Changes

[[File:Blockbuster membership card.jpg|right|thumb|Blockbuster membership card (c. 1990)]]

[[File:Blockbuster membership card.jpg|right|thumb|Blockbuster membership card (c. 1990)]]

'''Blockbuster LLC''', formerly '''Blockbuster Entertainment, Inc.''', and also known as '''Blockbuster Video''' or simply '''Blockbuster''' was an American-based provider  

'''Blockbuster Videos Inc.''', formerly '''Blockbuster Entertainment, Inc.''', and also known as '''Blockbuster Video''' or simply '''Blockbuster,LLC''' is an [[American]]-based provider  

of home movie and video game rental services through a video rental brick and morter style store, [[DVD-by-mail]], streaming media, video on demand, and cinema theater.  

of home movie and video game rental services through a video rental brick and mortar style store, streaming media, in-name-only on-demand video service, and formerly DVD-by-mail and a cinema theater.  

Blockbuster expanded internationally throughout the 1990s. At its peak in November 2004, Blockbuster employed 84,300 people worldwide, including about 58,500 in the United  

Blockbuster expanded internationally throughout the 1990s. At its peak in November 2004, Blockbuster employed 84,300 people worldwide, including about 58,500 in the United  

States and about 25,800 in other countries, and had 9,094 stores in total, with more than 4,500 of these in the US.

States and about 25,800 in other countries, and had 9,094 stores in total, with more than 4,500 of these in the US.

Competition from the [[Netflix]] mail-order service, [[Redbox]] automated kiosks, and [[video on demand]] services, as well as poor leadership, were major factors leading  

Competition from the [[Netflix]] mail-order service, Redbox automated kiosks, and video on demand services, in addition to when Blockbuster spun off [[Viacom]] taking an insurmountable $905 million loan to pay a special dividend to Viacom shareholders for the privilege, were major factors leading up to Blockbuster's eventual demise. Progressively, Blockbuster began to lose significant revenue during the 2000s, and the company filed for bankruptcy protection in 2010. The following year, its remaining 1,700 stores were bought by satellite television provider Dish Network, eventually selling of its last corporate-owned Blockbuster stores in 2014 leaving a handful of franchise-owned stores and today only 1 store left. as of today.

up to Blockbuster's eventual demise. Blockbuster began to lose significant revenue during the 2000s, and the company filed for bankruptcy protection in 2010. The following year, its remaining 1,700 stores were bought by satellite television provider [[Dish Network]].

As of 2019, the Blockbuster brand has mostly been retired. Dish still maintained a small number of Blockbuster store franchise and brand licensing agreements, which allowed some of the remaining privately owned franchised stores to remain open in the US and worldwide between 2014 and 2018. As of November 2019, the only remaining physical Blockbuster (a privately owned franchise) store in the entire world remains open in [[Bend, Oregon]], colloquially known as '''the Last Blockbuster'''.

As of 2019, the Blockbuster brand has mostly been retired. Dish still maintained a small number of Blockbuster store franchise and brand licensing agreements, which allowed some of the remaining privately owned franchised stores to remain open in the US and worldwide between 2014 and 2018. As of November 2019, the only remaining physical Blockbuster (a privately owned franchise) store in the entire world remains open in [[Bend, Oregon]], colloquially known as '''the Last Blockbuster'''.

==History==

==History==

The first Blockbuster store opened October 19, 1985, in [[Dallas]], Texas, with an inventory of 8,000 VHS and 2,000 Beta tapes. Cook's experience with managing huge databases proved helpful in driving innovation within the industry. Following early success from the company's first stores, Cook built a $6-million warehouse in [[Garland, Texas]], to help sustain and support future growth that allowed new stores to open quickly.

The first Blockbuster store opened October 19, 1985, in [[Dallas]], Texas, with an inventory of 8,000 VHS and 2,000 Beta tapes. Cook's experience with managing huge databases proved helpful in driving innovation within the industry. Following early success from the company's first stores, Cook built a $6-million warehouse in [[Garland, Texas]], to help sustain and support future growth that allowed new stores to open quickly.

In 1987, the company won a court case against [[Nintendo]], which paved the way for video game rental. Also that year, Waste Management, Inc co-founder Wayne Huizenga, who originally had reservations about entering the video rental industry, agreed to acquire several Blockbuster stores. At that point the number of stores counted 19, and attracted Huizenga's associate John Melk's attention due to its efficiency, family-friendly image and business model, and convinced Huizenga to have a look at it. Huizenga and Melk utilized techniques from their waste business and Ray Kroc's model of expansion to rapidly expand Blockbuster, and soon they were opening a new store every 24 hours. They took over many of the existing Blockbuster franchise stores as well, and Huizenga even spent much of the late 1980s acquiring several of Blockbuster's rivals, including Major Video.

In 1987, the company won a court case against [[Nintendo]], which paved the way for video game rental. Also that year, Waste Management, Inc co-founder Wayne Huizenga, who originally had reservations about entering the video rental industry, agreed to acquire several Blockbuster stores. At that point the number of stores counted 19, and attracted Huizenga's associate John Melk's attention due to its efficiency, family-friendly image and business model, and convinced Huizenga to have a look at it. Huizenga and Melk utilized techniques from their waste business and Ray Kroc's model of expansion to rapidly expand Blockbuster, and soon they were opening a new store every 24 hours. In 1987, Huzienga and the two partners purchased a controlling interest in Blockbuster Entertainment for $18.5 million and began setting out to acquiring video store competitors like the Las Vegas video-superstore chain Major Video and Movies to Go, a 29-store chain based in [[St. Louis]]. They took over many of the existing Blockbuster franchise stores as well, and Huizenga even spent much of the late 1980s acquiring several of Blockbuster's rivals.

[[File:Blockbuster-Store-Exterior-.jpg|thumb|right|The exterior of a Blockbuster store in Mankato, [[Minnesota]]]]

[[File:Blockbuster-Store-Exterior-.jpg|thumb|right|The exterior of a Blockbuster store in Mankato, [[Minnesota]]]]

The Blockbuster Block Party concept was test-marketed in [[Albuquerque]], [[New Mexico]], and [[Indianapolis, Indiana]], in 1994. It was an "entertainment complex" aimed at adults, containing eight themed areas housing a restaurant, games, laser tag arena, and motion simulator rides, and was housed in a windowless building the size of a city block.

The Blockbuster Block Party concept was test-marketed in [[Albuquerque]], [[New Mexico]], and [[Indianapolis, Indiana]], in 1994. It was an "entertainment complex" aimed at adults, containing eight themed areas housing a restaurant, games, laser tag arena, and motion simulator rides, and was housed in a windowless building the size of a city block.

During the 1990s Blockbuster expanded in the United Kingdom, purchasing that country's Ritz Video chain. The stores were re-branded to Blockbuster, making it the number one UK rental chain.

Starting in 1989 and into the 1990's Blockbuster expanded in the United Kingdom, purchasing and taking over that country's Ritz Videos chain by expanding rapidly. The stores were re-branded to Blockbuster, making it the number one UK rental chain.

The original Blockbuster company, Blockbuster Video Inc., was merged into the parent company Blockbuster Entertainment Inc. which had earlier replaced the Blockbuster Entertainment Company. In 1996, Blockbuster Entertainment Inc. merged into a new Blockbuster Entertainment Corporation and the retail stores, then called Blockbuster Video, were renamed Blockbuster. The logo changed slightly, but retained the International Typeface Corporation(ITC Machine) font.  In November 1996 Blockbuster confirmed that it was moving its headquarters from [[Fort Lauderdale]], [[Florida]] to the Renaissance Tower in downtown [[Dallas]], [[Texas]]. Most of the workers at the Florida headquarters did not want to relocate, so Blockbuster planned to hire around 500 to 600 new employees for its Dallas headquarters. The company had offered various relocation packages to all of its Fort Lauderdale staff. The second Blockbuster Entertainment Corporation was later merged into Blockbuster, Inc.

The original Blockbuster company, Blockbuster Video Inc., was merged into the parent company Blockbuster Entertainment Inc. which had earlier replaced the Blockbuster Entertainment Company. In 1996, Blockbuster Entertainment Inc. merged into a new Blockbuster Entertainment Corporation and the retail stores, then called Blockbuster Video, were renamed Blockbuster. The logo changed slightly, but retained the International Typeface Corporation(ITC Machine) font.  In November 1996 Blockbuster confirmed that it was moving its headquarters from [[Fort Lauderdale]], [[Florida]] to the Renaissance Tower in downtown [[Dallas]], [[Texas]]. Most of the workers at the Florida headquarters did not want to relocate, so Blockbuster planned to hire around 500 to 600 new employees for its Dallas headquarters. The company had offered various relocation packages to all of its Fort Lauderdale staff. The second Blockbuster Entertainment Corporation was later merged into Blockbuster, Inc.

===Blockbuster-Pop-Up Location at Japan LA in little-tokyo of Los Angeles, California===

===Blockbuster-Pop-Up Location at Japan LA in little-tokyo of Los Angeles, California===

[[File:Blockbuster-Pop-Up Location at Japan LA-little-tokyo in Los Angeles, California.jpg|thumb|The Summer 2019 Blockbuster-Pop-Up Location at Japan LA in little-tokyo of [[Los Angeles,California]]]]

[[File:Blockbuster-Pop-Up Location at Japan LA-little-tokyo in Los Angeles, California.jpg|thumb|The Summer 2019 Blockbuster-Pop-Up Location at Japan LA in little-tokyo of [[Los Angeles]],[[California]]]]

From July 12-14 2019 The storefont location of Japan LA in little-tokyo of Los Angeles, California opened its doors from 12pm until 8pm Pacific standard time. Notably this was the first time on record where a blockbuster location didn't close at it's business as usual customery midnight closing time, not including major holiday exceptions.

From July 12-14 2019 The storefont location of Japan LA in little-tokyo of Los Angeles, California opened its doors from 12pm until 8pm Pacific standard time. Notably this was the first time on record where a blockbuster location didn't close at it's business as usual customery midnight closing time, not including major holiday exceptions.

You could RSVP your intended plans to be present on their website or phone app in an effort to gauge the popularity and so the operators could plan on how many guests they would received in addition to marketing the three day event. Streetwear brand Dumbgood partnered with Blockbuster via this pop-up in Los Angeles, as well as bringing their merchandise to ComplexCon 2019.  

You could RSVP your intended plans to be present on their website or phone app in an effort to gauge the popularity and so the operators could plan on how many guests they would received in addition to marketing the three day event. Streetwear brand Dumbgood partnered with Blockbuster via this pop-up in Los Angeles, as well as bringing their merchandise to ComplexCon 2019.  

Streetwear brand Dumbgood partnered with Blockbuster, which is still owned by Dish Network, for an apparel collection available online, and is currently being sold at a pop-up shop in New York City’s SoHo neighborhood. Amelia Muqbel Dumbgood’s co-founder and creative director, stated “We wanted to both recreate part of a Blockbuster but then also have enough room for all of our merchandise, and just have everything have its own place and time to shine,”. Stepping into the pop-up, ‘90s fans are instantly transported back to the iconic video rental store. Tall shelves of VHS tapes are visible, and a popcorn aroma wafts through the air. The 15-piece collection was displayed throughout the store as a followup to the L.A. Pop-up earlier in July.

Streetwear brand Dumbgood partnered with Blockbuster, which is still owned by Dish Network, for an apparel collection available online, and is currently being sold at a pop-up shop in New York City’s SoHo neighborhood. Amelia Muqbel Dumbgood’s co-founder and creative director, stated “We wanted to both recreate part of a Blockbuster but then also have enough room for all of our merchandise, and just have everything have its own place and time to shine,”. Stepping into the pop-up, ‘90s fans are instantly transported back to the iconic video rental store. Tall shelves of VHS tapes are visible, and a popcorn aroma wafts through the air. The 15-piece collection was displayed throughout the store as a followup to the L.A. Pop-up earlier in July.

==Blockbuster video, Christianity and Family oriented content dilemma==

 

 

 

===Blockbuster video, Christianity and Family oriented content dilemma===

Since Blockbuster's founding in 1985, the chain refused to stock Pornographic adult films in order to portray the brand as family-friendly. However, the company did carry Motion Picture Association of America film rating system-R-rated and unrated films. [[Christian]] youth groups and even Christian patrons would see Pamela Anderson's Unrated version of "Barb Wire", Unrated version of "Live Nude Girls", and the 1995 American coming-of-age film "Kids", which received an NC-17 rating from the MPAA, but was later released at Blockbuster Video without a rating under critical responses from Christians and family organizations.

Since Blockbuster's founding in 1985, the chain refused to stock Pornographic adult films in order to portray the brand as family-friendly. However, the company did carry Motion Picture Association of America film rating system-R-rated and unrated films. [[Christian]] youth groups and even Christian patrons would see Pamela Anderson's Unrated version of "Barb Wire", Unrated version of "Live Nude Girls", and the 1995 American coming-of-age film "Kids", which received an NC-17 rating from the MPAA, but was later released at Blockbuster Video without a rating under critical responses from Christians and family organizations.

The 1988 Martin Scorsese film "The Last Temptation of Christ" was condemned by virtually every Christian denomination...was protested, picketed, subject to boycotts and bomb threats, and excluded from the titles carried by the Blockbuster Video chains.

The 1988 Martin Scorsese film "The Last Temptation of Christ" was condemned by virtually every Christian denomination...was protested, picketed, subject to boycotts and bomb threats, and excluded from the titles carried by the Blockbuster Video chains.

==International operations==

==International operations==

===Australia===

===Australia===

In Australia, the first Blockbuster store was opened in 1991 in [[Melbourne]]. In 1992, the Virgin Group and Blockbuster Inc entered into a joint venture to set up Australia's first Virgin Megastores in [[Sydney]], Melbourne, and [[Adelaide]]. This lasted until Virgin sold its interest in the six stores to Blockbuster, which promptly rebranded them in 1993 as Blockbuster Music. In 1994, Australian store numbers rose to 54 with the acquisition of Major Video and Focus chains in both Victoria (Australia) and South Australia. In 1995, the growth continued with the opening of the 100th video store in the country. By the end of 1998, Blockbuster Australia opened over 125 stores. In July 1998, Blockbuster Australia launched into franchising with the conversion of the former Video Flicks franchise group in [[Queensland]], and the former Movieland group in Western Australia six months later. Also in 1998, the company sold its last two Australian Blockbuster Music stores in Pitt Street, Sydney, and Chapel Street, Melbourne to Brazin Limited, which incorporated them under its Sanity Entertainment brand. Throughout 1999 and 2000, Blockbuster Australia quickly expanded its franchise store network through the conversion of smaller groups and the granting of individual franchises. Before 2005, this was done through the acquisition of the Movies Plus Group and the conversion of some individual Movies 4U and Movieland outlets.

In Australia, the first Blockbuster store was opened in 1991 in [[Melbourne]]. In 1992, the Virgin Group and Blockbuster Inc entered into a joint venture to set up Australia's first Virgin Megastores in [[Sydney]], Melbourne, and [[Adelaide]]. This lasted until Virgin sold its interest in the six stores to Blockbuster, which promptly rebranded them in 1993 as Blockbuster Music. In 1994, Australian store numbers rose to 54 with the acquisition of Major Video and Focus chains in both Victoria (Australia) and South Australia. In 1995, the growth continued with the opening of the 100th video store in the country. By the end of 1998, Blockbuster Australia opened over 125 stores. In July 1998, Blockbuster Australia launched into franchising with the conversion of the former Video Flicks franchise group in [[Queensland]], and the former Movieland group in Western Australia six months later. Also in 1998, the company sold its last two Australian Blockbuster Music stores in Pitt Street, Sydney, and Chapel Street, Melbourne to Brazin Limited, which incorporated them under its Sanity Entertainment brand. Throughout 1999 and 2000, Blockbuster Australia quickly expanded its franchise store network through the conversion of smaller groups and the granting of individual franchises. Before 2005, this was done through the acquisition of the Movies Plus Group and the conversion of some individual Movies 4U and Movieland outlets.

===Brazil===

===Brazil===

Blockbuster was the largest video rental chain in the country, but finances were not good enough due to high rental prices. Lojas Americanas, the largest Brazilian department store, acquired half of the shares and now it is named under "Americanas Express Blockbuster". The store layout was similar to a regular American store with a Game Rush, but instead of games it offers electronics goods like computers and DVD players, groceries like candies and microwave popcorn, and even toys from Mattel and Hasbro's board games. In January 2007, when Blockbuster had 127 stores across Brazil, it sold its Brazilian stake for $87.4 million and gave Lojas Americanas exclusive rights to the Blockbuster brand in the country for 20 years. The average store has an interior on about 400 m2, where 80-100 m2 is dedicated to movies.

Blockbuster was the largest video rental chain in the country, but finances were not good enough due to high rental prices. Lojas Americanas, the largest Brazilian department store, acquired half of the shares and now it is named under "Americanas Express Blockbuster". The store layout was similar to a regular American store with a Game Rush, but instead of games it offers electronics goods like computers and DVD players, groceries like candies and microwave popcorn, and even toys from Mattel and Hasbro's board games. In January 2007, when Blockbuster had 127 stores across Brazil, it sold its Brazilian stake for $87.4 million and gave Lojas Americanas exclusive rights to the Blockbuster brand in the country for 20 years. The average store has an interior on about 400 m2, where 80-100 m2 is dedicated to movies.

===Canada===

===Canada===

In Canada, Blockbuster Canada (established in 1990) had operated independently, and it initially remained financially stable.  It began a partnership with Wind Mobile in December 2009, selling mobile phones at all stores in cities where Wind's service was available.  Phone sales began in [[Toronto]] and [[Calgary]], later expanding to other cities with Wind coverage.  Some stores even featured a full Wind "store-in-a-store" for postpaid activation's and a larger selection of devices.  However, on May 3, 2011, it was announced that the company had gone into receivership.  On May 25, 2011, it was announced that 146 stores, accounting for approximately 35% of the company's stores in Canada, would be shut down effective June 18, 2011. On August 31, 2011, Blockbuster Canada announced that no buyer could be found for its remaining stores that were acceptable to the court-appointed bankruptcy receiver, and that it would wind down operations and close all stores by December 31, 2011. The company had acted as a guarantor towards Blockbuster's remaining debt.

In Canada, Blockbuster Canada (established in 1990) had operated independently, and it initially remained financially stable.  It began a partnership with Wind Mobile in December 2009, selling mobile phones at all stores in cities where Wind's service was available.  Phone sales began in [[Toronto]] and [[Calgary]], later expanding to other cities with Wind coverage.  Some stores even featured a full Wind "store-in-a-store" for postpaid activation's and a larger selection of devices.  However, on May 3, 2011, it was announced that the company had gone into receivership.  On May 25, 2011, it was announced that 146 stores, accounting for approximately 35% of the company's stores in Canada, would be shut down effective June 18, 2011. On August 31, 2011, Blockbuster Canada announced that no buyer could be found for its remaining stores that were acceptable to the court-appointed bankruptcy receiver, and that it would wind down operations and close all stores by December 31, 2011. The company had acted as a guarantor towards Blockbuster's remaining debt.

===Denmark===

===Denmark===

Blockbuster came to Denmark in 1996 with the acquisition of the 29 Christianshavn video stores. In 2009 they were on its peak with 72 stores across the country.Blockbuster Video Denmark sold the rights for the Blockbuster brand to the Danish telecommunications corporation TDC in 2013, excluding the 46 remaining brick and mortar stores which continued as RecycleIT A/S, diversifying in refurbishing and reselling consumer electronics in addition sale and rental of games and movies. The original goal was to rename all the stores before July 1, 2014, when TDC would get the exclusive rights to the brand name in Denmark, but only 12 of them had been renamed at the end of June and RecycleIT A/S filed for bankruptcy the same year. The 12 RecycleIT stores were bought by the company Blue City. The new owners planned to gradually phase out game and movie sales and rental within 2016, but due to the fast changes in the market it happened almost immediately after the takeover, and seven of the stores, therefore, closed in 2015. In 2017, the five remaining ones had started to make some profit, and focus exclusively on second-hand consumer electronics.

Blockbuster came to Denmark in 1996 with the acquisition of the 29 Christianshavn video stores. In 2009 they were on its peak with 72 stores across the country.Blockbuster Video Denmark sold the rights for the Blockbuster brand to the Danish telecommunications corporation TDC in 2013, excluding the 46 remaining brick and mortar stores which continued as RecycleIT A/S, diversifying in refurbishing and reselling consumer electronics in addition sale and rental of games and movies. The original goal was to rename all the stores before July 1, 2014, when TDC would get the exclusive rights to the brand name in Denmark, but only 12 of them had been renamed at the end of June and RecycleIT A/S filed for bankruptcy the same year. The 12 RecycleIT stores were bought by the company Blue City. The new owners planned to gradually phase out game and movie sales and rental within 2016, but due to the fast changes in the market it happened almost immediately after the takeover, and seven of the stores, therefore, closed in 2015. In 2017, the five remaining ones had started to make some profit, and focus exclusively on second-hand consumer electronics.

However, the Blockbuster On Demand service is still active in Nordic Countries, offering both unlimited streaming and 48-hour rental of films online. Several Smart TVs have the Blockbuster app pre-installed out-of-the-box, and it is available on a variety of streaming devices such as Google's Chromecast.

However, the Blockbuster On Demand service is still active in Nordic Countries, offering both unlimited streaming and 48-hour rental of films online. Several Smart TVs have the Blockbuster app pre-installed out-of-the-box, and it is available on a variety of streaming devices such as Google's Chromecast.

===Germany===

===Germany===

Blockbuster opened 20 stores in Berlin and Munich and announced plans to open 250 more. The chain presented itself as family-friendly by not renting pornographic films. However, that decision adversely affected the profitability of the stores. Blockbuster left the German market in 1997.

Blockbuster opened 20 stores in Berlin and Munich and announced plans to open 250 more. The chain presented itself as family-friendly by not renting pornographic films. However, that decision adversely affected the profitability of the stores. Blockbuster left the German market in 1997.

===Hong Kong===

===Hong Kong===

In 1998, after the closure of KPS Video Express, Blockbuster saw an opportunity to enter into the Hong Kong market, and entered into negotiations with KPS's receivers Ernst and Young to buy the KPS operations. Blockbuster re-opened 15 of 38 former KPS stores by February 16, 1998, KPS members were given special offers to join Blockbuster, but the video pre-paid coupon system was not retained. Blockbuster pulled out of the market in 2004 after high operating costs and losses to copyright infringement.

In 1998, after the closure of KPS Video Express, Blockbuster saw an opportunity to enter into the Hong Kong market, and entered into negotiations with KPS's receivers Ernst and Young to buy the KPS operations. Blockbuster re-opened 15 of 38 former KPS stores by February 16, 1998, KPS members were given special offers to join Blockbuster, but the video pre-paid coupon system was not retained. Blockbuster pulled out of the market in 2004 after high operating costs and losses to copyright infringement.

===Ireland===

===Ireland===

In March 2010, Blockbuster announced that it intended to sell all operations in Europe. The company once had an Irish subsidiary, Xtravision, which did not operate under the Blockbuster brand name. Blockbuster sold Xtravision at a loss in August 2009 to Birchhall Investments Limited. All remaining stores were closed in 2016, leaving only its online business and vending machines.

In March 2010, Blockbuster announced that it intended to sell all operations in Europe. The company once had an Irish subsidiary, Xtravision, which did not operate under the Blockbuster brand name. Blockbuster sold Xtravision at a loss in August 2009 to Birchhall Investments Limited. All remaining stores were closed in 2016, leaving only its online business and vending machines.

===Israel===

===Israel===

In the late 2000s at its peak, Blockbuster Israel had 40 branches and more than 260 automated video rentals.In December 2011, Blockbuster closed off its last branch store, and had only 80 automated video rentals left.

In the late 2000s at its peak, Blockbuster Israel had 40 branches and more than 260 automated video rentals.In December 2011, Blockbuster closed off its last branch store, and had only 80 automated video rentals left.

===Japan===

===Japan===

In March 1991, Den Fujita Den Trading (which was the master franchise owner of [[McDonald's]] in Japan) and Blockbuster Inc entered into a joint venture to established Japan's first Blockbuster Video stores. By October 1992, Fujita and Blockbuster opened 15 stores in the country – four of them next to McDonald's outlets and most being located in the Greater Tokyo Area Unlike Blockbuster's U.S. stores, each Japanese outlet only occupied about half the floor space at 5,000 square feet due to the country's more limited available real estate. By June 1996, 32 stores were in operation with a public aim for 150 by 1998. Blockbuster Japan faced heavy competition from [[Osaka]]-based video rental chain, Tsutaya (video store), with its 817 outlets, but the company saw opportunity in the population having high [[VCR]] ownership levels (at around 75%), low satellite TV penetration (at around 27%), and well-ordered store layouts (unique for most local video stores). However, Blockbuster's business strategy of "wholesome home entertainment" saw it not stock adult entertainment or extreme [[Horror movie]]s which account for 35 percent of the Japanese video market. That meant Blockbuster was unable to fit into the Japanese market adequately, and was put at a disadvantage to other businesses selling and renting these movies. Blockbuster handed its remaining shares over to Fujita Den Trading in 1999, and exited the Japanese market.

In March 1991, Den Fujita Den Trading (which was the master franchise owner of [[McDonald's]] in Japan) and Blockbuster Inc entered into a joint venture to established Japan's first Blockbuster Video stores. By October 1992, Fujita and Blockbuster opened 15 stores in the country – four of them next to McDonald's outlets and most being located in the Greater Tokyo Area Unlike Blockbuster's U.S. stores, each Japanese outlet only occupied about half the floor space at 5,000 square feet due to the country's more limited available real estate. By June 1996, 32 stores were in operation with a public aim for 150 by 1998. Blockbuster Japan faced heavy competition from [[Osaka]]-based video rental chain, Tsutaya (video store), with its 817 outlets, but the company saw opportunity in the population having high [[VCR]] ownership levels (at around 75%), low satellite TV penetration (at around 27%), and well-ordered store layouts (unique for most local video stores). However, Blockbuster's business strategy of "wholesome home entertainment" saw it not stock adult entertainment or extreme [[Horror movie]]s which account for 35 percent of the Japanese video market. That meant Blockbuster was unable to fit into the Japanese market adequately, and was put at a disadvantage to other businesses selling and renting these movies. Blockbuster handed its remaining shares over to Fujita Den Trading in 1999, and exited the Japanese market.

===Mexico===

===Mexico===

In September 2015, all remaining Blockbuster retail stores (263 in total) in Mexico had been converted to "The B Store", and the floor space dedicated to video rentals reduced from 70 percent to 20 percent, the remaining space being used for general technology and electronics sales. The re-branding occurred with the owners not renewing their license with Blockbuster and the imminent expiry of the existing license.

In September 2015, all remaining Blockbuster retail stores (263 in total) in Mexico had been converted to "The B Store", and the floor space dedicated to video rentals reduced from 70 percent to 20 percent, the remaining space being used for general technology and electronics sales. The re-branding occurred with the owners not renewing their license with Blockbuster and the imminent expiry of the existing license.

===New Zealand===

===New Zealand===

In 1994 Blockbuster opened it's first stores in [[New Zealand]]. The chain also operated for many years in the country, but all stores there have closed. Other Independent stores who started in the late 1980's like Aro Video, a landmark in Wellington’s Aro Valley and Video Ezy, whom at one time was a large chain of 171 stores, have still hung on with a handful of stores in the country. Video Ezy who used to compete with Blockbuster, has less stores now than United Video, which is still operating with multiple stores across New Zealand.  

In 1994 Blockbuster opened it's first stores in [[New Zealand]]. The chain also operated for many years in the country, but all stores there have closed. Other Independent stores who started in the late 1980's like Aro Video, a landmark in Wellington’s Aro Valley and Video Ezy, whom at one time was a large chain of 171 stores, have still hung on with a handful of stores in the country. Video Ezy who used to compete with Blockbuster, has less stores now than United Video, which is still operating with multiple stores across New Zealand.  

===Norway===

===Norway===

In December 2002 the first Blockbuster store opened in Norway, and was followed by another store some months later in 2003, both located in Oslo. The hope was to acquire an already existing video chain. When that failed, it was made an attempt to build a Norwegian blockbuster chain from scratch. But both stores closed in the spring of 2004.

In December 2002 the first Blockbuster store opened in Norway, and was followed by another store some months later in 2003, both located in Oslo. The hope was to acquire an already existing video chain. When that failed, it was made an attempt to build a Norwegian blockbuster chain from scratch. But both stores closed in the spring of 2004.

===Peru===

===Peru===

In 2007, Blockbuster announced that it plans to shut down its stores in Peru due to poor revenues, which it blamed on the effect of movie copyright infringement|piracy.   

In 2007, Blockbuster announced that it plans to shut down its stores in Peru due to poor revenues, which it blamed on the effect of movie copyright infringement|piracy.   

The company had already closed down its stores in Ecuador, Portugal and Costa Rica. El Salvador followed in 2010, and Argentina in 2011.

The company had already closed down its stores in Ecuador, Portugal and Costa Rica. El Salvador followed in 2010, and Argentina in 2011.

===United Kingdom===

===United Kingdom===

In 1989, the company entered the United Kingdom via its purchase of the 875-store Ritz Video chain for $135 million, from parent company Citivision. Ritz Video was Europe's  

In 1989, the company entered the United Kingdom via its purchase of the 875-store Ritz Video chain for $135 million, from parent company Citivision. Ritz Video was Europe's  

largest rental chain, with a 20% share of the United Kingdom video market, and annual sales of about $150 million. The first re-branded Blockbuster outlet opened on  

largest rental chain, with a 20% share of the United Kingdom video market, and annual sales of about $150 million. The first re-branded Blockbuster outlet opened on  

===United States===

===United States===

In 1997, [[Enron]] Corporation had entered the broadband market, constructing and purchasing thousands of miles of fiber optic cables throughout the United States. In 2001, Enron and Blockbuster Inc. attempted to create a 20-year deal to stream Video on demand over Enron's fiber optic network. However, the "heavily promoted" deal fell through, with Enron's shares dropping following the announcement.

In 1997, [[Enron]] Corporation had entered the broadband market, constructing and purchasing thousands of miles of fiber optic cables throughout the United States. In 2001, Enron and Blockbuster Inc. attempted to create a 20-year deal to stream Video on demand over Enron's fiber optic network. However, the "heavily promoted" deal fell through, with Enron's shares dropping following the announcement.

==Advertising==

==Advertising==

===Super Bowl===

===Super Bowl===

==Cultural do not do examples using Blockbuster==

==Cultural do not do examples using Blockbuster==

From [[Forbes magazine]] calling out how the ten times what Blockbuster was worth then and not now in cultural cliche's to Fox news articles discussing how churches in America have failed to learn the lessons from marketplace companies such as Kodak and Blockbuster – change with the times or die. Blockbuster is the cliché American business success story that came crashing down because it didn't change with the times. Countless news articles and even corporate year end planning and performance meetings reference Blockbuster as the fatal flaw; an arrogance of being the only big name video store in town for too long. It's business model, which the company internally described as "managed dissatisfaction,' had produced a wellspring of consumer resentment toward the enormous video chain over late fees, poor new release video selection sizes, and sometimes bad or selective customer service. At many of their largest and most well trafficked stores, like the Mid-Rivers Mall Drive Blockbuster location across from the largest suburban shopping mall, in the St. Louis suburb of St.Peters Missouri, during the height of the 1990's being to one of the first stores to plummet as the least trafficked regional store in only ten years later; before the fall of the franchise. Blockbuster store managers and employees like many other stores new by their own research showed that customers had to visit their highly trafficked, biggest, profitable stores, for approximately five consecutive weekends to get the video they wanted. New VHS tape/DVD releases would come out strategically on the slowest day Tuesday's. It was the anti-service in customer service that brought the demand of people wanting their 1st choice of video, the store not having it so they would still settle for a 2nd or 3rd choice video and keep coming back until they got their video and Blockbuster making money on the customer each visit. Or a lack of a visit for not returning the video on time and being charged a late fee to rent another video.  

From [[Forbes Magazine]] calling out how the ten times what Blockbuster was worth then and not now in cultural cliche's to [[Fox news]] articles discussing how churches in America have failed to learn the lessons from marketplace companies such as [[Eastman Kodak Company|Kodak]] and Blockbuster – change with the times or die. Blockbuster is the cliché [[American]] business success story that came crashing down because it didn't change with the times. Countless news articles and even corporate year end planning and performance meetings reference Blockbuster as the fatal flaw; an arrogance of being the only big name video store in town for too long. It's business model, which the company internally described as "managed dissatisfaction", had produced a wellspring of consumer resentment toward the enormous video chain over late fees, poor new release video selection sizes, and sometimes bad or selective customer service. At many of their largest and most well trafficked stores, like the Mid-Rivers Mall drive Blockbuster location across from the largest suburban shopping mall, in the St. Louis suburb of St.Peters Missouri, being a "top store" to "shut-down-store".  During the height of the 1990's the Mid-Rivers Mall drive Blockbuster, this store went from one of the busiest and most profitable stores to being to one of the first stores to plummet as the least trafficked regional store in only a ten years time frame; before the fall of the franchise. Reasons, selective customer service, competitor Hollywood video and Netflix's beginning. Blockbuster store managers and employees like many other stores new by their own research showed that customers had to visit their highly trafficked, biggest, profitable stores, for approximately five consecutive weekends to get the video they wanted. New VHS tape/DVD releases would come out strategically on the slowest day Tuesday's. It was the anti-service in customer service that brought the demand of people wanting their 1st choice of video, the store not having it so they would still settle for a 2nd or 3rd choice video and keep coming back until they got their video and Blockbuster making money on the customer each visit. Or a lack of a visit for not returning the video on time and being charged a late fee to rent another video.  

==External links==

==External links==

* {{official website|http://www.blockbuster.com}}

*[http://www.blockbuster.com/# official website]

*[https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB1019676329683925720]

*[https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB1019676329683925720 Wall Street Journal - ests Plan to Offer Unlimited Rentals for Fixed Fee]

*[https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1085734/000119312505063510/d10k.htm United States Securities and Exchange Commision BlockBuster Inc. for the fiscal year end 2004]

*[https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1085734/000119312505063510/d10k.htm United States Securities and Exchange Commision BlockBuster Inc. for the fiscal year end 2004]

*[https://www.mankatofreepress.com/news/local_news/mankato-s-last-blockbuster-video-store-closing-this-month/article_dd2f195a-d9cf-5969-ae92-6ba4d3daf2b0.html Mankato's last Blockbuster video store closing]

*[https://www.mankatofreepress.com/news/local_news/mankato-s-last-blockbuster-video-store-closing-this-month/article_dd2f195a-d9cf-5969-ae92-6ba4d3daf2b0.html Mankato's last Blockbuster video store closing]

*[https://www.japanla.com/blogs/news/dumbgood-x-blockbuster-takes-over-japanla-little-tokyo Blockbuster takes over Japan L.A.-Little Tokyo]

*[https://www.japanla.com/blogs/news/dumbgood-x-blockbuster-takes-over-japanla-little-tokyo Blockbuster takes over Japan L.A.-Little Tokyo]

*[https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/churches-blockbuster-culture-change-times Churches should learn from Blockbuster – change with the times, or die]

*[https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/churches-blockbuster-culture-change-times Churches should learn from Blockbuster – change with the times, or die]

*[https://finance.yahoo.com/news/dumbgood-revives-the-90s-with-blockbuster-apparel-nyc-pop-up-142449916.html]

*[https://finance.yahoo.com/news/dumbgood-revives-the-90s-with-blockbuster-apparel-nyc-pop-up-142449916.html Dumbgood revives Blockbuster with apparel and pop-up stores opened in L.A. and N.Y.C.]

 

{{Video digital distribution platforms}}

*[https://grantland.com/hollywood-prospectus/blockbuster-video-1985-2013/ Blockbuster bowl and Wayne H. buying up Video chains in Vegas and St.Louis]

[[Category:Media]]

[[Category:Media]]