Limited spots remain:

Join us Dec. 1-3 in Nashville for the Digiday Programmatic Marketing Summit

REGISTER

Netflix recreates the video rental store experience in VR

In a dash of irony, Netflix, which arguably wiped Blockbuster off the face of the Earth, is coming full circle and recreating the video rental experience in virtual reality.

Introducing “Netflix Zone,” a virtual imitation of a Blockbuster-like video rental store, but instead of browsing through a ratty old selection, current movies and Netflix shows are available to instantly stream instead. The user simply has to pick the item up in VR and throw it at the wall.

The demonstration was produced as part of the company’s frequent Hack Days, where its employees hack together solutions and gimmicks, some of which go viral, such as the Netflix and Chill button.

While triggering a millennial’s thirst for nostalgia is in vogue, it’s unlikely the idea will be released publicly. “As always, while we think these hacks are very cool and fun, they may never become part of the Netflix product, internal infrastructure, or otherwise be used beyond Hack Day. We are posting them here publicly to simply share the spirit of the event and our culture of innovation,” Netflix said.

What’s next, Netflix, a linear cable channel?

More in Marketing

In graphic detail: Six thousand brands later, ChatGPT ads still have a conversion problem

OpenAI has ambitious ad revenue targets, which depend on advertiser demand, measurement and monetisation.

Agencies find AI overuse is leading to brief bloat

Agencies and marketers now frequently use AI tools to create media and creative briefs. But the practice could be a canary in the coalmine for AI overuse in advertising.

Retail media strategies

After DoorDash’s Instacart bid, here’s the case for and against consolidation in commerce media

The DoorDash-Instacart deal could accelerate commerce media consolidation, promising scale but risking higher prices and lock-in.