According to Marco Pupo, cofounder and CCO of Atlantic New York, the idea for the ad sparked when his team read an article about new businesses keeping Blockbuster's original sign. "The unique shape of that sign is impossible to mistake for anything else-it's inherently Blockbuster," Pupo says. They decided to keep the original brand colors, fonts, and visual elements. "Even though it feels dated, that's exactly the point. When you walk into the world's last Blockbuster store, you're transported back in time. Everything from the carpeting to the membership forms is a direct reflection of the nostalgic era of home video rental, and we wanted to capture that essence in our ad."
In a new ad created by design agency Atlantic New York and posted to the store's YouTube channel, Blockbuster's last location plays on the iconic branding of the beloved chain to land the ultimate nostalgic gut-punch. The spot, called "Signs of the Times," features various shots of the once-ubiquitous Blockbuster signage-a half-torn movie ticket-which, in many locations across the U.S., has been repurposed for new businesses, like Jewell Liquors and Princess Beauty Supply. As the ad flicks through the recycled signs, a soundtrack with all the gravitas of the Succession theme underscores the loss.
At the climax, Blockbuster's blue and yellow sign and logo (both of which were used by the company since its inception in 1985) appear on-screen, directing viewers to the storefront on 211 NE Revere Avenue. "One way or another, we'll still be here," the ad proclaims. This bold statement aims to embody the spirit of resilience and nostalgia as the brand holds onto its last standing location, reminding viewers of the past glory and the cultural significance Blockbuster once held.
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