Relive the ’90s with Blockbuster Sleeve Generator

Relive the golden era of Friday night video rentals with the Blockbuster Sleeve Generator, a nostalgic tool by Tex Jernigan that lets you design, customize, and print authentic 1990s-style VHS and DVD covers. This interactive project brings the magic of wandering through the aisles of a local video store back to life, recreating the iconic blue-and-yellow cases that defined movie nights for a generation.

Powered by the TMDB API and a curated archive of former Blockbuster store locations, the generator produces printable, fold-ready sleeves that look just like genuine 1994 rentals, complete with era-accurate labels, layouts, and vintage charm. Users can feature their favorite hometown Blockbuster on each custom sleeve, adding a personal touch to every design. Key movie details, including cast, synopsis, and runtime, are automatically filled in, so there’s no need for manual entry.

The iconic blue-and-yellow Blockbuster Video sleeve, known for its instantly recognizable aesthetic, was introduced as part of the company’s branding in 1985. Sandy Cook, wife of founder David Cook, is often credited with the signature color scheme, while the logo and overall visual identity were crafted by Dallas-based Rominger Advertising and Art Director Lee Dean. The design featured a bright blue background with bold yellow lettering in the “ITC Machine” typeface, specifically chosen to stand out on crowded store shelves. These sleeves were displayed in high-visibility plastic “polycase” containers, allowing the entire cover to be seen and encouraging customers to browse the aisles. Decades later, the timeless design continues to inspire nostalgia, with movements like “Free Blockbuster” emerging in 2024–2025, where fans create unofficial, free libraries that mimic the classic blue-and-yellow look, keeping the spirit of the video rental era alive.

Perfect for reliving childhood movie nights, celebrating classic films, or giving your collection a retro makeover, the Blockbuster Sleeve Generator delivers a fun, creative, and heartfelt way to experience the nostalgia of the video rental era.