Amongst my ever-expanding array of DVDs, Blu-rays, and 4K discs, I have a set of faux-Blockbuster DVD rental cases. These are custom-made rental cases, mocked up in Blockbuster graphics to appear as if they are authentic DVDs out on loan from my local video store.

I added them to my collection as a bit of fun and nostalgia. I miss the days of bricks and mortar video stores, so felt it would be a neat touch to recapture this lost bit of movie magic.

Now I should add, these custom-made cases were not my creation – I picked them up on Etsy. I have four rental cases in total, covering the four Batman movies from the ‘80s & ‘90s (Batman, Batman Returns, etc).

The cases were produced by the Etsy seller, and were designed to mirror original-style Blockbuster rental cases. The seller included various details on the front, back, and spine, including a movie synopsis.

I provided the synopsis, which included information about the cast as well as the box-office performance. I also added a tagline for each movie, as well as a pull quote from a critic.

Here is the synopsis for each case/movie:

Batman (1989)

Only one will claim the night.

Directed by Tim Burton, from a screenplay by Sam Hamm and Warren Skaaren, Batman is a 1989 superhero film based on characters appearing in DC Comics. Batman is the first instalment in Warner Bros. Pictures’ Batman Anthology (1989 – 1997) and stars Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson, Kim Basinger, Robert Wuhl, Billy Dee Williams, Jack Palance, Michael Gough, and Pat Hingle.

Set during the early stages of Batman’s career, the movie focuses on the Dark Knight’s vow to clean up Gotham City as a mysterious vigilante. But when new adversary the Joker appears, Batman must step out of the shadows to become the city’s champion.

Released in the United States on June 23rd, Batman was a critical and commercial smash-hit, earning over $400 million at the worldwide box office. Batman was the second highest grossing film of 1989, and until the release of Spider-Man (2002), it was the highest grossing superhero film of all time.

“…Jack Nicholson steals every scene in a sizable role as the hideously disfigured Joker.” – Variety

Batman Returns (1992)

Above Gotham looms its greatest hero.

Directed by Tim Burton, from a screenplay by Daniel Waters, Batman Returns is a 1992 American superhero movie. Based on characters appearing in DC Comics, Batman Returns is the second instalment in Warner Bros. Pictures’ Batman Anthology (1989 – 1997), and stars Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Michael Gough, and Pat Hingle.

Developed as a direct sequel to the smash-hit movie, Batman (1989), Batman Returns sees Gotham City’s Dark Knight locked in battle with fearsome foes the Penguin, Max Shreck, and Catwoman. Each villain has their own agenda, with Batman caught in the middle.

Released on June 19th through Warner Bros. Pictures, Batman Returns broke several box-office records and earned $266.8 million worldwide. The movie was the 6th highest grossing film of 1992.

“Burton continues to capture the essence of the Batman legend and more importantly his audience’s imagination.” – Philip Thomas, Empire

Batman Forever (1995)

Courage now. Truth always. Batman Forever.

Directed by Joel Schumacher, from a screenplay by Lee Batchler, Janet Scott Batchler, and Akiva Goldsman, Batman Forever is a 1995 American superhero movie. Based on characters appearing in DC Comics, the film is the third instalment in Warner Bros. Pictures’ Batman Anthology (1989 – 1997), and stars Val Kilmer, Jim Carrey, Tommy Lee Jones, Nicole Kidman, Chris O’Donnell, Michael Gough, and Pat Hingle.

Released as a sequel to Batman Returns (1992), Batman Forever introduces new foes the Riddler and Two-Face, alongside new allies Robin and Dr. Chase Meridian. The story centres around the Riddler’s attempts to extract personal information from the minds of Gotham City citizens, using high-tech brainwave device, the “Box”.

Batman Forever was released in the United States on June 16th through Warner Bros. Pictures. The film took over $336 million worldwide to become the sixth highest grossing movie of 1995.

“It’s lighter, brighter, funnier, faster-paced, and a whole lot more colourful than before.” – James Berardinelli, ReelViews

Batman & Robin (1997)

Strength and courage. Honour and loyalty. It all comes together.

Directed by Joel Schumacher, from a story by Akiva Goldsman, Batman & Robin is a 1997 American superhero movie. Based on characters appearing in DC Comics, the film stars George Clooney, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Uma Thurman, Chris O’Donnell, Alicia Silverstone, Jeep Swenson, Michael Gough, and Pat Hingle, and is the final instalment in the Batman Anthology (1989 – 1997).

Positioned as a sequel to Batman Forever (1995), and paying homage to the 1966 Batman television series, Batman & Robin features the triple threat of villains Mr. Freeze, Poison Ivy, and Bane. The trio plan to send Gotham City into an endless winter, leaving Batman, Robin, and Batgirl to save the day.

Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, Batman & Robin opened in North American theatres on June 20th. The movie took $238 million at the worldwide box office and became the 9th highest grossing film of 1997 in the United States.

“Batman & Robin, like the first three films in the series, is wonderful to look at…” – Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

I chose this particular set of films as I wanted a collection of three or four titles that would give the impression of a fruitful trip to Blockbuster. If it was the ‘90s and I wanted a full weekend of entertainment, then the Batman Anthology would be the way to go.

To sweeten the offering, I added a disc for each film, which I picked up from eBay on the cheap. DVDs can often be found on eBay for a couple of quid, so it seemed like a good idea to make these cases as authentic as possible.

I might not be able to bring Blockbuster back, but I sure as heck can bring a dash of it to my collection.

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