Blockbuster Video, which was founded in 1985, is now in its final days as the once-great video rental store’s numbers have dwindled from 9,094 at its peak to just one location in Bend, Oregon. Of course, Blockbuster was nixed from the home entertainment market by the advancements and convenience of online digital streaming services. Yet, the loss of Blockbuster, to some, means the loss of social interaction and community.
In the 1990s, the slogan that reigned supreme when it came to movies was “Make it a Blockbuster Night!” because visiting the store was an experience all its own thanks to the professionalism of Blockbuster employees. More often than not, Blockbuster employees would be paragons of movie and video game knowledge – helping patrons with their media needs.
That in itself is a perfect reason why Blockbuster worked so well: its employees were helpful and even if they didn’t have a specific movie in stock – they would always recommend something worthwhile. It was the interaction that made Blockbuster so valuable. The expertise of Blockbuster employees was a great loss to many people, and it was almost like having local tastemakers in a community.
Sometimes, you could strike up a good conversation with an employee or even a fellow customer. Then, there’s the notion that a trip to Blockbuster would be a catalyst for an event. Date nights sometimes started at Blockbuster, sleepovers sometimes started at Blockbuster, lazy Sundays sometimes started at Blockbuster.
Blockbuster could be the linchpin of a week or an afternoon, bringing friends and families together. Other times, Blockbuster would be used to settle arguments on movie trivia.
Basically, Blockbuster was less about renting movies and more about an experience of people-to-people exchange. It was about interaction, asking questions, and getting to know new people. It was an experience that could be enjoyed by children, teens, and adults.

Blockbuster Video store in Alaska is set to close (Photo: AP)
There was just something so fascinating and calming about pacing the aisles of a local Blockbuster, chatting with other patrons about what you rented, and even the thrill of finding your favorite movie.
On the other hand, streaming media is about technological advancement, convenience, and connectivity – but in a different, more global way.
Now there’s nothing wrong at all with streaming subscription services – in fact the positive aspects of Netflix, Hulu, and others subscription services sometimes match the level of positives that Blockbuster once provided. Streaming media also means a whole new angle to connectivity.
While Blockbuster once provided millions with people-to-people interactions, streaming services means having the world’s complete history of film at your fingertips. In a moment’s notice, streaming media can provide thousands of options on what to watch and enjoy without leaving the comfort of your home.
Streaming services is about a global community since users can watch films from around the world that were not available when rental stores were in vogue. Thanks to streaming, fans of obscure films can connect on opposite sides of the world and new friendships can blossom.
While Blockbuster was about in-person interaction, streaming services are about global interaction and camaraderie.
Also, streaming services offer an added layer of variety that Blockbuster could not provide, even on its best days. Streaming services can now cater to specific audiences – providing the best in foreign films, independent films, and even documentaries.
With the advancement of technology, streaming services can offer so much more than can be contained in one store.
Growing up I thought I alone had the best Friday night schedule since my weekends started in exactly the same way: order a pizza, grab a new release movie and video game from Blockbuster, go home and watch the movie while enjoying the pizza with my family, and play the video game until Sunday night.
However, I learned that this phenomenon was something that millions of people enjoyed every day thanks to Blockbusters around the world. I shared an experience with countless people around the world and for that, I owe Blockbuster an unpayable debt. So, when the last Blockbuster closes someday soon, human interaction will be that much poorer and the once-great video rental store will live on only in our memories.
However, the advent of streaming media means a whole new level of entertainment and a new range of experiences.