Blockbuster’s famous retail outlets are dead and gone. But the former chain’s brand is alive and kicking in a new nostalgia play from collectibles maker Funko.
Funko announced a partnership with Blockbuster for a new retro entertainment product line, dubbed Rewind, featuring collectibles and packaging fashioned around the iconic Blockbuster design. The first full Rewind collection is set to go on sale in the fall of 2023. Each newly designed collectible figure comes encased in VHS-type packaging — “reminiscent of a time before Y2K when VHS reigned supreme,” according to Funko. The figures also will come with a membership card designed to mimic Blockbuster’s famous cards.
Blockbuster, which in 2000 famously rejected the chance to buy Netflix for $50 million, was acquired by Dish Network in 2011 for $320 million. Less than three years later, Dish had shut down all owned-and-operated Blockbuster outlets and mothballed the brand.
According to Funko, the Blockbuster-inspired Rewind figures will differ from the typical Funko aesthetic, and their design is intended to “celebrate the nostalgia and overall creativity of the ‘80s, ‘90s and ‘00s.”
Funko will highlight its throwback to the VHS era during the Fun on the Run cross-country event (July 7-July 19), celebrating the company’s 25th anniversary. As part of the activation, Funko will have a branded bus traveling to 10 different locations (starting in Nashville, Tenn., and ending in San Diego for San Diego Comic-Con) where it will be selling exclusive Fun on the Run products (also available on funko.com).
Reprinted from Variety: LINK