“Be kind, please rewind.” That request, once found on signs at all Blockbuster stores, was ubiquitous when VHS tapes ruled the movie-rental world a couple of decades ago. And while almost all Blockbuster stores are gone (more on that later), their blue-and-yellow ambience lives on in a pop-up bar in Los Angeles created by entertainment companies Bucket Listers (New York) and New Gold Empire (New York).
That bar opened in late October and will operate until Feb. 19 at 7174 Melrose Ave. Here’s Bucket Lister’s description of the locale:
“This new Blockbuster Pop Up Bar takes everything you remember about choosing a movie pre-streaming, but includes a full bar serving up delicious cocktails and more! Best of all? You won’t have to worry about returning any ‘rentals.’
“When you enter the bar, you’ll be greeted at the door with your very own membership card. However, in this reimagined setting, it will actually act as your drink ticket.
“You can roam around for your libation of choice. Instead of genres, aisles will be sectioned off by different kinds of cocktails and beers. And instead of grainy VHS tapes, you can choose from themed cocktails inspired by popular 90s and 2000s movies.”
In its report on the bar, Business Insider said Bucket Listers purchased a license to use the Blockbuster name and look from Dish Network, which bought the company for $320 million after its bankruptcy in 2010. (The use of a similar license also accounts for the presence of one last Blockbuster store, in Bend, Ore.)