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With gimmick pop-ups showing up quite often in London, some may brush them off, but if a decent one pops up, a great wave can be made. Next week in Shoreditch, it’s one of those times. For two days – Blockbuster Video is returning.
If you’re of a certain age, you will remember spending your weekends trawling the shelves of a Blockbuster in order to pick out the perfect VHS tape to rent and add some quality time in front of out tellies. From new releases to all of the classics, it was like a stroll through a physical Netflix, the suspense of not knowing if they had the video you wanted in stock brought some excitement (and sometimes disappointment!) to the activity. Once you’d found and watched your movie (hopefully you rewound the tape!) you’d box it up, drop it into the letterbox outside the shop. These were simpler, some may say even taskful times.
Well, with the release of Deadpool 2 on digital download, Blu-ray and DVD, Blockbuster is making a grand return. A Shoreditch pop-up will be a real recreation of a branch of the video rental chain, which opened in London way back in 1989. There will be one difference though, instead of a full on collection of movies to rent, there will be just one film on offer, yep, it’s Deadpool 2.
1,989 free copies of Deadpool 2 will be on offer. Those hoarders/collectors that have kept onto their now expired blue & yellow laminated Blockbuster membership card will have the chance to skip the inevitable queue to collect a limited-edition VHS case featuring a download code for the film.
If though, you no longer have your membership, you can still have a chance to get a free copy. The caveat though, is that you will have to prove that you’re superhero worthy by auditioning for a copy like you’re trying to join the X-Force itself.
For those that are looking for their full VHS rental fix, there’s a dedicated video rental shop based in Liverpool, VideOdyssey opened its doors back in June and is regularly packed with people pining for the days of browsing shelves and picking out video tapes to watch, there’s a video wall full of VHS tapes and great artwork.
Also included is a special members only area full of arcade machines to play, a bar stocked drinks and snacks to keep you refreshed while you browse and play. – There’s a VHS cinema room for members to sit back and watch one of the regularly screened movies, you can check out VideOdyssey’s on Facebook here to keep updated on their events and happenings.
Hitting you with a big nostalgia wave in London, and the opportunity to pick up a free copy of Deadpool 2, the Blockbuster pop-up will be open for two days from noon on Monday, 17th of September at 133 Bethnal Green Road.