Mullets are back; cassette tapes are selling better than ever. So it’s no surprise that long-gone video rental chain Blockbuster is making a comeback in San Antonio, too — well, sort of. Alamo City’s first Free Blockbuster has opened inside the My Weekend World Events Center at 435 McCarty Rd in Harmony Hills.
“Come browse, swap, and share your favorite movies & shows — just like the old days,” the project shared on Instagram. “ Whether you’re here to donate, pick up a flick, or just soak in the nostalgia, we can’t wait to see you! Always Free. Always Fun. Always for the community.”
The shop is part of the international Free Blockbuster movement, an organization that aims to “combat the myth of scarcity by providing free entertainment to as many people as possible.” Like the Little Free Libraries popping up in neighborhoods nationwide, it uses a take one, leave one model, no Hulu subscription required.
Brian Morrison, a former Blockbuster employee and cinephile, opened the first outpost in 2019 outside a grocery store in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles. Since then, more than 200 outposts have popped up in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.
The San Antonio Free Blockbuster mimics the original stores with nostalgic wire shelving and signs using the corporate logo and the iconic blue and yellow color scheme. Most worldwide outposts are smaller, using old newspaper vending machines.
Although film fans won’t find the latest releases at Free Blockbuster, there are still plenty of titles to rifle through. Of late, the shelves have been stocked with spooky season classics like Paranormal Activity, Saw, and Jeepers Creepers.
The lending library is currently open Monday through Friday, 4-9 pm; Saturday, noon-9 pm; and Sunday, noon-6 pm.