It’s been six years since Blockbuster Video — the former movie-rental behemoth — closed all but one of its 9,000-plus stores and went completely dark on social media.
The company’s former leadership, which once scoffed at the notion of Netflix as a competitor, ended up in bankruptcy in 2010. And since then, that lone store in Bend, Ore., remains a relic of 90s nostalgia.
But on Tuesday, Blockbuster made a return to Twitter.
Tweeting for the first time since 2014, Blockbuster posted, “Just checking in.” This, of course, seemed like the beginning of some kind of coordinated #brand stunt because that’s exactly what it was.
Just checking in. đ
— Blockbuster (@blockbuster) August 11, 2020
Airbnb was teaming up with that one Blockbuster location to turn it into a 90s-themed living room — equipped with a VCR and box-style TV.
…cause the last BLOCKBUSTER in the world will be offering movie lovers in Bend a 90s themed sleepover for a limited timeâonly on airbnb. whoâs down? đhttps://t.co/dd4yz1UtZP pic.twitter.com/NJEZK2wxeW
— Airbnb (@Airbnb) August 11, 2020
But, mainly, Blockbuster’s return to Twitter marked an opportunity for the internet to roast Blockbuster. The mentions were amazing. A lot of people might owe some late fees.
— Freezing Cold Takes (@OldTakesExposed) August 11, 2020
I'm assuming yall are gonna want this back pic.twitter.com/DhfK1VmlFo
— zoiros – bIm (@Zoirooos) August 11, 2020
I still have NHL 2003 that I forgot to turn in and I still feel bad about it đ pic.twitter.com/GHPrH2XQoj
— MichaΔl (@Laser_Mike_89) August 11, 2020
I still havenât returned my movies
— Bongo (@BongoBelingo) August 11, 2020
I have something to get off my chest. I worked for you in high school and would hook up all my friends with free rentals and candy. I feel really bad about it and have blamed myself for your downfall ever since.
— Douglas A. Boneparth (@dougboneparth) August 11, 2020
My mom accidentally placed my Grand Theft Auto video game disc in the movie case of The Sixth Sense that we rented from yâall. Can yâall check to see if you have it? Thanks.
— Highlight (@HilightOfficial) August 11, 2020
i used to work for you and my greatest regret was spending one of my free weekly employee rentals on âblast from the pastâ. what a load of old pony
— sips (@Sips_) August 11, 2020
Hey, @blockbuster, want your VHS copy of 'Leprechaun' back?… pic.twitter.com/5c6rKrrQTk
— 'The Atomic Hillbilly' Heck (Ken) Johnson (@Kenute48210) August 11, 2020
I still have this copy of PokĂ©mon Snap – Iâm thinking I may owe some late fees? pic.twitter.com/q2qYsB7xK1
— Joe | Chendango (@Chendango1) August 11, 2020
Please tell me this doesn't mean I have compounding late fees that are owed? pic.twitter.com/sD4ZWE3ThN
— Jason Koenigsknecht (@JK13) August 11, 2020
This is probably a good time to remind everyone that Blockbuster could have purchased Netflix for $50 million back in 2000. Netflix’s market cap today is $209.5 billion.
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