Is Blockbuster making a surprise comeback? Website raises eyebrows

WASHINGTON (TND) — Renting hard copies of VHS tapes, DVDs, and video games is a thing of the past — or is it?

Rumors are swirling that Blockbuster will be making a comeback — and it's all thanks to the company's website, which is suddenly live again.

We are working on rewinding your movie," Blockbuster.com notes.

The company is also active on social media.

On March 15, it posted the following on Twitter:

"New business idea: We're going to come back as a bank and use VHS and DVDs as currency. Time to go visit your mom."

In January, it shared the following post:

"Our 2023 New Year's resolution was to reopen Blockbuster but it seemed like a lot of work so we quit. Should we start going to the gym instead?"

Blockbuster, which was formerly known as Blockbuster Video, was an American-based provider of home video and video game rental services.

The company filed for bankruptcy in 2010, with a majority of its stores across the world closing by 2014.

In 2019, only one store remained open.

The company was founded by David Cook andWayne Huizenga in Texas in 1985.

During its run, it was common for members of the public to rent movies and snuggle up with some popcorn at the person's own leisure.

It was a cheaper alternative to going out to see a movie in a theatre, as the rental was a fraction of the cost of movie tickets. Plus, the renter could typically have access to the video or DVD for a few days up to a few weeks at a time.

While the company tried to survive with DVDs-by-mail, streaming, video on demand, and cinema theater, the emergence of more popular streaming apps helped lead to Blockbuster's demise.

Now, it seems Blockbuster might have plans for a return.