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Blockbuster to shutter remaining US retail stores, accept the inevitable
It wasn't hard to see the writing on the wall for Blockbuster's rapidly declining disc-based movie services, and it's now clear that the end is at hand. The Dish-owned company says it will close its remaining 300 directly controlled American stores (down from 9,000 in its heyday) by early January, along with their matching distribution centers. Blockbuster By Mail rentals will also disappear by mid-December. While franchised stores will survive, Blockbuster is effectively becoming an internet-only brand in the US; you'll likely have to use Blockbuster @Home or Blockbuster On Demand to see that blue-and-yellow logo. We're not lamenting the death of the retail business when online services are much more convenient, but we won't blame you if you feel slightly nostalgic -- it's the end of an era. [Image credit: Josh Smith, Flickr]
Blockbuster 2.0 for iOS arrives, manages the disc rentals we no longer use
Blockbuster started the month by launching an On Demand app for iOS and embracing the streaming video era. For the end of the month, it's going retro: following a quiet App Store launch earlier in May, the company has formally announced a free Blockbuster 2.0 iOS app that covers everything but streaming. The release is built almost exclusively for traditionalists, letting them manage their Blockbuster By Mail rental queues, scan membership cards and check the stock at those stores that remain open. About the only concessions to modernity are the built-in movie trailers. While the app does give some needed love to disc-based viewers, it's an acute reminder that much of Blockbuster's original audience has moved on.
Blockbuster going up for sale, hoping to live up to its name
Don't think of this as the end of the road for Blockbuster, think of it as a new beginning. After filing for Bankruptcy back in September, big blue and yellow has been working to get its affairs in order -- and trying desperately to fend off both Netflix and Redbox with offerings like Blockbuster on Demand and Blockbuster Express. Things apparently haven't gone entirely to plan. The next stop is For Salesville, with bids for the company starting at $290 million. CEO Jim Keys put a positive spin on the news, saying that this will "allow for the consolidation of ownership of the company to those with a clear and focused vision for Blockbuster's future." It might also finally let that guy take a vacation -- a potentially very long one.
Blockbuster including games in its by-mail rentals
It's almost inspiring, the way that Blockbuster bravely marches on, despite such moves as boning Total Access and cutting back on its new movie purchases. And the latest bid for relevance? If you're receiving your, um, "blockbusters" via snail mail you'll soon be able to add your Xbox, PlayStation, and Wii games to the mix (and by "soon," we mean "now"). Ready to add the latest installment of Splinter Cell to your copy of The Bucket List? Well, you should probably get out of the house more. Or you can click the source link to get started. [Thanks, Kevin]
