The Resurgence of VHS: Nostalgia, Collecting, and Community in Los Angeles and Beyond
Streaming services have made it incredibly easy to access a vast array of movies with just a click, but there is a niche group of cinephiles who prefer the tactile experience of watching movies on VHS tapes. These tapeheads find a certain charm in the mechanical sounds and lower image quality of VHS tapes, which transport them back to a nostalgic era. The last mass-produced VHS tape, David Cronenberg's "A History of Violence," marked the end of an era in 2006, giving way to the rise of DVDs.
Despite the presumed extinction of VHS, the format has seen a resurgence among millennials and zoomers, particularly in Los Angeles. Collectors like Conor Holt have amassed extensive VHS collections, driven by a mix of preservation, nostalgia, and a desire for historical authenticity. The appeal lies in experiencing movies as they were originally intended to be watched, capturing the essence of a bygone era.
Los Angeles has become a hub for VHS enthusiasts, with regular VHS swaps and dedicated stores like Whammy! Analog Media, Be Kind Video, Video Hero VHS, and Retro UFO catering to the growing demand for VHS tapes. These establishments offer a curated selection of tapes and even host screenings of VHS movies, providing a unique viewing experience for fans of the format.
VHS Fest, held annually at the Mahoning Drive-in Theater in Pennsylvania, brings together vendors and collectors for a weekend of VHS-related activities, including tape sales and screenings of classic horror movies. The event attracts enthusiasts from across the country, showcasing the enduring appeal of VHS in the digital age. Filmmakers like Alex Ross Perry and Jane Schoenbrun have embraced the format, releasing their films on VHS to connect with audiences in a nostalgic and immersive way.
The VHS community thrives on a shared love for physical media and a desire to preserve the unique qualities of VHS tapes. While some may view VHS as a relic of the past, collectors like Conor and vendors like Matthew Renoir and Rhyan Schwartz continue to champion the format, keeping the spirit of VHS alive for a new generation of tapeheads. As VHS tapes and players become increasingly rare and sought after, the future of the format remains uncertain, but its legacy lives on in the hearts of those who appreciate its analog charm.