Nine area Blockbuster stores abruptly closed Thursday after the franchise operator filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation, according to a spokesman for the national movie and game rental chain based in Dallas.

"Our franchisor can no longer operate those nine stores," said spokesman Randy Hargrove. He said the company had been in discussion with the franchisee, Video Rentals, but this week's closings came as a surprise.

The move does not affect another 20 Blockbuster locations in the region that are operated by the company and memberships will be honored at those stores, said Mr. Hargrove. Members should, however, return materials rented from the affected locations to lock boxes outside the shuttered stores.

The franchise locations closed are at 3804 Forbes Ave., Oakland; 2010 Wharton St., South Side; 2001 Lincoln Way, White Oak; 1789 S. Braddock Ave., Edgewood; 1984 Greentree Road, Scott; 202 Rodi Road, Penn Hills; 10668 Perry Highway, Pine; 6300 Forbes Ave., Squirrel Hill; and 600 Lincoln Ave., Bellevue.

Mr. Hargrove did not know how many employees were affected by the closings but said those interested in employment at company stores should contact Blockbuster management.

He said subscriptions through the affected stores to two rewards programs, Movie Pass and Game Pass, were canceled effective Thursday so the participants will not be charged additional fees.