VHS tapes of films recorded off the telly used to hold far more surprising extra features than your DVDs…
This article comes fromDen of Geek UK.
There is a place called the Cool Shit Shelf.
Upon it sits a Special EditionInceptionattache case containing a spinning top totem.
And lets not forget theReservoir DogsDeluxe Mr. Blonde edition with…well, you get the picture.
That medium, was the home-recorded VHS.
Again, stick with me… For an entire generation, its legacy far outlasts an E-240.
Even on long play.
DVD and Blu-ray will come and go, but the home-recorded VHS will forever be the ultimate Special Edition.
However, the home recorded VHS had almost unlimited potential in keeping you glued to your seat.
Suspiciously mature-looking college kids peered through a hole in the tiles, straight into the girls shower room.
Even five credit stings couldnt quite compare after that.
The words directors cut often spark intrigue and excitement within the film fan.
It is an opportunity to witness the directors true vision, unabated by studio or classification board restrictions.
It was the ultimate representation of capitalism over art and truly indicative of the 1980s.
Thats not to say that these TV edits on HR VHS didnt have their plus points.
These unique versions of films live on in infamy and more often than not, hilarity.
Now thats big and clever.
Of course it worked the other way around too.
Imagine the surprise when the DVD was eventually bought and watched.
It was likePorkysall over again.
Although a highly dubious practice, the sharing of these video cassettes did help to tackle taboos.
Thankfully, school children are known for their discretion and the subject was dropped without further ado.
In hindsight, sharing a YouTube link just doesnt seem the same does it?
Handwritten labels which displayed the titles of previously recorded films harboured immense intrigue and mystery.
Sadly this was something that was always better off left to the imagination.
the HR VHS is an artifact that will remain unrivalled by DVD and Blu-ray.
Digital doesnt deserve a seat at the table.
Hows that for a Special Edition?
