According to recent online activity, Blockbuster video, the beloved movie rental retailer from the 80s and 90s, may be making a comeback. The company ceased most of its operations in 2014 but has a live website, which some fans believe is evidence of a possible revival. CBS News reports the company’s active website has sparked nostalgia in fans who shared their memories of visiting the store to rent movies and video games with family and friends.
Our mission is to liberate Blockbuster and form a DAO to collectively govern the brand as we turn Blockbuster into the first-ever DeFilm streaming platform and a mainstay of both the Web3 brands and products, but a powerhouse in the future of the film industry. Read the 🧵👇
— R Ǝ W I N D (@R3WINDxyz) December 26, 2021
In 2021, a decentralized autonomous organization called Rewind was created to acquire the Blockbuster brand from satellite TV company DISH. They aimed to raise $5 million to buy the brand and explore several options for the company, including creating an NFT presence, a streaming platform, or distributing films to theaters. However, DISH rejected the idea, believing the brand was worth more than any community like theirs could raise.
It is unclear when the Blockbuster website was activated or updated. The last remaining Blockbuster location in Bend, Oregon, which was the subject of a 2020 documentary, is now an attraction selling merchandise rather than renting movies.
