Not even the usual “things were simpler/better when I was a kid” nostalgia alone, but having a ritual/routine (most people went every X, so they had something to look forward to), being out of the house (even if it was to a store, at least you were outside for a bit), and sometimes even just getting to go somewhere with your friends/family (see: malls)
I don’t miss Blockbuster but I do miss little routines.
The time imperative and combo deals meant that you would typically do this as a social event in and of itself so you’d likely have people over and because you had fixed number combos like x new release plus >X weeklies you’d often pick up something you otherwise wouldn’t spend money on since you need to meet quota to get your money’s worth and it was a good way to discover films. I mean you have way MORE choice now, but it doesn’t work the same way psychologically
Not even the usual “things were simpler/better when I was a kid” nostalgia alone, but having a ritual/routine (most people went every X, so they had something to look forward to), being out of the house (even if it was to a store, at least you were outside for a bit), and sometimes even just getting to go somewhere with your friends/family (see: malls)
I don’t miss Blockbuster but I do miss little routines.
The time imperative and combo deals meant that you would typically do this as a social event in and of itself so you’d likely have people over and because you had fixed number combos like x new release plus >X weeklies you’d often pick up something you otherwise wouldn’t spend money on since you need to meet quota to get your money’s worth and it was a good way to discover films. I mean you have way MORE choice now, but it doesn’t work the same way psychologically