Eps 25: Backrooms Of VHS (2.2.1995)
The podcast episode "Backrooms of VHS" discusses the world of underground VHS collectors and the obscure, rare films they seek out. The host interviews a collector named Dan who describes how he navigates flea markets and thrift stores to find gems such as Japanese horror films and banned movies. Dan explains the appeal of owning physical copies of these films, whose availability is often limited. The host also speaks with a film restoration expert who discusses the importance of preserving these VHS tapes before they degrade, as they provide a glimpse into obscure pockets of film history. Overall, the episode explores the obscurity, nostalgia, and subculture surrounding the world of VHS collectors.
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| Host image: | StyleGAN neural net |
| Content creation: | GPT-3.5, |
Host
Lisa Reed
Podcast Content
Why February 2nd, 1995, you ask? Well, this date marked the official end of the VHS rental era, with Blockbuster Video announcing its decision to stop acquiring new VHS titles and focus solely on DVDs. This moment marked the end of an era, one that saw millions of people flocking to video rental stores every weekend to pick up the latest releases.
But what happened to all of those VHS tapes? Where did they go when they were no longer being rented out to customers? The answer is that they ended up in the backrooms of video rental stores all over the country, sitting on shelves and in boxes, waiting for…something.
In this episode, we'll take a closer look at what those backrooms were like, and what kind of treasures could be found in them. We'll talk to people who worked at video rental stores during the heyday of VHS, and find out what it was like to be part of that world.
We'll also talk to collectors who have spent years scouring thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces for rare and obscure VHS tapes. We'll hear about the thrill of finding a tape you've been searching for, and the disappointment of missing out on one that got away.
But why do people still care about VHS tapes? What is it about this outdated format that inspires such passion and nostalgia? We'll explore these questions and more, as we dig deep into the backrooms of VHS.
So sit back, grab your favorite snack and beverage, and join us for this trip down memory lane. We guarantee you'll never look at a VHS tape the same way again.