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PODCAST: Finally my VCR is back in style [MP3]

VHS

Dust off that VCR grandma gave you in '82 and get ready for the VHS revival! Despite the 3D-IMAX-bells-and-whistles craze happening at your local 65 theatre movie-plex, hardcore videotape collectors are patrolling the web for hundred dollar copies of grindhouse flicks you've never even heard of. Why would these Luddites spend hard-earned recession-era dollars on obsolescence you may ask?

As Michael Neel reveals in "VHS is the new vinyl," a subculture of tapeheads thrives on the warbly sound, grained-out tracking lines, and nearly 50%-cropped image of home videotapes. These collectors take a near-scientific interest in preserving B-movies that would otherwise be lost in the DVD revolution, and relish in the nostalgia of watching movies the way they did when they were 12. The intentionally lo-fi viewing experience of VHS recalls a time past, when studios couldn't use high-end formats as a selling point for garbage films. Savvy new flicks are even getting retro-styled VHS promo releases! Why watch a movie any other way than the worst way possible?

Check out Michael Neel on the WFNX Breakfast Show here:
PODCAST: Horror filmmaker Michael Neel on "VHS is the new vinyl" [MP3]


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And now, Laser Orgy presents a practical guide to embracing the VHS revival:

Need advice picking out a piece of vintage home-theatre equipment?





How about a 45 minute tour through some British guy's VHS horror collection?




Honestly though, all these guys are just asking to be sweded.



And somehow related, 7 hours of vacuum cleaner sounds.




Perhaps my fantasy of a Laserdisc renaissance isn't so unlikely after all...

| More

1 Comments

  • alanwk said:

    VCR's can be had for as little as 5 bucks at Goodwill stores and VHS tapes for as little as 50 cents. Movies such as Don't Look Back with Bob Dylan actually are better on VHS.

    February 1, 2011 4:34 PM

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