The Last Blockbuster on Earth: A Nostalgic Trip to Bend

If you close your eyes and picture a Friday night in 1999, you can probably smell it. That distinct mix of buttery popcorn, old carpet, and plastic movie cases is a sensory memory that defined a generation. For most of the world, that experience is gone forever. But here in Central Oregon, it’s alive and well.

Welcome to Blockbuster Bend Oregon, the very last Blockbuster on the planet.

Since March 2019, our humble little store on Revere Avenue has held the title of the only remaining location in the world. What started as a standard franchise has morphed into a massive pop-culture phenomenon and a must-visit spot for anyone looking for things to do in Bend. It’s ironic, really—in a town famous for outdoor adventures and mountain trails, one of our biggest draws is the ultimate indoor nostalgia trip.

How the Bend Blockbuster Survived the Streaming Era

You might be wondering how a single video store in the high desert managed to outlast 9,000 other locations and corporate bankruptcy. It wasn’t an accident; it was a mix of stubborn local grit and some very smart management.

The store didn't actually start as a Blockbuster. It opened back in 1992 as "Pacific Video," run by local owners Ken and Debbie Tisher. They converted it to a Blockbuster franchise in 2000. When the corporate giant filed for bankruptcy in 2010 and started shuttering company-owned stores by the thousands, the Bend location kept humming along because it was locally owned.

By 2018, it was the last one in the US. Then, when a store in Perth, Australia closed in 2019, the Bend location officially became the last one on Earth.

We have to give huge credit to Sandi Harding, the General Manager often called the "Blockbuster Mom." She’s the heart and soul of the operation. While corporate executives were giving up, she was patching up the computer systems, hand-writing labels, and keeping the lights on. Her efforts were immortalized in the 2020 documentary The Last Blockbuster, which is usually how visitors find out we’re still here.

Inside the Blue and Yellow Time Capsule

Walking through the automatic doors feels exactly like stepping into a time machine. The visuals are spot-on: the torn blue carpets, the bright yellow "New Releases" signage, and those endless rows of wire racks are all still there. It’s not a polished museum reproduction; it’s the real deal, worn edges and all.

Believe it or not, this is still a functioning rental store. They stock about 1,200 titles, ranging from the latest marvel movies to 90s classics. Since the distribution networks that used to supply video stores are long gone, Sandi and her team actually head to retailers like Target or Walmart to buy DVDs off the shelf just to put them on the racks for you.

One of the coolest additions is the "Living Room" exhibit in the center of the store. It features a pull-out couch, a clunky CRT television, and a wood-paneled vibe that looks straight out of a 90s sitcom. It was originally set up for a promotional Airbnb sleepover event, but now it serves as the perfect backdrop for your Instagram photo.

And yes, if you live here or are thinking about living in Bend long-term, you can absolutely sign up for a membership. You’ll walk away with a laminated card that is hands-down the best souvenir in town.

Russell Crowe Memorabilia and Famous Props

As you wander the aisles, you’ll notice some glass cases that seem a bit out of place for a video rental shop. This is where the store takes on a bit of a Hard Rock Cafe vibe, thanks to comedian John Oliver and the show Last Week Tonight.

A few years back, John Oliver bought a collection of Russell Crowe movie memorabilia at an auction and sent it to a Blockbuster in Alaska. When that store closed, the items were shipped down to Bend.

Now, you can see Russell Crowe’s hood from Robin Hood, his vest from Les Misérables, and his robe and boxing shorts from Cinderella Man right there next to the candy aisle. It’s weird, wonderful, and totally unique. Just to clear up a common rumor: the famous jockstrap from the auction is not here, but the rest of the collection is worth a look.

Be sure to check the guest book near the counter, too. You’ll see signatures from visitors who traveled from London, Tokyo, and Brazil just to stand in this store.

Blockbuster Merchandise: The Main Attraction

Let's talk about the business side for a second. While the locals do still rent movies, the rentals aren't what keeps the lights on anymore. These days, about 80% of the store's revenue comes from selling merchandise.

Tourists flock here to buy gear that celebrates a brand corporate America essentially killed. The "Be Kind, Rewind" trucker hats are a staple, along with blue and yellow sweatpants, t-shirts, and even locally made Bend souvenirs like beanies and stickers.

It’s a smart pivot. You might come for the selfie, but you’ll likely leave with a hoodie or a coffee mug. They do have an online shop, but they keep certain items as in-store exclusives to reward folks who make the pilgrimage. It’s a great stop if you’re doing some shopping in Bend and want gifts that no one else has.

Visiting the Last Blockbuster: Hours and Location

If you are planning a drive by, it’s incredibly easy to find. The store isn't hidden away; it’s in a standard strip mall right on a busy corner.

• Address: 211 NE Revere Ave, Bend, OR 97701 (Corner of Revere and US-20).
• Parking: There is a large, free parking lot right in front. You won't have to fight for a space.
• Hours: They are typically open daily, often from 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM, but always check Google or their Facebook page before you head over, especially on holidays.

If you want the place to yourself to browse the aisles and soak in the nostalgia, try visiting on a weekday morning. Weekends can get surprisingly busy with lines of people waiting to take photos in the living room set.

Exploring the Neighborhood: The Orchard District

The Blockbuster sits in what we call the Orchard District (sometimes just referred to as Midtown). It’s a neighborhood with a bit of grit and a lot of character, blending older residential streets with commercial strips.

For the ultimate 90s experience, look right next door. There is a Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza adjacent to the Blockbuster. You can literally rent a movie and grab a bake-at-home pizza in one trip, recreating the classic Friday night ritual perfectly.

If you’re looking for something more modern, Midtown Market is just a short walk away and offers an incredible selection of beer, wine, and upscale snacks. And if you want to stretch your legs after browsing the aisles, you are just a quick drive from the Pilot Butte scenic viewpoint, where you can catch a sunset over the city.

Why Bend? The Local Culture of Support

It’s no coincidence that the last Blockbuster is in Bend. This town has always had a "support local" ethos that runs deep. Even when Netflix and Redbox were taking over the world, folks in the Orchard District kept renting from Ken, Debbie, and Sandi because they liked the human interaction.

Bend is a movie town, but it’s also a community that values tangible experiences over convenience. The store is a survivor, much like the "Old Bend" spirit that residents try to hold onto even as the city grows. It represents a slower, friendlier way of doing business that fits right in with the local lifestyle.

FAQ: Questions About the Bend Blockbuster

Is the Blockbuster in Bend the last one in the world?

Yes, it is officially the only one left. It became the last location in the United States in 2018 and the last one on Earth after the Perth, Australia store closed in March 2019.

Can you still rent movies at the Blockbuster in Bend?

Absolutely. It is a fully functional rental store with active accounts and new releases hitting the shelves weekly. Most of the active renters are locals who live in the neighborhood.

Does the last Blockbuster have a website for merchandise?

Yes, they ship hoodies, t-shirts, and souvenirs worldwide through their official website. However, some specific items are kept as in-store exclusives to encourage people to visit in person.

Who owns the last Blockbuster?

The store is locally owned by Ken and Debbie Tisher, who originally opened it as Pacific Video in the early 90s. It is not owned by a corporate entity, which is a big reason why it survived the bankruptcy.

Is the Russell Crowe jockstrap at the Bend Blockbuster?

No, the jockstrap did not make the journey to Bend. However, the store does display Russell Crowe’s hood from Robin Hood, his vest from Les Misérables, and his robe from Cinderella Man, which were donated by John Oliver.