Blockbuster stores coming back to UK High Streets courtesy of Crash Entertainment [UPDATE]

This story just keep getting stranger by the day: Dish has told Eurogamer it has not licensed the Blockbuster brand to Crash Entertainment despite the latter's announcement yesterday.

"Contrary to media reports, Dish Network Corporation and Blockbuster L.L.C. have not entered into any licensing agreements for the Blockbuster brand in the UK, nor has it made any statements on the subject," said the firm.

Yesterday, Crash Entertainment Group announced its intention to open 10 new Blockbuster stores by the end of 2014 on its website. The announcement has since been removed, and oddly, included a comment on the matter from Joseph P. Clayton, boss of Blockbuster owner Dish.

The firm also announced a deal with Virgin to allow Blockbuster video on demand services through TIVO cable boxes, but Virgin told MCV it was not even aware the company existed.

So, is Blockbuster coming back to the UK or not? Who the hell knows. We'll keep you updated as more information is available. Original story is below.

Original Story

Blockbuster will return to UK High Street due to the licensing of the defunct chain's name by Crash Entertainment.

This will allow the Jack FM owner operate “retail and by mail DVD distribution operations” under the Blockbuster name. MCV reports a plan is in the works to open 10 stores and rebrand five existing Crash Entertainment locations.

Video games will also be part of the new Blockbuster offer.

A Virgin Media deal was also reportedly in the works to allow Blockbuster video on demand services through TIVO cable boxes. However, a Virgin Media representative told MCV "no such deal" was in progress with either Crash or Blockbuster.

The spokesperson said it was not even aware of the company until the report came out. Crash has yet to respond to either MCV or Virgin on the matter.

Blockbuster’s UK stores were closed in December.