Blockbuster Not Coming Back in the U.K.

6 Mar, 2014 By: Erik Gruenwedel

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The nine lives of Blockbuster Video appear to be finally up.

Late last month, British-based JACK FM announced that its Crash Entertainment retail unit had acquired Blockbuster license rights from Dish Networks. The Internet radio station operator said it would rebrand all 10 of its Crash stores to Blockbuster.

The company even included a quote from Dish CEO Joe Clayton, adding that it would incorporate the Blockbuster brand via separate agreements with Virgin Media and TiVO.

Turns out, the Blockbuster resurrection might have been wishful thinking or a hoax.

When contacted originally for confirmation, Dish didn’t respond. A representative later said he wasn’t sure of any license agreement and would investigate.

Hence, Dish’s official response:

“Contrary to media reports, Dish Network Corporation and Blockbuster L.L.C. have not entered into any licensing agreements for the Blockbuster brand in the U.K., nor has it made any statements on the subject.”

A Virgin Media spokesperson confirmed as well that no agreement exists between the cable operator and Blockbuster.

Blockbuster U.K., once the rental icon’s second-largest retail footprint, ceased operations in 2013. Dish shuttered all of its domestic-owned Blockbuster stores last month.

JACK FM’s programming and branding is licensed and marketed by SparkNet Communications. The company has not responded for comment.

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