Redbox Bankruptcy Leads to Mass Plundering of Abandoned Kiosks

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After the bankruptcy of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, owner of Redbox, thousands of DVD rental kiosks have been left unattended across the country. This has led individuals to help themselves to free movies—and even the kiosks themselves—raising questions about legality and ethics.

Key Facts:

– Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment purchased Redbox in May 2022 for $375 million.
– The company declared bankruptcy less than two years later, leaving over 20,000 kiosks abandoned.
– People are removing DVDs from unattended kiosks, sometimes facing pushback from store employees.
– Some have obtained permission to take entire Redbox machines for personal use or scrap.
– Online communities have formed to share experiences and discuss repurposing the kiosks.

The Rest of The Story:

Redbox kiosks, once a common sight outside retailers like CVS and Walmart, offered a convenient way to rent DVDs and, for a time, video games.

However, as streaming services grew in popularity, demand for physical rentals declined.

In an effort to revive the brand, Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment acquired Redbox in 2022.

Despite this move, the company filed for bankruptcy less than two years later, leaving thousands of kiosks unattended nationwide.

Many of these machines remain plugged in but no longer process payments correctly.

This has led individuals to take DVDs without being charged, viewing it as an opportunity to acquire free movies.

Some have shared their exploits online, noting varied reactions from store employees—ranging from indifference to being asked to leave the premises.

Beyond taking DVDs, some enthusiasts have gone further by requesting permission from store managers to remove the kiosks entirely.

In some cases, permission has been granted, allowing people to repurpose the machines or salvage them for parts.

Online forums and communities have emerged where individuals exchange tips on acquiring DVDs and modifying the kiosks for personal projects.

Commentary:

While the temptation to take free movies from unattended kiosks is understandable, it’s important to recognize that this amounts to stealing.

Respecting property rights and adhering to the law should remain a priority, even when circumstances seem ambiguous due to a company’s bankruptcy.

Unauthorized removal of DVDs or kiosks can lead to legal consequences and undermines ethical standards.

However, if the kiosks are truly abandoned and permission is obtained from property owners, repurposing or salvaging them could serve the public interest.

Properly handling these unused machines helps reduce waste and prevents potential safety hazards associated with neglected equipment.

In such cases, removing the kiosks responsibly benefits both the community and the environment.

The Bottom Line:

The downfall of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment has left a gap in the physical movie rental market, resulting in abandoned Redbox kiosks across the nation.

While some see an opportunity to acquire free movies or equipment, it’s crucial to act responsibly.

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Obtaining proper authorization and respecting legal boundaries ensures that any actions taken are ethical and potentially beneficial to the community.