2017 is the year of comebacks. From the new That’s So Raven spin-off to the Patriots’ comeback against the Falcons, there’s been a load of resurgences. The next 2017 comeback installment is Blockbuster.
Blockbuster was founded in October 1985 and reigned supreme in the land of movie rentals until the Netflix coup took away Blockbuster’s supreme authority in 2010. As of August 2017 there are 10 Blockbuster franchises left. The 10 shops are in three states: Alaska, Oregon and Texas.
This movie tragedy needs to be undone. We must bring back Blockbuster as a supplement to Netflix. There needs to be more than 10 Blockbusters in far more than three states. Why do you ask? One part nostalgia, one part missing market and one part accessibility.
Let’s start with the nostalgic factor. Anyone who grew up in the ‘90s and ‘00s knows that every time they saw a Blockbuster their eyes widened and their mouths salivated. Walking inside Blockbuster was like walking into the holy land. The smell of popcorn and the subtle aroma of boxed candy was amazing to a young child. The movie options were endless, ranging from movies like The Spongebob Squarepants Movie to The Shawshank Redemption, and there was an option for everyone.
Blockbuster also had a game section that was literally like giving candy to a baby. Even if you couldn’t find a movie or a game, there was always candy and popcorn to fall back on. Let’s be honest, who doesn’t like candy and popcorn?
The second factor is the missing market. Merriam Webster defines a market as “a meeting together of people for the purpose of trade by private purchase and sale and usually not by auction.” In terms of physical movie renting, the market is severely lacking. Redbox exists but its success pales in comparison to the empire that Blockbuster once was. The physicality of a store with seemingly endless options is a much more enticing prospect than a kiosk outside of a Winn-Dixie.
Blockbuster also gives an option to the folks who can’t stream. People with poor internet or no internet are incapable of using Netflix or other internet streaming programs, which leaves a whole group of people without the ability to access new movies as easily. Bringing back Blockbuster would give those people a surefire way to access movies without needing internet.
Maybe you believe in Blockbuster, or maybe you think it’s the dumbest creation ever. Let’s just try it again and see where it goes. Blockbuster will never overtake Netflix and maybe it wouldn’t even outdo Redbox, but Blockbuster has a role it can play. Here’s one for all the Blockbuster lovers who’d cherish walking into one again.
Miles Jordan is a 19-year-old liberal arts sophomore from New Orleans, Louisiana.