A look inside the last Blockbuster Video in the world

Tourist AttractionsTravelTravel AttractionsTravel Tips
Written By Patrick Cochran

Due to multiple factors, the worldwide movie and video game rental service company that so many loved and cherished known as Blockbuster Video ultimately failed. However, there is one store left in Bend, Oregon, USA, and it has become a nostalgic tourist attraction.

The Blockbuster is privately owned and has no plans of closing. The store receives good support from tourists as well as the local community in Bend.

The Blockbuster is privately owned and has no plans of closing. The store receives good support from tourists as well as the local community in Bend.

Walking into the store felt like I had suddenly traveled back in time through a time machine. From the packaging of the movies to the snack section, the store was set up the exact same way as any other Blockbuster Video that I went to growing up. They even still use the old IBM computers with floppy disks from the 1990’s! Plus, the store has that inherent “Blockbuster Video smell” that I can’t really describe... If you have been to a Blockbuster Video, then you know what I’m talking about.

Walking into the store felt like I had suddenly traveled back in time through a time machine. From the packaging of the movies to the snack section, the store was set up the exact same way as any other Blockbuster Video that I went to growing up. They even still use the old IBM computers with floppy disks from the 1990’s! Plus, the store has that inherent “Blockbuster Video smell” that I can’t really describe... If you have been to a Blockbuster Video, then you know what I’m talking about.

There was plenty of merchandise to celebrate being the last Blockbuster standing! I picked up a tote bag, a sticker for my water bottle, and a replica membership card.

There was plenty of merchandise to celebrate being the last Blockbuster standing! I picked up a tote bag, a sticker for my stainless steel water bottle, and a replica membership card.

There is a good collection of film memorabilia too. It’s a nice gesture to commemorate the movie industry and it makes the Blockbuster Video feel even more special.

There is a good collection of film memorabilia too. It’s a nice gesture to commemorate the movie industry and it makes the Blockbuster Video feel even more special.

There were several books that people had written notes in and shared where they were from. There was an open notebook on top of the counter that I left a note in and signed along with many others.

There were several books that people had written notes in and shared where they were from. There was an open notebook on top of the counter that I left a note in and signed along with many others.

This is an important business that deserves all its support from the locals and tourists alike, and seeing people rent movies like the old times was a great sight to see. As convenient as the world of streaming is now, it’s still great to have options to shop and browse for forms of entertainment in person too. Video stores, record stores, and other stores for various forms media are a great way to bring people together and bond over shared interests.

This is an important business that deserves all its support from the locals and tourists alike, and seeing people rent movies like the old times was a great sight to see. As convenient as the world of streaming is now, it’s still great to have options to shop and browse for forms of entertainment in person too. Video stores, record stores, and other stores for various forms media are a great way to bring people together and bond over shared interests.

Going to Blockbuster with my family and friends was a special part of my upbringing that I will always fondly look back on and appreciate. Having said that, I am thankful that I got the chance to visit the last location.

Going to Blockbuster with my family and friends was a special part of my upbringing that I will always fondly look back on and appreciate. Having said that, I am thankful that I got the chance to visit the last location.

I wish the last Blockbuster Video continued success and longevity, and I look forward to revisiting. When you find yourself in Oregon, make time to visit this gem and be immersed in the nostalgia. And remember… Be kind. Please rewind. Thank you!

I wish the last Blockbuster Video continued success and longevity, and I look forward to revisiting. When you find yourself in Oregon, make time to visit this gem and be immersed in the nostalgia. And remember… Be kind. Please rewind.

Patrick Cochran
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