Introduction

In a surprising turn of events, the iconic Redbox DVD rental kiosks have transformed into treasure troves for movie lovers following the recent bankruptcy declaration by Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment. Just under two years after acquiring the franchised DVD rental service for a whopping $375 million, the company has left over 20,000 kiosks scattered across the United States up for grabs. Movie enthusiasts and opportunists alike are flocking to these deserted machines, taking advantage of the situation to score hundreds of movies for free.

The Rise and Fall of Redbox

If you've been to a CVS or Walmart in the last decade, you’re likely familiar with the bright red, self-serve kiosks that once thrived in the rental market. Launched in 2002, Redbox revolutionized the rental experience, allowing customers to rent films at their convenience. However, as streaming services like Netflix and Hulu took over the market, Redbox began to lose its sheen. The company's acquisition, which was expected to rejuvenate its service, went south when just a year later, Chicken Soup declared bankruptcy, essentially abandoning the now defunct kiosks.

The Great Redbox Heist

On social media platforms, particularly a dedicated subreddit, users are sharing snapshots of their unexpected wins. Many have discovered that numerous kiosks still plugged in are no longer connecting to payment systems, effectively allowing patrons to take out DVDs without paying. One user recounts their experience of being kicked out of a Walgreens after only managing to grab three movies, highlighting the desperation of stores to protect their remaining assets. “I tried explaining that Redbox is no longer in business, but they wouldn’t hear it!” said the frustrated user.

Interestingly, there are reports of people cornering the market on these abandoned kiosks. Some stores have started placing signs on the machines to inform passersby of Redbox's demise, while others have opted to simply unplug the machines altogether. Discussions within the subreddit have brought up ethical questions regarding the legality of plugging in these machines to continue extracting DVDs, showing a mix of audacity and ingenuity among users.

Hoarding and Hacking: What's Next for Redbox?

Beyond raiding the kiosks, some individuals have taken matters into their own hands by acquiring the kiosks themselves. Reports suggest that some store owners are agreeing to let customers take the machines home for minimal fees. These machines are now finding a second life as decorative items in personal collections or as DIY projects. One user proudly displayed their haul of eight used kiosks, which they snagged for a steal, intending to turn them into quirky home décor.

Adding a tech-savvy twist to the story, a Discord server focused on hacking Redbox machines has emerged, attracting over 300 members eager to develop custom firmware and software for the kiosks. While caution is urged against stealing or tampering, many members are exploring ways to repurpose these machines for personal enjoyment.

A Marketplace in Disarray

On online marketplaces like eBay, boxed collections of DVDs from Redbox are also surfacing, reportedly sold by former employees clinging to leftover inventories. As savvy buyers sift through these finds, they are quickly learning which titles resonated with renters and which remained untouched. This unregulated movie festival is bringing back nostalgia for many while raising eyebrows over the future of physical media in a predominantly digital world.

As the dust settles on the Redbox phenomenon, it remains to be seen whether these kiosks will be remembered as relics of a bygone era of renting films or if they will evolve into something entirely new. One thing is clear: In the wake of the business's demise, savvy treasure hunters are writing a new chapter in the saga of Redbox — one DVD at a time.