Hollywood Video's History and What Happened to the Rental Chain

Hollywood Video closed all U.S. locations by 2010, ending decades of video rental service

Hollywood Video was a video rental chain that operated thousands of stores across North America from 1989 until its final closure in 2010. The company rented DVDs, VHS tapes, and video games from physical storefronts where customers browsed shelves, selected titles, and returned them within a rental period. At its peak in the early 2000s, Hollywood Video operated more than 2,200 locations in the United States and Canada, making it one of the largest video rental chains in North America alongside Blockbuster.

The chain's decline followed the same pattern that affected the entire video rental industry: streaming services like Netflix began offering movies by mail and then online, and consumers shifted away from renting physical media. Hollywood Video filed for bankruptcy in 2010 and closed its remaining stores that same year. Today, no Hollywood Video locations operate in South Carolina or anywhere else in the United States.

Key Takeaways

• Hollywood Video operated from 1989 to 2010 and was once the second-largest video rental chain in North America.
• The company rented movies on VHS and DVD, as well as video games, from physical retail locations.
• Hollywood Video closed all stores by 2010 as streaming services and changing consumer habits reduced demand for physical media rentals.
• If you have unreturned items or questions about an old Hollywood Video account, contact information may be available through bankruptcy records or the company's former parent corporation.

How Hollywood Video operated

Hollywood Video stores were retail locations where customers could walk in, browse inventory organized by genre, and rent movies or games. Rental periods typically lasted three to five days for new releases and longer for older titles. Customers paid a rental fee upfront and returned items by the due date to avoid late fees. The company also sold used DVDs and games, and some locations offered concessions like candy and snacks.

The chain competed directly with Blockbuster Video, which operated a similar model with more locations. Both companies relied on the same business model: customers needed to visit a physical store, select titles in person, and return them within a set timeframe. This model worked well through the 1990s and 2000s when streaming was not yet widely available, but it became vulnerable once Netflix and other services offered movies without the need to leave home or return items by a deadline.

Why Hollywood Video closed

Hollywood Video's decline accelerated in the mid-2000s as Netflix expanded its streaming service and mail-order DVD rental became less attractive. Streaming eliminated the need to return items, removed late fees, and offered a larger catalog without the overhead of maintaining physical stores. At the same time, digital downloads through services like iTunes and Amazon Prime Video offered another alternative to renting physical media.

The company attempted to adapt by launching an online rental service and partnering with other retailers, but these efforts could not offset the shift in consumer behavior. Hollywood Video filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in August 2010 and announced the closure of all remaining stores. The final locations closed by the end of that year. Blockbuster, the larger competitor, followed a similar path and closed its last store in 2014.

What happened to Hollywood Video's parent company

Hollywood Video was owned by Rentrak Corporation, which also operated Game Crazy, a video game rental chain. When Hollywood Video filed for bankruptcy, Rentrak sold off assets and eventually exited the physical rental business entirely. Rentrak later pivoted to providing software and data services to the entertainment industry and was eventually acquired by Rovi Corporation in 2016.

If you have questions about an old Hollywood Video account, unreturned items, or outstanding charges, those records may be held by Rentrak or its successor companies. Bankruptcy records from 2010 are also publicly available through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court and may contain information about customer claims or refunds.

Video rental alternatives in South Carolina today

While Hollywood Video no longer operates, South Carolina residents have other options for renting movies and games. Streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu offer thousands of titles for monthly subscriptions. Redbox kiosks, located in grocery stores and convenience stores throughout South Carolina, allow customers to rent DVDs and Blu-rays for a few dollars per night. Public libraries in South Carolina also lend DVDs, Blu-rays, and video games for free to cardholders.

For video game rentals specifically, services like GameFly mail games to subscribers, and some local game stores in South Carolina may offer used game sales or trade-in programs. The shift from physical rental stores to streaming and digital services has made entertainment more convenient for many consumers, though it has also eliminated the browsing experience and social aspect of visiting a video rental store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still rent movies or games from Hollywood Video?

No. Hollywood Video closed all stores in 2010 and no longer operates anywhere in the United States. Streaming services, library rentals, and Redbox kiosks are the main alternatives for renting movies and games in South Carolina today.

What should I do if I have an unreturned item or outstanding balance from Hollywood Video?

Contact Rentrak Corporation or check bankruptcy records from 2010 for information about old accounts. Most rental charges from that period are likely beyond the statute of limitations for collection, but you can verify your account status through available records.

Where can I find information about Hollywood Video's bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy records are public and available through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court website. Search for "Rentrak" or "Hollywood Video" with the 2010 filing date to access court documents, creditor lists, and settlement information.

Did Hollywood Video have any locations in South Carolina?

Yes, Hollywood Video operated stores throughout South Carolina during its years of operation, but all locations closed by 2010. No physical Hollywood Video stores remain anywhere in the country.