a lot of cool VHS...then a couple of years later Hollywood bought them out and the selection was gone.there were some great mom and pop video stores there when i lived in the area in the late 80s

Also, when you have over 1000 channels there are movies always playing non-stop so you can always find something...

Just DVR the movie, copy it onto a DVD, and you have it.

In a few years, the new movies out now will be playing there.



I prefer to have the features and everything so I don't usually do that; but some do.ive done that quite a bit myself

Also, when you have over 1000 channels there are movies always playing non-stop so you can always find something...

Just DVR the movie, copy it onto a DVD, and you have it.

In a few years, the new movies out now will be playing there.



I prefer to have the features and everything so I don't usually do that; but some do.

I also like having special features and that is why I still buy DVD's and Blu-Rays.

I also like having special features and that is why I still buy DVD's and Blu-Rays.

Likewise.

It's also good to have around so that one day we can look back on all of this when the technology of today is outdated. Like getting that same feeling when you find all of those old VHS tapes stored away.

You don't get the same feeling from downloading / bootlegging movies.




I only go for bootlegging / homemade if there are really no other options; like something hasn't been officially released for instance.

I still try to make it look as "real" as possible by making my own DVD sets; getting blank DVD cases, pasting artwork found online onto it...

I'm gonna be very disappointed if all the Blockbuster's go outta business because i like going to Blockbuster because of their large selection of old and new movies. I don't like buying movies online unless i can use a money order and i used to buy movies from Amazon.com until they stopped accepting money orders and that pissed me off. I don't like dvd's because i hate it when they pause and you have to take the dvd out and wipe the back of it off. VHS tapes are better but since VHS's went outta business, i'm gonna have to deal with watching dvd's.

I'm gonna be very disappointed if all the Blockbuster's go outta business because i like going to Blockbuster because of their large selection of old and new movies. I don't like buying movies online unless i can use a money order and i used to buy movies from Amazon.com until they stopped accepting money orders and that pissed me off. I don't like dvd's because i hate it when they pause and you have to take the dvd out and wipe the back of it off. VHS tapes are better but since VHS's went outta business, i'm gonna have to deal with watching dvd's.

You're not the only one around who prefers VHS over DVDs. By the way, they're not supposed to pause so it might mean your DVD player needs fixing/cleaning and the actual discs aren't the problem.

I'm still into VHS but I have also "modernized" if you can call it that; with DVD, Blu-ray, HD-TV.

You might be right about my dvd player because it hasn't been cleaned in a very long time. I'm gonna clean it soon. Thanks for the advice.

Blockbuster Declares Bankruptcy
23 Sept 2010


Unable to lift itself out from beneath a nearly $1-billion debt load, Blockbuster today (Thursday) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

It said it plans to convert most of its debt into equity under a reorganization with bondholders that hold about 80 percent of its senior notes.



Blockbuster said that they had agreed to provide a $125-million loan to allow it to continue operations during the reorganization.

Although it said that it plans to keep its stores open and its kiosks operating during the reorganization, many analysts see it stepping up store closures where it can now cancel or renegotiate leases at unprofitable or marginally profitable locations.




Operations outside the U.S. are not affected by the filing, and Blockbuster Canada immediately issued a statement on its own to that effect.

Last week, Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal revealed that Carl Icahn, who had been selling off his shares in the company at pennies on the dollar, had at the same time been acquiring Blockbuster debt and now holds about a third of it.

-IMDB News

Does this finally mean Netflix will again be able to rent the new releases instead of waiting for a month til Lackluster gets their hands on them first.

I for one I'm not surprised, the nearest Blockbuster in my area closed out 2-3 years ago and several others have closed recently. Still I have fond memories of going to Blockbuster with my late father when I was little to rent a bunch of movies. Nowadays I rarely rent out movies, when I do I rent from Redbox.

The End Of The Video Store?
30 Sept. 2010


If Netflix, Redbox, iTunes, and video-on-demand have taken a heavy toll on Blockbuster, they are taking an even heavier one on small mom-and-pop video stores, the Wall Street Journal observed today.

“Technology is killing the video-rental store — and a piece of American culture with it,” the Wall Street Journal stated.




The newspaper cited a survey by SNL Kagan indicating that this year rentals from U.S. video shops are expected to decline 56% to $3.65 billion from its peak of $8.37 billion in 2001.


The number of stores declined to 16,237 in 2007 compared to 23,036 in 1997, the Journal noted — and that was before Blockbuster shuttered thousands of additional stores and Hollywood Video and Movie Gallery folded.

-IMDB News

Blockbuster: More Store Closures Due In 2011
Dec 21, 2010


Struggling Blockbuster plans to shut down an additional 182 unprofitable stores by early next year, 72 of them within the next two weeks, the Associated Press reported today (Tuesday), citing documents filed in Manhattan bankruptcy court last Friday.



The Dallas-based company said that it is also attempting to renegotiate better terms on its leases at the remaining stores.


It has already shut down more than 1,000 stores that have been hard hit by competition from online renters Netflix, kiosk operator RedBox, and cable companies’ video-on-demand platforms.

Blockbuster reported a net loss of $36.5 million between Sept. 23, when it filed for bankruptcy, and Oct. 31, including $12 million for reorganization costs.

-IMDB News

Will Blockbuster Shut Down?
Feb. 23, 2011


In what appeared to some analysts as yet another step toward the disappearance of the familiar blue façades that have been a part of the U.S. retail scene for the past quarter-century, Blockbuster on Tuesday agreed to sell itself to a so-called stalking horse consortium of its debtholders for $290 million in a deal that would allow the new owners to liquidate the company’s assets.


Some 600 Blockbuster stores will be shut down before the end of next week, the new owners said. However, they added, the majority of stores will remain open.





Questions remained as to whether billionaire Carl Icahn, who has bought up a large position in Blockbuster’s debt (while selling off his stake in the video rental company at a huge loss), will make any effort to block the new deal.

The $294-million pricetag illustrates how far the company has fallen since online renters, video-on-demand providers, and kiosks began competing.

The new maneuvers have no effect on Blockbuster kiosks, which are operated by manufacturer Ncr and which have simply licensed the Blockbuster name and logo.

-IMDB News

The only sad part of this is that more people will be out of work.


Other than that, I cant really mourn the loss of Blockbuster. Their selection was only limited to the "Hollywood hits", and they were way expensive. There were (and still are) other video rental places that were way cheaper.

Blockbuster Will Be Sold This April
By Monika Bartyzel
Posted Mar 11th 2011


As Blockbuster slowly but surely falls, consumers have seen waves of store closures and killer DVD sales. But that's not the only sale on the struggling company's platter.




In February, Blockbuster decided to go up for sale.

Unsecured creditors (including Hollywood studios like Disney Co.) weren't too fond of the plan and filed papers with U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Owed over $100 million, these creditors felt that the sale would shortchange them, and wanted a Chapter 7 liquidation.






Reuters now reports that an agreement between Blockbuster Inc. and the creditors has been reached, and the company will proceed to auction this April.

According to the terms of the agreement, Blockbuster has a proposed sale date of April 4, which will be followed by a court hearing on April 7 to approve the sale.

Depending on the terms of the sale, this could mean that Blockbuster can survive or be shut down, though survival seems pretty pointless at this point.





During the hearing, ruling judge Burton Lifland said, "If you've got a deep pocket, empty it out at the auction."

http://blog.moviefone.com/2011/03/11/blockbuster-sale/

I just signed up for video membership at a small video store last weekend and their new releases are $3 compared to Blockbuster's $5.50 for new releases. So i will be going to this video store more than Blockbuster. They also have movies that are for sale for $5.64 and i will be going there in June to buy a bunch of movies that i saw that i want. This video store i go to also sells porno movies hahahahahahahahahaha. I think most of his customers buy pornos LOL.

^I also support the mom & pop's over the chains.

Yeah, a lot of the places around here relied on the adult videos to keep themselves open.

Antioco And Icahn Write Blockbuster Post Mortems
March 22, 2011


Former Blockbuster CEO John Antioco and corporate raider Carl Icahn face off in the current edition of the Harvard Business Review in separate articles over the collapse of the movie rental chain.

Antioco makes the case that after Icahn bought up 10 million shares of Blockbuster in 2004 he and his handpicked board members began making demands on management for changes that would not have produced significantly greater revenue — like selling greeting cards and books.




They also balked at Antioco’s plans to do away with late fees and jump into the online business “in a big way.”

“When directors with preconceived notions are determined to serve as obstacles to management’s plans, it’s hard to find a formula for success,” he wrote.






Moreover, he said, he was able to muster little support.

“We’d just been spun off from Viacom and most of our stock was held by hedge funds,” he wrote.

“They were all in for a quick pop, and Icahn is well known in that community. We were probably doomed from the start.”









For his part, Icahn acknowledged that “the big blowup” between himself and Antioco came over Antioco’s compensation package, which he still regards as excessive.

But he also faults Antioco’s successor, Jim Keyes, for not pursuing Antioco’s online plans, called Total Access.

“Over time it might have helped Blockbuster fend off Netflix,” Icahn concludes. “To this day I don’t know what would have happened if we’d avoided the big blowup over Antioco’s bonus and he’d continued growing Total Access.”

-IMDB News

Blockbuster to shutter 186 stores, including 15 in California
March 25, 2011


As it heads toward the auction block in early April to end its troubled bankruptcy process, Blockbuster Inc. is shuttering 186 stores.

The struggling home video chain revealed in court filings that it will reject the leases and abandon its properties at the end of the month in an attempt to reduce its ongoing losses.





Among the Blockbuster locations that will close are 15 in California and six in the Los Angeles area, including stores in El Segundo, Santa Ana, Newport Beach, Corona, Anaheim Hills and L.A.'s Larchmont neighborhood.

Before it entered bankruptcy in September, Blockbuster had 3,425 stores in the U.S.






Since a reorganization plan fell apart due to disagreements among creditors, Blockbuster has found itself assailed by movie studios, landlords and others that claim they are owed money.

It will now be sold and a group of creditors has filed a "stalking horse" bid, intended to create a floor for other bids, of $290 million. The auction is scheduled to take place on April 4 in New York.

-- Ben Fritz

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2011/03/blockbuster-to-shutter-186-stores-including-15-in-california.html

I also feel bad for the employees who will be looking for work. Other than that, I won't be shedding any tears over "Blockhead Video" (as our good friend Jude, who once worked at one, calls it) closing.

There is a Blockbuster here that is closing. Like Monika I am sorry for those that will be out of work. That said I say good riddance Blockbuster. They were way too expensive, and only carried the "Hollywood Hits".

Dish Network Buys Bankrupt Blockbuster
By Mike Bracken
Posted Apr 6th 2011


If you were planning dipping into your rainy-day fund on the off chance you might have been able to buy one-time home video giant Blockbuster at a discounted bankruptcy price, stop.

The former king of video rentals has been sold at auction, where Dish Network outbid other interested parties -- including Carl Icahn -- and acquired the bankrupt business for $320 million.







Dish has been on a buying binge lately.

Last month, the satellite service provider acquired DBDS North America, a satellite- and land-based communications company, for $1.4 billion.

In February, they bought Hughes Communications, one of the largest providers of broadband satellite services, for $1.33 billion under owner Charlie Ergen's EchoStar Corp.







Analysts speculate that the Blockbuster purchase was inspired by Dish's desire to gain access to the company's online library in order to compete with services like Netflix.

What this means for the brick-and-mortar stores remains to be seen, but the days of going to a physical store to rent movies seems about as antiquated as having to crank the handle on the front of your car to start it every morning.






Dish Network's executive vice president of sales, marketing and programming had this to say about the deal:

"Blockbuster will complement our existing video offerings while presenting cross-marketing and service extension opportunities for Dish Network."







While Blockbuster's online rental service never quite took off the way the company hoped, it was primarily because Blockbuster itself wasn't fully committed to it.

In the hands of another company, one focused on making the online rental component the cornerstone of its operation, it's feasible that Blockbuster could compete with market leader Netflix.

Whether that actually happens remains to be seen.







Dish's deal includes roughly $228 million in cash and still needs approval from the court before it's made official -- something that should happen this Thursday.

Reuters reports that famed investor Icahn offered $310.6 million for the ailing company, with some of that amount rolled into notes in a bankruptcy loan.

At its peak in 2002, Blockbuster had a market capitalization of more than $5 billion. Oh, how the mighty have fallen ...

http://blog.moviefone.com/2011/04/06/dish-network-buys-blockbuster/

A Chip Off The Old Blockbuster Will Remain
19 April 2011


Blockbuster, which once counted more than 4,000 stores in its domestic chain, will soon be pared down to around 1,000, according to the Dallas Morning News, which cited a filing by its new owner, Dish network in federal bankruptcy court in New York.

The chain now numbers 1,751 stores in the U.S.





Published reports in recent days have forecast that Dish will use at least some of those stores as a marketing tool (“Subscribe to Dish network and receive free or discounted videos at your local Blockbuster store”) and to use other stores as distribution centers for mailing out DVDs rented over the Internet or and for streaming other videos in its massive library online.

-IMDB News

JamesG, since Dish network bought out Blockbuster, is Dish gonna reopen these stores and go by their name instead of Blockbuster Video? Is there any movie rental websites i can rent movies from if all the Blockbuster's in my area close and there aren't any video stores i can go to? This really sucks that a lot of Blockbuster's are closing because i love Blockbuster and there aren't that many small video stores left in my area. I will never get movies from Redbox vending machine because they don't have a large selection of movies old and new like Blockbuster.

JamesG, since Dish network bought out Blockbuster, is Dish gonna reopen these stores and go by their name instead of Blockbuster Video? Is there any movie rental websites i can rent movies from if all the Blockbuster's in my area close and there aren't any video stores i can go to? This really sucks that a lot of Blockbuster's are closing because i love Blockbuster and there aren't that many small video stores left in my area. I will never get movies from Redbox vending machine because they don't have a large selection of movies old and new like Blockbuster.

There's not going to be any name changes, it's still Blockbuster Video.

Netflix is perhaps the best place to go to get movies online; either getting the DVD mailed or streaming them.


There aren't any Redboxes near me but my local supermarket has a similar thing called Instaflix. It only has the newest releases.

In a way, it's like a piece of my youth vanishing. There was something special about going to a video rental place, especially on a weekend, and especially when it was all VHS. It just seemed a simpler time. Maybe it's just nostalgia talking, but I miss those days. Now, I just put in my requests through the online catalog at the local library...mainly because it's free!!! :cool:

In a way, it's like a piece of my youth vanishing. There was something special about going to a video rental place, especially on a weekend, and especially when it was all VHS. It just seemed a simpler time. Maybe it's just nostalgia talking, but I miss those days. Now, I just put in my requests through the online catalog at the local library...mainly because it's free!!! :cool:

The video rental stores have been slowly fading away since the early 2000s. The way that the majority gets movies now is very different from 10 years ago.

I miss the VHS days too, but I don't think I would want to take them back in place of the DVD / Blu-rays of today.



Many of today's generation don't go to video stores (or the library) because they can just download what they want straight to their computers.

Going to the stores requires you to go out and the logic is why leave your home when you can get what you want for free, or for a very low price, in less than a minute.

When the majority of people were getting everything online (or bootlegging) the video rentals couldn't survive.

You're totally right. I just enjoyed walking through the aisles and seeing the many different titles - there used to be such a variety back then, especially in the independently owned video rental stores. Plus, I'm a few years older than you so I guess I have more memories of those days. I guess that's what I miss most about it.

Our blockbuster closed a few months ago. Oh well.....

Blockbuster Slashes Rental Rates
May 27, 2011


Blockbuster, which was recently acquired by satellite operator Dish Network, is at last doing what many analysts had been urging it to do for years — compete with rivals like Netflix and Redbox on price.

It announced on Thursday that beginning today (Friday) it is lowering the prices of thousands of videos to 99 cents per day — the same price that most kiosks charge, including those owned by NCR that license the Blockbuster name and logo.





Newer movies — many of which cannot be rented via the kiosks or Netflix until 28 days after Blockbuster offers them for rent — will be priced at $2.99 for the first day and other new releases will be priced at $1.99 for the first day — 99 cents after that.

And to encourage customers to return to the stores, Blockbuster is offering this promotion through July 4: rent any movie priced at $2.99 and return to the store an unlimited number of times to rent any additional movie priced at $1.99 or less for one day free.

“Our customers are seeking a better value — we’ve answered with new pricing and the flexibility of single day rentals,” Michael Kelly, president of Blockbuster, said in a statement.

-IMDB News

I'm glad to hear they lowered their rental prices. I'm gonna go there in a couple of weeks. Thanks for the news JamesG. Since this is happening, i guess some Blockbuster's are gonna stay open.

I'm glad to hear they lowered their rental prices. I'm gonna go there in a couple of weeks. Thanks for the news JamesG. Since this is happening, i guess some Blockbuster's are gonna stay open.

They are trying to do whatever they can to stay open as long as possible.

Blockbuster is on its last legs.

Blockbuster Closes 146 Canadian Stores
By Moviefone Staff
Posted May 28th 2011


Blockbuster is slashing rental prices as the company prepares to shutter 146 bankrupt Canadian stores.

The good news for Blockbuster customers comes as the retailer announced it would close 146 Canadian stores, mostly in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec.





"The purpose of the store consolidation is to provide Blockbuster Canada Co. with the opportunity to streamline its operations to better position the business for sale," Michael Creber, a Grant Thornton spokesman, said in a statement.

"While the need to consolidate stores is unfortunate, we are pleased with the level of interest in Blockbuster Canada Co.'s operations expressed by potential purchasers to date."

http://blog.moviefone.com/2011/05/28/blockbuster-closes-146-canadian-stores-slashes-rental-prices/

Blockbuster should have lowered their prices a long time ago.

I found out today that two of the 146 stores Blockbuster will be closing are the two locations in my hometown. :(

Blockbuster To Close 300 U.S. Stores
by DAVID LIEBERMAN, Executive Editor
Monday January 21, 2013


That represents 35% of the 850 domestic Blockbuster stores that Dish Network reported it still had at the end of September.

“Some of the approximately 300 stores are reaching the end of their lease and others are closing based on overall performance,” company spokesman John Hall says.

He adds that Dish still sees “value in the Blockbuster brand” but that Dish “will continue to analyze store level profitability and – as we have in the past – close unprofitable stores.”





The decision follows last week’s announcement that Dish put Blockbuster UK into administration — the equivalent of bankruptcy.

Dish has been struggling with the video retail chain since April 2011 when it paid $238M to take it out of bankruptcy. In Q3 — the first quarter that offered a clean comparison with the previous year — Blockbuster generated an $11.9M operating loss, down from a $3.6M profit in 2011, on revenues of $230.9M, -33.5%.





Dish CEO Joe Clayton told analysts in November that he was hopeful new marketing strategies and improved in-store displays would boost Blockbuster rentals in Q4, “which is traditionally the highest performing quarter for all retailers.”

He added that he planned to “focus on individual store profitability and the execution of our long-term strategy.”

http://www.deadline.com/2013/01/blockbuster-close-300-stores/

I thought all of them closed already? hmm.

I thought all of them closed already? hmm.

There's a couple around still near me.

I'm going to find out when I get to them if they are set to close.

I recently visited my local Blockbuster and they are set to close Feb. 9th.

This means there are no Blockbusters in Brooklyn, NY.

If Blockbuster had only 200 stores nationwide still operationg currently, and if it turned out that a majority of them are unprofitable, then they should just shut down the entire chain altogether. (The whole last of them.)

Haven't been to a Blockbuster in years. I like Amazon Instant Video to rent/buy/stream movies to my TV (more than Netflix).

I live in Quincy, IL. It's a small town of just about 40,000, but we still have a Blockbluster. In fact, we have three video stores. It's funny really, I don't know too many people that still rent movies. I'm amazed they're all still in business.

I live in Quincy, IL. It's a small town of just about 40,000, but we still have a Blockbluster. In fact, we have three video stores. It's funny really, I don't know too many people that still rent movies. I'm amazed they're all still in business.

It's funny how various small towns across the US still have a Blockbuster around and NY has none left. Maybe many of the small towns don't really have anything else except for the chains like Blockbuster, so that's where the local people still go who want to rent movies.

Growing up in the '80s-'90s there were approx. 6 video stores within walking distance from me and now they are all gone. The 6 I refer to were the mom-and-pop rentals, not including the big chains (Blockbuster) and the local supermarkets that used to rent movies as well.





One mom-and-pop that I used to frequent for years closed its doors Dec. 2009. He was the last one still holding out as all of the other local videos closed around the early 2000s.

I noticed that their customers were decreasing over the years so I asked the owner how he managed to stay open for as long as he did. He said that it was the adult videos keeping him open. He had the biggest porno selection of any mom-and-pop rental that I've seen. The entire basement was X-Rated.

Back in the day the basement was the "adult section". Not just for porn, but that's where all of the horror and action tapes were as well as the black&white classics that young people probably wouldn't be interested in. This was back in the VHS days and they sold/got rid off their VHS and turned the whole basement into porn around 2006.





Video stores will, unfortunately, soon be a thing of the past or at least a novelty for a niche crowd. Maybe they'll be like the vinyl record stores of today in the sense of catering to a specific group of collectors.

I still belong to a few mom-and-pops today, but they are not within a short distance from me and who knows who long they will remain open.

Well, the last Blockbuster in my area is finally closing. I'm surprised it took this long!!!

Toaay I saw an advertisement for Dish Network and they were making a big deal about how they include a Blockbuster membership. They were saying that you can eitehr get DVD's through the mail or return them in teh store. Well that's true but there are so many stores closing that I would think it would be easier to use Netflix or Redbox. My preference is Netflix. Just thought that was funny that they are pushing Blockbuster after so many stores are closing.

Yeah, it's like - what's the point?

Well, the last Blockbuster in my area is finally closing. I'm surprised it took this long!!!

I don't see Blockbuster Video being around within the next 10 years, maybe sooner. We'll continue to gradually see more and more close until they are all gone.

Do you have any mom and pops still around where you are?

Sadly, they all seem to have disappeared. :(

ours here in my town is closing. actually it might already be closed, they had a huge going out of business clearance sale. Sad to see the end of an era

Our Blockbuster just put up the going out of business sign. We do still have a Family Video, as well as a local video store called "Mr. Video."

It has to have been at least ten years since I rented a movie from a brick and mortar video store, if not longer. I use Netflix (both for streaming and Blu-rays) and Hulu Plus, while most of my friends use Redbox. Frankly, I'm survived Blockbuster has survived as long as it has.

^ So am I.

I still go to video stores, but it's mostly for their cheap used DVDs/Blu-rays and seeing what else they have on sale. There aren't any mom-and-pops around me within walking distance anymore.

I haven't rented anything in some time.

video stores just want too much for new releases IMO. You can get all the movies and shows you want on netflix and hulu plus for cheaper than renting videos anymore.

plus libraries offering movies you can check out for free as well

R.I.P. Blockbuster: Video Rental Chain To Shutter 300 Remaining Stores in 2014
by THE DEADLINE TEAM
November 6, 2013


The once-booming business of renting movies from brick-and-mortar Blockbuster stores will be obsolete by early next year, parent company DISH Network announced today.

The video chain only had around 300 retail stores still open in the U.S., all of which will shutter by January along with Blockbuster’s distribution centers.

Blockbuster’s DVD by mail service will also end, although franchisees and licensed Blockbusters stateside and overseas will be unaffected.



“This is not an easy decision, yet consumer demand is clearly moving to digital distribution of video entertainment,” said Joseph P. Clayton, DISH president and chief executive officer.

DISH will keep the Blockbuster brand going through digital offerings, following in the steps of competitor/usurper Netflix.

http://www.deadline.com/2013/11/r-i-p-blockbuster-video-rental-chain-to-shutter-stores-in-2014/

This Is the End Was Blockbuster's Last Rental...Ever
by Samantha Highfill
Nov 11, 2013


The Blockbuster era has officially come to an end, which is why it was incredibly fitting that the last rental ever made at one of the chain’s stores was Seth Rogen’s latest film, This Is the End.

The final rental was made in Hawaii at 11 p.m. on Nov. 9 . Blockbuster employees posed with the man behind the purchase for a photo op that the company then tweeted, "The last BLOCKBUSTER rental 11/9 Hawaii 11PM @ThisIsTheEnd #BlockbusterMemories @Sethrogen @JamesFrancoTV @JonahHill"





Rogen himself also took to Twitter to enjoy the irony of the moment, considering he spent a lot of his youth at his local Blockbuster store.

"The last movie ever rented from a blockbuster was this is the end. In high school I would go hang out at blockbuster every day."





And if This Is the End taught us anything, Blockbuster is now in heaven, where Segways run rampant, and the Backstreet Boys are always available for a concert.

So, it could be worse.

http://popwatch.ew.com/2013/11/11/this-is-the-end-blockbuster/

I'm really pissed that Blockbuster has closed and i blame the internet because the internet has made a lot of people lazy. I used to love going to Blockbuster to browse the shelves to see what movies they had. These lazy fa*gots now would rather rent or buy movies online instead of going to a video store. Then you got these wack Redbox movie vending machines everywhere and they don't accept cash. I'm glad there's a small video store in my area and it's the only one left. If this video store wasn't available, i don't know how i would rent movies.

I just check them out of the library because it's free!! Plus the Clevnet library system has an excellent selection. :D But I do agree that the days of video rental stores are rapidly becoming a memory.

I also borrow DVDs from the library. I used to have a Clevnet library card myself, but I haven't used it since 2007.

The nearest Hollywood Video store was on Glendale Avenue in Toledo.

1mbbl1NldZQ

When we would sometimes rent movies for the weekend Mom and I used to rent them from the drug store Hollywood Video and Blockbuster Video but Blockbuster Video we always seemed to have bad luck every time we rented a movie from Blockbuster Video. We would get calls from Blockbuster Video telling us lies about the movies not being in the cases to movies being lost or returned late or stolen but Mom and I were so tired of Blockbuster Video telling us lies that we reported our Blockbuster Video store to Blockbuster Video's customer service and we got an apology letter mailed to us and coupons for our next movie rentals. A second incident Mom and I had with Blockbuster Video was that when Mom rented the movie The Truman Show a few days later after returning it Mom got a letter from Blockbuster Video saying that we got a late fee for The Truman Show when we really returned it on time. After that we never bothered with Blockbuster Video again except to buy movies. I think Blockbuster Video had the worst customer service of all time and I think that's why they went broke and closed stores because people were so tired of getting the same type of service that my mom and I got and with the Redbox kiosks popping up everywhere there are more ways to see movies today. And with people downloading movies and TV shows to their tablets video stores like Blockbuster Video are now a thing of the past but I have a great feeling that sometime in the near future the video stores will make a huge comeback to towns really soon as the future of movies is still going strong
Bestie

Blockbuster Video’s Last Two Alaska Stores To Close, Leaving a Lone Oregon Outlet
by Bruce Haring
July 12, 2018


And then there was one. Blockbuster Video, once a ubiquitous part of America’s landscape and leisure time, is down to one Oregon location after it was announced today that its two remaining Alaska stores are closing.

The final Blockbuster video stores in Anchorage and Fairbanks are closing their rental business on Monday, July 16, but will reopen on Tuesday through the end of August to sell-off their inventory.




That leaves a lone Blockbuster in Bend, Oregon as the last man standing in a video chain that, at its peak, had more than 9,000 stores, half outside the US, and employed more than 84,000 people worldwide.

Blockbuster founder Wayne Huizenga died in March.




The Blockbuster company filed for bankruptcy in 2010, and most of its stores shuttered soon after. But Alaska has been something of a die-hard for the chain, with stores in Wasilla, North Pole and Soldotna finally closing earlier this year, along with another Anchorage location.

The owner of the Alaska stores said he determined nine months ago that renewing the remaining store leases wouldn’t make financial sense. The last two Alaska store leases end in August. Surprisingly, the stores are still profitable, he claimed, albeit rapidly declining.

https://deadline.com/2018/07/blockbuster-videos-last-two-alaska-stores-to-close-leaving-a-lone-oregon-outlet-1202425995/

Located in Oregon. Single handedly being kept in business by Torgo.

https://www.seattletimes.com/business/bend-oregon-is-home-to-the-last-blockbuster-in-the-u-s/

Located in Oregon. Single handedly being kept in business by Torgo.

https://www.seattletimes.com/business/bend-oregon-is-home-to-the-last-blockbuster-in-the-u-s/

Nah. I was never a fan of Blockbuster or Hollywood Video. The Mom and Pops vid stores were the best places to rent the obscure non-mainstream stuff. Plus neither of the two big franchises were ever close enough for convenience no matter where I lived.

Nah. I was never a fan of Blockbuster or Hollywood Video. The Mom and Pops vid stores were the best places to rent the obscure non-mainstream stuff. Plus neither of the two big franchises were ever close enough for convenience no matter where I lived.

Torgo would be in charge of the horror department no matter what.

Nah. I was never a fan of Blockbuster or Hollywood Video. The Mom and Pops vid stores were the best places to rent the obscure non-mainstream stuff. Plus neither of the two big franchises were ever close enough for convenience no matter where I lived.

But you gotta admit, you living in Oregon and having seen more movies than, oh, ANYONE EVER, and Oregon having the last Blockbuster is a pretty nice coincidence.

How far are you from Bend?

There never was a blockbuster near me but we did have 3 or 4 mom and pop video stores that were awesome. I miss them!

But you gotta admit, you living in Oregon and having seen more movies than, oh, ANYONE EVER, and Oregon having the last Blockbuster is a pretty nice coincidence.

How far are you from Bend?

It is strange. I used to drive by 2 Blockbusters on the way home from work (though again none were close to the house, not that that would have made a difference).

2 and a half hours from here to Bend.

Torgo would be in charge of the horror department no matter what.

Back in the early 90's when I still frequented video stores, one of them I was such a regular, if I happened to be there and they would have a customer ask what were some good horror films they had the staff would point me out for recommendations haha

2 and a half hours from here to Bend.

Yes, I suppose that would be quite the commute to rent a copy of Solo: A Star Wars Story...

Torgo has the horror and I can run the adult section. :lol:

Torgo has the horror and I can run the adult section. :lol:

You naughty boy lol