Dave Cunningham
No questions asked. When people ask about the rapid decline of video rental stores in the past couple of years, it’s always been attributed to the skyrocketing success of Netflix. At first, Netflix operated the same––allowing customers to enjoy the videos they wanted to watch delivered through their mail. However, the streaming giant decided to take one step further––or maybe ten thousand steps further. They revolutionized how people watched series and movies alike.
Now, the streaming giant lets you watch TV shows, movies, documentaries, and everything else watchable under the sun at home––without ever needing to leave your couch, I might add. It’s been the cycle of life since Netflix allowed its subscriptions and with that, what need is there for video rentals in the first place?
Well, all questions will be answered by Netflix’s documentary titled The Last Blockbuster. Here’s everything you need to know about it!
What is The Last Blockbuster all about?
One thing that surely lures you to the documentary is how The Last Blockbuster is actually shown on Netflix––the very thing that destroyed the business in the first place. The title suggests that the documentary will be focusing on the last remaining Blockbuster store. Incidentally, the store is located in Bend, Oregon. The documentary will be led by filmmakers Taylor Morden and Zeke Kamm as they explain the various economic factors that played parts in spelling the almost-extinction of these video stores.
As it turns out, it’s more complicated than it looks. It wasn’t because percentages of those who plan to watch their desired series choose to watch it on Netflix, but it’s because of everything about the economy––factors like corporate greed, questionable management decisions, and missed opportunities are those that stand on top of the mountain.
If you’re asking what that ‘missed opportunity’ is, then The Last Blockbuster explains everything. before Netflix became what it is today, the Blockbuster company actually had the chance to buy Netflix––but they didn’t. Now, they kneel down to the kings of streaming platforms––a business that works overnight during the pandemic and survives depression.
Anyone else find it ironic that the documentary "the Last Blockbuster" will stream on Netflix?
— Steve Pellegrino (OnTheWarpath) (@Onthewarpathbuf) March 2, 2021
What has been said about The Last Blockbuster?
According to the official Facebook page of The Last Blockbuster, the documentary will be premiering soon on the streaming giant. The post was witty in a couple of ways, but it sure did make the business know who stands on top.
“A lot of people know that Blockbuster had the chance to buy Netflix early on and they passed on the opportunity,” the post starts off with. “In an ironic twist of fate, our movie The Last Blockbuster is coming to Netflix one week from today (March 15). We are beyond excited for people to get to see this tribute to era of home video on the world’s largest streaming service. Just don’t forget to rewind it when you’re done watching it and bring it back by noon on Wednesday.”
As I said, it was the last sentence that proved how gigantic Netflix has become. The classic ways of bringing back what you’ve watched to the store just don’t exist anymore––plus you don’t have to return it by noon. You just have to pay your monthly Netflix fee. Now, that’s all it takes to watch your favorite scenes.
As for The Oregonian/OregonLive, they said that The Last Blockbuster is “wistful, surprisingly informative and joyously nostalgic, as ordinary folks and more famous faces alike share memories of going to a Blockbuster on a weekend night, roaming the aisles for movies, and inhaling distinctive Blockbuster aromas.”
When is The Last Blockbuster premiering on Netflix?
The Last Blockbuster is slated to premiere on the streaming giant on the 15th of March, 2021.
