Blockbuster’s famous video rental store has disappeared. But the old chain’s brand lives on, and a new nostalgia drama is emerging from collectibles maker Funko.
Funko has announced a partnership with Blockbuster for a new retro entertainment product line called Rewind, featuring collectibles and packaging built around iconic Blockbuster designs.
The first complete Rewind collection is expected to launch in Fall 2023. Each newly designed collectible figure comes wrapped in VHS type packaging. According to Funko, “It’s reminiscent of his pre-Y2K days when VHS reigned supreme.” The figure also comes with a membership card that mimics Blockbuster’s famous card.
Blockbuster famously declined the chance to buy Netflix for $50 million in 2000, but was acquired by Dish Network for $320 million in 2011. Less than three years later, Dish closed all Blockbuster stores it owned and operated, putting the brand on hiatus. Currently, Blockbuster’s website has a message that reads, “We are working on rewinding your film.” (In a meta twist, Netflix premiered the workplace comedy Blockbuster last fall, but it was canceled after one season.)
According to Funko, the blockbuster-inspired Rewind figures are intended to “celebrate the nostalgia and overall creativity of the ’80s, ’90s and ’00s, unlike typical Funko aesthetics.” It is said that it has become a design.
“Our partnership with Blockbuster, one of the entertainment industry’s most well-known retail chains, gives fans the opportunity to stand on the edge of vintage pop culture and entertainment,” Funko CEO Brian Mariotti said in announcing the deal. said to
“Rich in nostalgia, Rewind expertly showcases our extensive licensing structure, offering consumers new ways to access and embrace the pop culture giants who defined a generation in a uniquely Funko way.”
Funko will highlight its return to the VHS era at its 25th anniversary cross-country event “Fun on the Run” (July 7-19). As part of the activation, Funko will operate branded buses to 10 different locations (starting in Nashville, Tennessee and ending in San Diego for San Diego Comic-Con) where Fun on the Run products will be sold. (also available online at funko.com).
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The article “Blockbuster is Back – Coming to Funko’s Retro Collectibles Line” first appeared in Media Pub News.