ComingSoon.net conducted a poll to get an idea of how many of our nostalgic readers actually still enjoy watching VHS, and the results are in! Are CS readers ready to fire up their VCRs and jump onboard the VHS nostalgia train? Find out below!
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When asked if they would still buy certain movies on VHS, CS readers responded…
NO, I prefer DVD/Blu-ray/DigitalHD (73%, 681 votes)
YES, I enjoy the look of VHS! (27%, 249 votes)
So there you have it. A MUCH larger number of you than we expected said you still enjoy VHS, but the large majority of readers have moved on to embrace modern technology. While VHS, along with other early formats like Betamax, Laserdisc and CEDs, will always have its place in history for kickstarting the home video revolution, its time has long since passed. Since mainstream VHS ceased production in the mid-2000s, modern DVD, Blu-ray, 4K and Digital HD streaming technology has given home viewers the chance to experience films with the type of theater-quality picture and sound they’ve always dreamed of, with bonus features like documentaries and audio commentaries.
As for those readers who do still enjoy watching films on VHS, we support your format of choice. It is nostalgic and the box art is awesome. It’s how you enjoyed watching movies while you were growing up in the 80’s and 90’s, and has a special feeling for you that’s similar to those who still profess a love of vinyl records over MP3s. There are also certain films -all of them fairly esoteric or amateur (or, yes, pornographic)- that are still ONLY available on VHS, as chronicled in Josh Johnson’s excellent 2013 documentary Rewind This! or at Alamo Drafthouse’s signature revival series Video Vortex.
The poll was inspired by trendy lifestyle chain Urban Outfitters recently offering shoppers the chance to purchase a bundle of five VHS versions of 80’s and 90’s comedies for $40 dollars, movies you might find for 10¢ at a thrift store or yard sale. The store has made a mint off of selling LP record players and new vinyl albums to hipsters, but can they spur a renewed interest in retro VHS love?
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How about it, CS readers? Are you still rockin’ the VCR? What’s a film you still own or want to own on VHS? Let us know in the comments below!
