It was never as familiar a logo over here - although XtraVision was once a subsidiary of the company - but in many countries around the world Blockbuster is the name most commonly associated with video rentals. In the early 2000s, there were more than 9,000 Blockbuster stores.
Not even a decade after that peak, however, Blockbuster has become one of the most high-profile victims of changing market trends. On top of the general financial crisis, the company has faced increased challenges from digital distribution and mail order services such as Netflix. In the UK, the company re-entered administration at the end of October, leaving the future of the brand there uncertain. In the US, though, Blockbuster is effectively no more, following the weekend's closure of the remaining 300 branches (although 50 or so franchise operated stores will remain, as will a video-on-demand service).
One of the last Blockbusters to close was an Hawaiian branch, and the company has tweeted a photo of the store's final customer holding his chosen rental (we imagine he won't have to return it on time). It couldn't be a more appropriate title:
The last BLOCKBUSTER rental 11/9 Hawaii 11PM @ThisIsTheEnd #BlockbusterMemories @Sethrogen @JamesFrancoTV @JonahHill http://t.co/RsXABlqfzL
— Blockbuster (@blockbuster) November 11, 2013
This Is The End star and co-director Seth Rogen took to Twitter to recall his fond memories of Blockbuster:
The last movie ever rented from a blockbuster was this is the end. In high school I would go hang out at blockbuster every day.
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) November 11, 2013
Main image: Stu pendousmat, Wikimedia Commons
