Kevin Lazzari | Special to the Fitzhugh
The irony of watching a documentary on Netflix about the last blockbuster is not lost on me. I was curious how there could be only one Blockbuster Video left on the entire planet. The journey on how a Blockbuster survived in the town of Bend, Ore. is complex. I always thought Netflix killed Blockbuster Video and to my surprise I was wrong. The film deals with all the variables of why Blockbuster no longer exists as a franchise and why one still remains standing.
I have been a video store clerk for over 22 years and can say I enjoyed every minute. Watching a film about the demise of the Blockbuster franchise and the video store business triggered a few emotions. I have had a few jobs over the years, but there is something about working at a video store that is special. Video stores were always a hub for the community and the documentary touches on that specific fact. There is a unique people element to the video store and that is not easily replicated in other brick-and-mortar stores. The video store is like a clubhouse where you can rent a movie.
For anyone that has worked in a video store or rented a VHS, the movie will bring up a few memories. The actors in the documentary reflect on simple things like renting a movie on friday night. Each and every experience the actors talked about when they stepped into the video store I can relate to. If you would like to relive the video store experience check out The Last Blockbuster.
Kevin Lazzari, owner of Video Stop, is reviewing movies for the Fitzhugh. The Last Blockbuster (2020) is available on DVD, Blu-ray and for digital streaming and download.
