Check out freeblockbuster.org for details on how to start your own.
Blu-rays are back: Why people are building physical media libraries again
Remember when you’d go to Costco and buy DVD movies? Some habits are hard to break and I’m embarrassed to admit I buy a ton of movies on Apple and Amazon. That’s why the news coming out now surprises even the cynical me.
Buying a digital movie isn’t like purchasing a physical copy. The movie maker or distributor can’t come into your home’s DVD player and say, “Sorry, this is not yours to watch anymore.” When you “buy” a digital copy of a movie or show, they can do just that, and poof, you lost the movie and your money.
Drama rama is a risky business
The Discovery-Warner Bros. merger has stirred up a bunch of licensing issues. Max lost 87 titles, including the still-popular “Westworld.” And say goodbye to “Mythbusters,” “Minx” and “Legendary.” This means if you bought these titles on Max, you can no longer watch them.
The sci-fi drama and other axed programs are available for free (with ads) on Roku and Tubi, but the point remains: Just because you bought a show or movie doesn’t mean it’s yours to watch forever.
Companies are cutting shows and movies from streaming services to save money on paying residuals to actors and writers, so who knows what you’ll lose next. Enter the second rise of the Blu-ray.
Say no to digital
When I look at the rack in my home theater at my new house, there’s a Blu-ray player. When the AV nerds asked me if I wanted one, I figured, “Why not?” Turns out a lot of other people are doing the same thing now.
Folks are doubling down on collecting DVDs, Blu-rays and other physical media of their favorite shows and movies. For a while, it was just niche hobbyists and film snobs. Now, ordinary people are dusting off the old DVD player.
And where do you go to learn about a new hobby? Reddit, of course. Check out this haul one guy posted to the Blu-ray subreddit. He and his wife recently spent a weekend building a vast collection of their old faves. They’re up to about 500.
It’s not just old movies trending, either. The “Barbie” movie even has a special edition Blu-ray with a pink case. They wouldn’t make it if folks weren’t buying.
Want to go old-school?
VHS tapes worth a ton of money - Check the list!
Kids these days will never know the thrill of wandering the aisles at Blockbuster and picking out a Friday night movie. Sometimes, all we had to go on was the VHS cover. Risky move!
Streaming has taken the place of trips to the video store, but there’s a VHS revival underway. People are digging into their attics and dusting off their collections to remember the good old days. Oh, and they’re selling their old tapes for cash.
Tesla traps toddler inside after battery dies
A girl was saved from a Tesla Model Y in 100-degree weather in Arizona. Plus, two Florida seniors were scammed out of $400,000 in gold, and there’s a nationwide coffee recall. Plus, we talk to Brian Morrison, creator of Free Blockbuster — it’s like those little free libraries, but for movies.
Libraries make “shhh” happen: You know those little libraries where neighbors give a book or borrow a book? “Free Blockbuster” neighborhood boxes work the same way, except you can give or borrow VHS tapes and DVDs for free, no strings attached. With over 200 locations, I love this idea!
Google TV just made it easy to find exactly what you want to watch
When Netflix started its live streaming service, it was revolutionary. Gone were the days of Blockbuster and getting DVDs in the mail. Now everything was at your fingertips. Tap or click here for seven Netflix hacks you’ll use all the time.
You can stream shows for free with Redbox's new live TV service
We’re only a few months into the year and the streaming wars are already in full swing. Right now, platforms like Disney + are throwing members of the old guard like Netflix and Hulu for a loop. Meanwhile, platforms like Amazon continue to dominate the digital rental space.