Nostalgia has taken over for millennials and beyond who remember just a decade or so ago when they could walk into a local video store and rent the latest film on VHS or DVD to take home for their viewing pleasure. There weren’t many options to choose from — it was either a Blockbuster, Hollywood Video, or mom-and-pop shop.
Just a few years out of that era, Blockbuster is making quite the comeback with a popular Netflix series based on the video chain and a touring pop-up store. ‘Superstore’ writer Vanessa Ramos is curator of the half-hour comedy starring Randall Park, Melissa Fumero, Tyler Alvarez, J.B. Smoove, and Kamaia Fairburn.
Park plays small business owner, Timmy, who manages the last open Blockbuster Video in the U.S. The 10-episode series banks on the resourceful tactics that Timmy attempts in order to keep the store up and running, along with an eccentric cast of employees that run amuck all their own.
Watch The Official Trailer:
In real life (IRL), the last remaining Blockbuster Video thrives in Bend, Oregon. Not buying it? Just type Blockbuster into your Google Maps app for proof.
Inspired by the Oregon business, the Hollywood production from Davis Entertainment and Universal Television released Nov. 3 on Netflix, just in time to parallel the opening of an immersive Blockbuster Video pop-up bar in Southern California (although the two have no affiliation).
Located in the Melrose district of Los Angeles, patrons can enjoy a nostalgic Blockbuster night (or brunch) starting at $29, and going as high as $55 per person. The pop-up provides a walk down memory lane, literally, with the store being sectioned off based on themed cocktails inspired by films from the 1990s and early 2000s.
The Last Blockbuster Video:
Patrons will be able to select their cocktails of choice from any aisle as was done with VHS’ and DVDs back in the day and bring their selection to the front counter for a “Blockbuster bartender” to make. All of the familiar concessions will be available, as well.
The pop-up will transform into an exclusive and limited breakfast club on Saturday, Dec. 10th and Sunday, Dec. 11th, where attendees can enjoy a special brunch menu, cocktails with music, and top-secret surprises. The Blockbuster Bar general admission ticket includes one “throwback cocktail,” while the Blockbuster Brunch includes a cocktail and one entree.
The event is open to the public, ages 21 and up, with multiple time slots available throughout the day. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Bucketlisters.com.
Are you nostalgic about the days of renting movies at brick-and-mortar stores?
