The Rise of Video Rental Giants

This chapter explores the VHS versus Betamax format war and its influence on the growth of video rental stores, particularly the dominance of Blockbuster over independent shops. It details the entrepreneurial boom of the 1980s that facilitated the emergence of rental firms and discusses Blockbuster's business strategies, including its membership model and late fee system. Personal anecdotes and nostalgia are woven throughout, illustrating the cultural significance of video rental experiences in family movie nights.