Remember Blockbuster? One-Time Video Giant Having an Open House

Blockbuster video stores nationwide, including the one in Edmonds, are kicking off their holiday seasons with an open house Saturday and Sunday. The company says it will be introducing lower prices, more convenience and greater value.

The Texas-based Blockbuster, founded in 1985, defined the conglomerate chain store in the 1990s and through most of the 2000s as its presence reached seemingly every corner of the corner, which forced the closure of thousands of mom-and-pop videos stores.

Times have changed, of course, and the rise of the Internet, Netflix and other video services cut into Blockbuster's revenue. After filing for bankruptcy last year, Blockbuster was purchased by Dish Network and became a subsidiary.

In February, Blockbuster closed numerous stores nationwide but spared its location in Edmonds, in the QFC Shopping Center.

As part of its weekend open house, Blockbuster stores will be hosting numerous activities. They include Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 tournaments on Saturday beginning at 3 p.m. and activities for kids on Sunday from noon to 3 p.m.

Throughout the entire weekend, participating Blockbuster stores will have movie trivia contests, free giveaways, store tours, games, prizes and rental specials, such as 49-cent movie rentals all weekend long for movies priced at $1.99 and less, as well as 99-cent games.

Blockbuster in Edmonds is at 22804 100th Avenue West.