"TTYL in Hell" is a trademarked phrase and an upcoming short film I may have created.
Like anyone who has recently hit 30, I’ve been thinking about death a lot lately. Naturally, I thought, “Hey, I should write a will so all my cool junk can be forced onto my friends & family when it’s my time to say ‘TTYL in Hell’ or drive my car into the ocean…etc.” I won’t go into the specifics, because I’m alive and well (and love my Subaru '99 wagon too much to even consider any water logging mold issues), BUT, the hardest item I have yet to "willify" is my VHS Collection.
"TTYL in Hell" is a trademarked phrase and an upcoming short film I may have created.
Let's break down the
secret meaning of V-H-S:
Viewing
The commitment to the chosen tape — the notion of sitting down and pressing play (and getting swept away!) Many scholars also denote this as “The Inverse Effect of Streaming Content”, where there’s a tendency to try something for 2 minutes, say “eh” and then browse for 2 more hours until you give up. You chose the tape. The tape chose you.
History
Artwork/Big-Boxes/Clamshells/Ex-Rentals/Library Stickers/Smeared Boogers… the physical history most tapes carry is something so rare these days. The intention of preservation is beautiful — and important as many great flicks were only released on VHS. It’s like the vinyl record, you feel the history on the box.
Standard (Definition)
Yes, I know your wall-sized screen has 15k resolution and motion smoothing and can re-edit the movie to cut out boring scenes & replace them with Ads (curated to you from Sirilexa listening to you breathing on the couch)… but where’s the vibe? If it’s even present, it’s harsh. Flip the script! Don’t be shy of seeing grit, a little grain, some tracking issues… forget photoshopped plastic HD for a hot sec here. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder — and for better or worse try wearing Ry-Vision-480p knock-off wayfarers for a smidge of a moment.
DISCLAIMER: avoid driving or operating heavy machinery, Ry-Vision may induce heavy nostalgia & strong vibes. The surgeon VHGeneral recommends a couch and a cold bottle of Moosehead.
![A VHS box for "My Bloody Valentine."](https://varyer.imgix.net/MBV_3_CU_Texture.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1280&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=960&s=e7ee5a8d170fc0f12e63dddc059ab396 960w, https://varyer.imgix.net/MBV_3_CU_Texture.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2560&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1920&s=f68d68bd23c4d0688161ec63a03dedaf 1920w, https://varyer.imgix.net/MBV_3_CU_Texture.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=c5b06f9febd29e3a5bca4f054cfd6163 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/MBV_3_CU_Texture.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2048&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=f75b5dbc77ac11a3e2156f5cf271854f 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/MBV_3_CU_Texture.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=5a857213d8018f915fdcbc831730faf4 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/MBV_3_CU_Texture.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1536&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=593e300a6a83e4cdd53f99c7285e3801 1152w)
![A blue VHS tape box and its tape for Blue Sunshine.](https://varyer.imgix.net/BlueSunshine_1_2022-03-18-184840_jztf.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1280&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=960&s=cc9a7700b020c428e9d3704697768d0b 960w, https://varyer.imgix.net/BlueSunshine_1_2022-03-18-184840_jztf.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2560&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1920&s=85518c9fd16f77229b76a268132201fb 1920w, https://varyer.imgix.net/BlueSunshine_1_2022-03-18-184840_jztf.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=1b85de8d2f3f638fc84f2424792a4b28 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/BlueSunshine_1_2022-03-18-184840_jztf.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2048&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=769808ac770c9bdbcf14dccf83dce792 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/BlueSunshine_1_2022-03-18-184840_jztf.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=dd2bb9b2f2855de06d8b623f30bafd29 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/BlueSunshine_1_2022-03-18-184840_jztf.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1536&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=912aeec504c8ed4891a12ff00512e8e8 1152w)
![A VHS tape box and its tape for My Bloody Valentine.](https://varyer.imgix.net/MBV_1_2022-03-18-184856_qdbh.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1280&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=960&s=976c66367821ba2eb684449a2068b871 960w, https://varyer.imgix.net/MBV_1_2022-03-18-184856_qdbh.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2560&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1920&s=1366f4dfa4215ad4df94d89c5c4e8eb6 1920w, https://varyer.imgix.net/MBV_1_2022-03-18-184856_qdbh.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=906a81ba22579e68ee805c4e74660c2c 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/MBV_1_2022-03-18-184856_qdbh.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2048&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=aaff4fc6e5ac8721bae7eba874d64373 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/MBV_1_2022-03-18-184856_qdbh.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=2d0005a1219c5fcbacf0f346fbad4192 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/MBV_1_2022-03-18-184856_qdbh.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1536&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=6e15601c129d87f25bf792b9ce613b62 1152w)
![A VHS tape box with monsters on it for the movie Bleeders.](https://varyer.imgix.net/Bleeders_1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1280&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=960&s=c19adb82fc4308f925ce7018f2391fc4 960w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Bleeders_1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2560&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1920&s=8fba485bd43a281de5dba735563e522f 1920w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Bleeders_1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=20f43796e8b7d8c3c712d2e7df767b8c 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Bleeders_1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2048&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=15e0bc1135d292cc2a6bd51d689edd96 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Bleeders_1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=562334970a8de330528690aa6b8eb541 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Bleeders_1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1536&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=18bcbe052fa7b6c72e88681206dbf2cb 1152w)
![The spine of a vintage VHS box.](https://varyer.imgix.net/IceStorm_3_CU_Texture.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1280&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=960&s=9eacc5cd0718a4e2f4cfca51ab6ceb2e 960w, https://varyer.imgix.net/IceStorm_3_CU_Texture.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2560&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1920&s=650e7dbbf31a15ec8717b7a5ba066fb0 1920w, https://varyer.imgix.net/IceStorm_3_CU_Texture.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=4f1f0d5be3aa2f1b1a9fdd1a5b192279 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/IceStorm_3_CU_Texture.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2048&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=0726eebf1bc706db5a5c06984930a8da 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/IceStorm_3_CU_Texture.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=8460cb7ab4dad3d29b70867a4207da79 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/IceStorm_3_CU_Texture.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1536&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=2dded099583df3e88afce98e7d6bd5ce 1152w)
Coven
Director: Chris Smith
American Movie is a documentary made about a young director making a no-budget film in Wisconsin. I think it is the best documentary I’ve ever seen. Mark Borchardt, the subject/filmmaker in the documentary, is not a fan of this film. I have nothing but respect for him and I find American Movie to be the most profound telling of true, no-budget filmmaking and the American Dream aspect of that journey. That said, I wanted to find Borchardt’s work, not work about him making work. Enter Coven, shot on 16mm B&W film, released on limited-run VHS & signed by him. It is the extension of the American Dream story but brought full circle. I’d highly recommend watching both films mentioned here, and Mark’s other work (including his latest The Dundee Project which my creative collab bud Jeremy & I released via our now retired indie VHS distribution company, Weird Life LTR, a few years back.) LTR = Limited Tape Run!
![The back of the cover box to the VHS for Coven.](https://varyer.imgix.net/Coven_2.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1600&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=c8bc8932b0c0d299fea5387d0ae1645e 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Coven_2.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=3200&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=95b60c234c67a5300f1141db13c3098c 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Coven_2.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1322&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=bf462e7ec15a964a7f502b85f0df14e0 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Coven_2.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2645&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=f90d2da5734b3c4bf4c478f7649ee51f 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Coven_2.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=98599676647e9f1ad94c2ec4036368aa 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Coven_2.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2048&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=1260980f3d836ee2759ce6bc07d98d3a 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Coven_2.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=08c6644f764c7364b34ddda3230269f5 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/Coven_2.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1536&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=935ba05ddd54ef1f2edd3aa8a02ab30a 1152w)
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me
Director: David Lynch
This film you likely know, but you likely haven’t watched in a while (or ever all the way through) so I’ll go the more personal route here. I am so fond of this film & would say it’s my favey Davey flick, particularly in VHS format. ~*Flashback*~ As a fresh art school grad in the fall of 2014, I moved home to my folks' casita to "figure it all out" and would watch this film in chunks over a (many) cup(s) of coffee before riding around the burbs on my old moped, sneaking cigarettes from my sweet folks, and waiting for a "meet cute" with some suburban goddess (which somehow happened in kind of similar fashion not long after & I’m marrying her this summer! I digress ... ) Some days I’d watch 30 minutes and others 15 minutes, but the tape always remembered where I left it. Thinking of those emotions of excitement and fear for what was next in my life (still relevant), the inspiration I felt from this insane film, & just being in my parent’s basement with the ol’ VCR harks a very special feeling of comfort.
![The VHS box for Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me.](https://varyer.imgix.net/TP_FireWalk_1_2022-03-18-191824_vpyb.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1836&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=c5f13825da02e1a753eaba91ce3c7f2a 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/TP_FireWalk_1_2022-03-18-191824_vpyb.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=3673&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=9b92ddb5e5def4f415f08ae934814728 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/TP_FireWalk_1_2022-03-18-191824_vpyb.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1518&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=f4f9174f6fe48574256b06cc5dfed9ad 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/TP_FireWalk_1_2022-03-18-191824_vpyb.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=3036&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=9faac9e0c6ea0c9f586ebd71f58d60a8 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/TP_FireWalk_1_2022-03-18-191824_vpyb.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1175&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=757e13fc7b3d454d6fa5ea73b89a571d 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/TP_FireWalk_1_2022-03-18-191824_vpyb.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2350&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=a4894065e6a746a80799bc1548afb367 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/TP_FireWalk_1_2022-03-18-191824_vpyb.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=881&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=c689935a2a080764459f5f04f697bd67 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/TP_FireWalk_1_2022-03-18-191824_vpyb.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1763&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=86fc158c58f3ff4009d27f71ea89c0c9 1152w)
Bleeders (aka Hemoglobin)
Director: Peter Svatek
There is one large reason I own or know of this tape. On certain copies, there is a plastic sleeve built into the cardboard tape box, enclosed with fake blood. Yeah, buddy! And hey buddy, two more tidbits to sell you… it’s Canadian (the land that birthed Rick Moranis) and Steve O’Bannon (Return of the Living Dead, Alien) penned the screenplay and passed shortly after. If I go out with something like Alien under my wing but my last work is about blood goblins & released on VHS with the ultimate gimmicky cover effect… you can rest easy knowing I’d be a cheeseburger in paradise.
Ice Storm '91
Director: News Source 13 WOKR
This is a documentary piece from a small news outlet about a historic ice storm in Rochester, NY, in… yup…1991. Incredible time capsule and truly a joy to watch! All proceeds benefited the American Red Cross & suggested retail at the time of release was only $14.95 (includes tax, ya cheapo!) Can’t say for sure, but I’m guessing there are only one or two other copies of these out there in functioning shape left — can I add archivist to my resume? Maybe right next to “overly wordy writer?”
![The VHS box and tape for Ice Storm '91.](https://varyer.imgix.net/IceStorm_1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1405&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=1165c233ec11fb301b8c69f3dcc79b45 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/IceStorm_1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2810&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=2e395dde38d0b4fe53ee894b6e5950ed 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/IceStorm_1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1161&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=82c9368fd82a07675d70318a38015eab 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/IceStorm_1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2323&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=55d8cf786d8f421f3e1ac319d972c81f 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/IceStorm_1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=899&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=7eeb9d16b910f724ccec6401d90de131 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/IceStorm_1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1798&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=3b5757797dca36f4bf7710d41293c8bc 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/IceStorm_1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=674&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=c134ddef37df1a197b99c8d4e8346e23 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/IceStorm_1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1349&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=b80fc7af7fe303a251de2c354f726b35 1152w)
![The VHS box cover for Trees Lounge.](https://varyer.imgix.net/TreesLounge_1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1600&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=641b51a03c94e24d5298bc61c5268c18 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/TreesLounge_1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=3200&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=051585876630aa9e9a90320371f4b3e6 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/TreesLounge_1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1322&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=5774bb1466ec9a0226a2ae4244db1654 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/TreesLounge_1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2645&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=e1b73e8108c39dde31e50bf29c100b8f 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/TreesLounge_1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=db5c83a5bfc869fd59db1ea761550dde 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/TreesLounge_1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2048&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=5e14ef2342a196084d88a8edfc0efe2f 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/TreesLounge_1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=7dabcd8f6c1d54c6d0f10412410f90e2 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/TreesLounge_1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1536&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=fb7c450940279ec3fd22ddb5be5c9fa1 1152w)
The type of film is MADE for VHS. I am 99% certain Stevie B would be very upset if you watched this on Amazon Prime or even, god forbid, laserdisc.
Tree's Lounge
Director: Steve Buschemi
Steve’s directorial debut is about nothing much at all besides him drinking at a bar called Tree’s Lounge. The type of film is MADE for VHS. I am 99% certain Stevie B would be very upset if you watched this on amazon prime or even, god forbid, laserdisc. Pop it in, grab a can & you’ll never need to meditate again — Tree’s Lounge harbors the ultimate atmosphere of pure, relaxing nothingness. (And with Chloe Sevigny & one of the semi-weird-looking Baldwin brothers (not to be confused with the really weird-looking one)).
![The VHS box cover and the tape for Trees Lounge.](https://varyer.imgix.net/TreesLounge_2_2022-03-18-182550_tpif.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1600&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=538e036a184f0840a88a0352709bc9b5 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/TreesLounge_2_2022-03-18-182550_tpif.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=3200&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=e91b2d880e3828895c18c044a3dcc59c 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/TreesLounge_2_2022-03-18-182550_tpif.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1322&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=b5c15412ae5fedfaeea32dca4dc79da2 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/TreesLounge_2_2022-03-18-182550_tpif.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2645&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=d7facb752c6343bd5724419e87360750 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/TreesLounge_2_2022-03-18-182550_tpif.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=258f1529949442c4bf428cea8ed3fcd3 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/TreesLounge_2_2022-03-18-182550_tpif.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2048&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=00514e4569f3bb3073311ead197cb2c4 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/TreesLounge_2_2022-03-18-182550_tpif.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=6597d404289035e60ae453d7656d9692 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/TreesLounge_2_2022-03-18-182550_tpif.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1536&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=2c8a7090b712c057c94e5d2009d45f4a 1152w)
Dead Kids
Director: Michael Laughlin
This is a flick that I think is VHS exclusive — aka an indie before indies! Taking place in Galesburg, IL, and about “kids getting dead,” this film has all the good elements of classic VHS low-budget horror camp goodness. My favorite part about my copy is that it’s in pretty bad shape as an ex-rental cutbox. Cutboxes are generally scoffed at by the VHS collecting community, but I fancy them more than my fancy shoes. See pictures and don’t tell me you wouldn’t let this driver go with just a warning even though they were going 15 mph over in a school zone.
Cutbox = when rental shops would take scissors and literally cut the front side and back from the cardboard sleeve and then shove it into a plastic, library-style, VHS case. I suppose they thought it’d last longer. Little did they know, they were destroying art but simultaneously creating a new piece of art. Generation loss, anyone? Woof!
![The VHS box cover for Dead Kids.](https://varyer.imgix.net/DeadKids_1_2022-03-18-191442_wrtf.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1765&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=a0b56b5d3895ab8ace3432d5b90e3ed3 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/DeadKids_1_2022-03-18-191442_wrtf.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=3530&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=5af0d78036e126b9b2d9b3a09c98a1a2 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/DeadKids_1_2022-03-18-191442_wrtf.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1459&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=49622875ae1671f408c824c3d24ca7f4 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/DeadKids_1_2022-03-18-191442_wrtf.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2918&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=b9e13f50422f4ab3b4ffcdbc944035c4 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/DeadKids_1_2022-03-18-191442_wrtf.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1129&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=6fdd99f5edf5cadfdf1b69ab6367c140 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/DeadKids_1_2022-03-18-191442_wrtf.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2259&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=be96eb5c3325cde79ccc02c49b9754d4 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/DeadKids_1_2022-03-18-191442_wrtf.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=847&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=fefcd66dd49eb52e0b0e7e213bb2d919 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/DeadKids_1_2022-03-18-191442_wrtf.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1694&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=96d5c950c9dc4e2b9d7acbf3ac4b787f 1152w)
![The VHS box cover and its tape for Dead Kids.](https://varyer.imgix.net/DeadKids_3_2022-03-18-191541_teee.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=838&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=0475f84d95a9799ee4dc353c7c064dad 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/DeadKids_3_2022-03-18-191541_teee.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1677&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=1ec8448c0560f9ba351ecd4361be204f 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/DeadKids_3_2022-03-18-191541_teee.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=693&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=0401e3b5000249d0540a4bc247fc559d 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/DeadKids_3_2022-03-18-191541_teee.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1386&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=383834d3d7a69ecccfc1fba12c667d74 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/DeadKids_3_2022-03-18-191541_teee.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=536&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=e2bef40a81b566fa3d9e65533a42dc06 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/DeadKids_3_2022-03-18-191541_teee.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1073&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=f13d116ab4603f0b0fb37e29f9e4e89e 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/DeadKids_3_2022-03-18-191541_teee.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=402&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=34ea8b24e34dd97382fda5fe7c0f3356 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/DeadKids_3_2022-03-18-191541_teee.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=805&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=1874c933588a0de8743fe9b9ea86bf17 1152w)
![The back of the VHS box cover for Dead Kids.](https://varyer.imgix.net/DeadKids_2_2022-03-18-191546_axpb.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1740&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=4f2f4e468ac2f1bf23500dcb22c34435 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/DeadKids_2_2022-03-18-191546_axpb.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=3480&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=799498f37ff98ae420d1c63a9f40761d 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/DeadKids_2_2022-03-18-191546_axpb.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1438&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=2784542d2bb962749d41df66861b26a1 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/DeadKids_2_2022-03-18-191546_axpb.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2877&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=547c412673e6ac8b17b0e5cbf88169fe 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/DeadKids_2_2022-03-18-191546_axpb.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1113&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=c379d398433b84575bf4524c7d625873 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/DeadKids_2_2022-03-18-191546_axpb.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2227&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=01b556c06fb4259446a13075ed35842e 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/DeadKids_2_2022-03-18-191546_axpb.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=835&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=f54e26105d2df16ba146e92813916cf4 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/DeadKids_2_2022-03-18-191546_axpb.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1670&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=1816634b28e160ada5af8b3ddb4d055c 1152w)
Adrenaline Drive
(アドレナリン・ドライブ)
Director: Shinobu Yaguch
Roger Ebert says “A Godsend for film lovers.” I say “A Godsend for film & VHS lovers.” This film is an incredibly funny, deadpan indie comedy/love tale from Japan. This type of indie flick is a rare find on VHS, as they didn’t always make a ton of copies for lesser-known flicks, especially of the foreign category (which for the record I don’t think is a proper category unless you’re one of those people that likes “Marvel Movies.”) I’ll step out of my comfort zone and encourage you to watch this even if you can only find a digital copy, because — no, I did not see the last Game of Thrones and yes I’d like to casually talk about more interesting films with you than HBO and PornHub collabing on violent, yet ~sexy~, high-budget dragon pornos.
![The VHS box cover and its tape for Adrenaline Drive.](https://varyer.imgix.net/AdrenalineDrive_1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1456&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=1200&s=a605b96c9f1368f8840b1bf00eb44f99 1200w, https://varyer.imgix.net/AdrenalineDrive_1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2913&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=2400&s=451691ba03d1cfeebcd1dd85db7f10a1 2400w, https://varyer.imgix.net/AdrenalineDrive_1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1204&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=82&usm=20&w=992&s=ca218f3eb0daf96de64382949d6d1ed8 992w, https://varyer.imgix.net/AdrenalineDrive_1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=2408&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=61&usm=20&w=1984&s=92070e874c4839047948c614438a23a7 1984w, https://varyer.imgix.net/AdrenalineDrive_1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=932&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=768&s=3e6d904b404295c70f72135e2e5f566b 768w, https://varyer.imgix.net/AdrenalineDrive_1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1864&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1536&s=c6459c53095dd1daab2ef0b9c2e1ec61 1536w, https://varyer.imgix.net/AdrenalineDrive_1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=699&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=60&usm=20&w=576&s=d88941241b819ad23993ea14c8175aae 576w, https://varyer.imgix.net/AdrenalineDrive_1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&domain=varyer.imgix.net&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1398&ixlib=php-3.3.1&q=45&usm=20&w=1152&s=a9e370403d5c058b5d64fb7e70bdf582 1152w)
Notable Other Favorites:
My Bloody Valentine (where do you think your fav Irish band got their name?)
Blue Sunshine (beautiful remastered clamshell release about LSD, mustaches & murder)
The Trip (a smaller skate company released doc about skaters skating while on a trip. Early Jackass vibes with less of Bam Margera’s pale booty & more skating)
The Willies (amazingly campy anthology film. Also, I got my copy via my old local rental store “Nu-Time Video” on their closing day sale… and that’s just really nice.)
A Clockwork Orange (mainly for the wildly complex case/packaging presentation. “They don’t make 'em like they used to” — most people above 59 years old.)
Went to Coney Island on a Mission from God… Be Back by 5 (title says it all, friends.)
While I have plenty more tapes, we’re out of time. If you’d like a copy of any of the films mentioned and are having trouble finding one, get in touch and maybe I’ll make you a blank tape dupe (as long as it’s for personal viewing only – the FCC is already after me for other reasons).