Great Job, Internet!: Little Free Blockbusters are bringing back video stores one block at a time
The A.V. Club talked to the Free Blockbuster President and Secretary about the give-and-take of the little neighborhood video store.
Blockbuster nostalgia remains strong, and the demand for movie rentals persists. Simultaneously, small independent video stores have experienced a resurgence across the United States, and so have little Free Blockbusters. These movie rental kiosks can be found in neighborhoods, offering free rentals in various formats such as DVDs, Blu-rays, and video cassettes.
They operate similarly to Little Free Libraries but feature a blue and gold branding reminiscent of a specific video chain. The Free Blockbuster project has been expanding globally for the past seven years, inspiring individuals with the "thrill of discovery." Founded by Brian Morrison in 2019, the initiative began as a response to the hollowed-out newspaper dispensers left behind after the closure of L.A.
Weekly. Painted blue and filled with movies, these kiosks are now present in over 400 locations across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the U.K. While initially a waste-free effort to repurpose unwanted VHS cassettes, DVDs, and Blu-rays, Free Blockbuster has evolved into an international art project that transcends nostalgia. It resonates with both young people and future generations, fostering a sense of community and inspiring new participants.
The project operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, emphasizing its role as a collective art endeavor rather than a business or employment opportunity. Morrison encourages anyone with unwanted movies to contribute to the Free Blockbuster movement, leaving empty boxes for others to fill and cherish. No registration, fees, or prior experience is required to join; simply provide a box of movies and a willingness to share.
Written by urgent.news from The A.V. Club's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
