Janice R. Andrews
The era of DVD rentals has come to a close with Redbox’s collapse, leaving 24,000 of their signature red vending machines stranded across America. According to The Wall Street Journal, major retailers like Walmart and Walgreens are now burdened with these bulky kiosks after Redbox’s parent company succumbed to massive debt.
While obsolete for their original purpose, these machines are becoming coveted items for collectors of American media memorabilia. Jacob Helton, a 19-year-old collector from North Carolina, managed to acquire one from a local drugstore, emphasizing the historical significance of Redbox in American media consumption.
However, obtaining a Redbox machine is no simple task. Their substantial weight and occasional concrete anchoring make removal challenging and expensive, with costs potentially reaching $500 per unit, according to a former Redbox executive.
Maintenance costs are also significant. Walgreens reported spending $184,000 monthly on electricity for 5,400 kiosks, averaging $35 per machine. These high expenses are pushing many retailers to consider scrapping the machines at a loss.
For collectors who overcome these hurdles, a Redbox machine can store approximately 500 DVDs, creating an unusual display piece. However, their value now lies more in nostalgia than functionality.
Redbox, which once generated nearly $2 billion in annual revenue, has joined Blockbuster in becoming a relic of the past. For those interested in owning a piece of video rental history, this may be the final opportunity before these iconic machines vanish completely.
