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- August 29th, 1997 💿
August 29th, 1997 💿
Netflix & chill?
Today, we’re dialing the time machine to August 29th, 1997. Today marked a new era in at-home entertainment, with Netflix being founded in Scotts Valley, California.
If you know someone who still owns a DVD player, send them this newsletter. And tell ‘em to hold onto it, it could be worth something some day.
Let’s go! 🚀
August 29th, 1997 📆
On August 29, 1997, in Scotts Valley, California, Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph launched what seemed like a quirky little idea: mailing DVDs to people. At the time, Blockbuster was still the king of Friday night entertainment, charging late fees that could rival your electric bill. Hastings himself reportedly came up with the idea after being slapped with a $40 fine for returning Apollo 13 late.
Netflix began with a simple, almost laughable question: “What if renting movies didn’t involve awkward small talk with a teenager behind the counter?” Customers could order DVDs online, get them in the mail, and return them without late fees. It was revolutionary, though at first it looked more like a nerdy hobby than the future of global entertainment.
Fast forward, and Netflix didn’t just outlast Blockbuster - it buried it. Blockbuster ceased operations in 2014, and Netflix is now woreth north of $500 billion. Although Netflix discontinued its DVD-by-mail in 2023, its foundation in 1997 paved the way for the global entertainment brand to become what it is today.
TRIVIA: What was the first DVD that Netflix ever shipped? 📀 |
Take Me Back ⏮️
🎥 What we’re watching: Besides DVDs by mail? Season 9 of Mystery Science Theater 3000
🕹️ What we’re playing: Backyard Baseball ‘97 (which is now available on Steam!)
📖 What we’re reading: Harry Potter and the Philospher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
🥤 What we’re drinking: Orbitz (R.I.P.)
🛒 What we’re buying: Teletubbies, if you could get your hands on them
👦 Who we’re following: Robin Williams, the highest grossing star of 1997
🎤 What we’re singing: “Semi-Charmed Life” by Third Eye Blind
🍔 What we’re eating: A Quarter Pounder with Cheese, for just $1 👇
Just For Fun 🙃
Some say 1997 was the golden age for video games, with consoles like the Sony PlayStation and Nintendo 64 becoming centerpieces in basements and bedrooms across the country.
Earlier this week (August 25th), the N64 released an all-time classic: GoldenEye 007. A groundbreaking first-person shooter that featured multiplayer, smart computer enemies that didn’t just stand there, and innovative controls.
Go ahead, take in some nostalgic video game action. 👇
OOTD On This Day🧢
“TWINNING” with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen.
Happy Birthday🎂
American icon and pop singer Michael Jackson turned 39 years old today, and was gearing up for his famous interview with Barbara Walters in a few short days.
Current Events 📰
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