Blockbuster Express Kiosks Leaving

Bye, bye .

The Blockbuster Express movie kiosks around Sarasota and Bradenton will be gone starting next week due to a purchase by rival Redbox. 

Redbox purchased the kiosks on June 23, and those are operated by computer and cash register manufacturer NCR Corp., which then licensed the Blockbuster Express name, according to Blockbuster Express' website. In turn, the Blockbuster Express brand was sublicensed to Redbox after the transaction.

Blockbuster Express sent emails to folks in the Sarasota area Monday letting them know that their nearby kiosk, including one at the on 2031 Bay St., Sarasota, will be gone. Movies should be returned by Wednesday, Aug. 5, according to the email. 

It is up to each store whether they will enter into a contract with Redbox or another movie rental kiosk provider after the Blockbuster Express kiosk is removed, according to a customer service representative.

The only other Sarasota Blockbuster Express kiosk listed is at Publix at 2875 University Parkway while Bradenton has nine kiosks, according to the site. Though it's unclear if Blockbuster Express' site was even up to date, as the Bay Street location wasn't listed as well as other locations Patch has on file. Redbox lists about 50 kiosks in Sarasota and Bradenton.

If you need to return a movie and the Blockbuster kiosk was already switched to a Redbox, call 1-877-300-2128. 

Blockbuster Express discount and Groupon codes cannot be used at Redbox, according to the site.

Blockbuster Express is not affiliated with the Blockbuster stores.