July, 2024 Doc of the Month: The Last Blockbuster (2020)
BE KIND, REWIND!
One of the magic things about summer is the excitement of the new blockbuster movies coming to theaters. It’s only appropriate that the world’s biggest video rental service, boasting over 9,000 stores, was called Blockbuster Video. But even though it may seem like this one-time juggernaut is now extinct, one store remains in Bend, OR. Director Taylor Morden brings us on a journey of nostalgia and hope as celebrities recount their experiences working at or renting from Blockbuster, as well as the story of Sandi, the last Blockbuster’s manager, who is keeping the store afloat despite having the odds stacked against her.
The Last Blockbuster (2020)
Directed by Taylor Morden • 1h 26m
This documentary is narrated by Lauren Lapkus and features interviews with Kevin Smith, Doug Benson, Brian Posehn, Adam Brody, Jamie Kennedy, Ron Funches, Paul Scheer, Samm Levine, Lloyd Kaufman, and many more. But the hero of this story is Sandi Harding, the store’s manager who, with help from her family, keeps the store afloat.
WATCH THE TRAILER
How to watch The Last Blockbuster
The Last Blockbuster is available to rent or buy on these platforms and more:
Amazon - $3.99 to rent, $8.99 to buy at the time of this posting
Apple - $3.99 to rent, $9.99 to buy at the time of this posting
Google - $2.99 to rent, $7.99 to buy at the time of this posting
It is currently available on the following free streaming platforms:
It is also available on Fubo with a subscription.
Things to think about while watching the film
What was your experience like visiting Blockbuster or other video rental stores?
What’s the first thing you think about when you hear the words BLOCKBUSTER VIDEO?
What would your staff picks be?
What do you miss about video rental stores?
How to engage
Either leave a comment here with your thoughts on the film, using the above prompts for inspiration. Using the Substack app? Check out the Notes & Chat section. Be sure to read what other people are saying and continue the conversation!
BONUS:
Email thewaltdocs@gmail.com with your receipt from Blockbuster in Bend, OR and you’ll be gifted a 6-month premium membership for The WALT.
Rent or buy The Last Blockbuster from THE last Blockbuster? Email your receipt and get a LIFETIME premium membership!
Paid Subscriber Perks
Special interviews are in the works!
As always, paid subscribers have input on future doc selections and the full back catalogue.
