The Netflix comedy Blockbuster, though sadly short-lived, is set in the last Blockbuster Video store in existence, located in Bend, Oregon. However, filming actually took place in Vancouver, British Columbia, utilizing various locations to recreate the nostalgic feel of a quintessential late-stage Blockbuster.
The Illusion of Bend: Unpacking the Filming Locations
While the show paints a vivid picture of the quirky small-town atmosphere associated with Bend, Oregon, discerning viewers may notice details that hint at a different locale. Understanding the distinction between the narrative setting and the filming location is crucial to appreciating the series.
Why Vancouver, Not Bend?
The decision to film in Vancouver, B.C., is primarily driven by economic and logistical considerations. British Columbia offers attractive tax incentives and a well-established film production infrastructure, making it a more cost-effective and streamlined choice than filming on location in Bend. This is a common practice in the entertainment industry, allowing for efficient production while still capturing the essence of the desired setting.
Recreating the Blockbuster Aesthetic
The production team meticulously recreated the iconic Blockbuster store using a combination of set design, props, and visual effects. While the exterior shots often resemble a generic suburban landscape, the interior of the store is painstakingly designed to evoke the familiar feeling of browsing through shelves of VHS tapes and DVDs. The use of carefully selected color palettes and lighting further contributes to the nostalgic atmosphere.
Beyond the Store: Depicting the Community
Beyond the walls of the Blockbuster store itself, the show features glimpses of the surrounding community. Vancouver’s suburban areas stand in for Bend’s less urbanized locations. While specific landmarks from Bend are largely absent, the series effectively captures the small-town vibe and the sense of community that is central to the show’s narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Blockbuster Setting
Here are some common questions about the setting of the Netflix show Blockbuster, addressing both the intended location and the actual filming locations:
1. Is the Blockbuster in the Show Real?
Yes and no. The show is based on the very real and only remaining Blockbuster Video store in the world, located in Bend, Oregon. However, the specific Blockbuster featured in the series is a fictional recreation built on a soundstage in Vancouver, Canada.
2. Did the Show Film in the Real Blockbuster Store in Bend, Oregon?
No. While the show draws inspiration from the Bend, Oregon location, filming took place entirely in Vancouver, British Columbia. Logistical and financial factors made filming on location in Bend impractical.
3. Where Exactly in Vancouver Was Blockbuster Filmed?
While specific studio locations are often kept under wraps, it’s understood that Blockbuster utilized various soundstages and suburban locations within the Vancouver metropolitan area. Look for similarities in background architecture in other productions filmed in the region.
4. Does Bend, Oregon, Embrace the Show’s Connection to Their Real Blockbuster?
Absolutely! The Blockbuster store in Bend, Oregon, has capitalized on the show’s popularity, attracting visitors and becoming a pop culture landmark. They sell Blockbuster merchandise and embrace their unique status as the last of their kind.
5. Does the Show Accurately Represent Life in Bend, Oregon?
While the show aims to capture a small-town feel, it takes liberties with the specific details of life in Bend. It’s a comedy, after all, and dramatic license is often employed for comedic effect. Consider it a fictionalized version of Bend, inspired by the real place.
6. How Did the Show’s Creators Decide to Set It in Bend?
The creators chose Bend because it’s the home of the last Blockbuster Video store. This unique setting provides an inherently compelling backdrop for a story about nostalgia, community, and the struggle to survive in a rapidly changing world.
7. What Makes Bend, Oregon, Such a Unique Location for the Last Blockbuster?
Bend, Oregon, has a unique combination of factors that allowed the Blockbuster to survive. These include a strong sense of community, a local population that values physical media, and a dedicated store manager who has tirelessly promoted the store.
8. What Other Movies and TV Shows Have Been Filmed in Vancouver?
Vancouver is a major filming hub, often referred to as “Hollywood North.” Numerous popular movies and TV shows have been filmed there, including Deadpool, The Flash, Riverdale, and Supernatural. This explains the established infrastructure that made it an attractive filming location for Blockbuster.
9. How Much Did the British Columbia Tax Incentives Influence the Filming Location Decision?
The British Columbia tax incentives played a significant role in the decision to film Blockbuster in Vancouver. These incentives can significantly reduce production costs, making it a financially sound choice for studios.
10. Could the Show Have Been Filmed Successfully Anywhere Else?
While technically possible, filming in another location would likely have presented significant challenges. Vancouver’s infrastructure and the readily available talent pool made it an ideal choice. Recreating the Blockbuster aesthetic in a less film-centric location could have been considerably more difficult and expensive.
11. Will the Success of the Show Lead to Increased Tourism to the Bend, Oregon, Blockbuster?
Undoubtedly! The show’s popularity has already led to a significant increase in tourism to the Bend, Oregon, Blockbuster. Fans of the show are eager to visit the last remaining store and experience a piece of movie rental history firsthand.
12. Is There Anything Else About the Setting That Fans Should Know?
While the show focuses on the Blockbuster store itself, it’s important to remember that Bend, Oregon, is a vibrant community with much more to offer than just the last Blockbuster. The city boasts stunning natural beauty, a thriving craft beer scene, and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s worth exploring beyond the Blockbuster to truly appreciate the charm of Bend. In that vein, appreciating the effort put into replicating a familiar, yet ultimately fading, world in Blockbuster‘s Vancouver filming location shows the dedication of the production team to honoring the legacy of Blockbuster Video.