R.I.VHS

The title is going to give it away, but what is the best home video format of all time? Is it Laserdisc? (no, Leland) is it Betamax? (no, Listener) It is VHS, short for “video home system”, the format that literally remains the definition “video”. And it has carried on the namesake of home movies long after the format itself was considered dead.

When VHS died, most people didn’t care. DVDs were new, more compact, lighter, and had better resolution. I don’t deny any of those things but I think VHS has some advantages over DVD and Blu-Ray that go beyond simple nostalgia. First of all, VHS films had a luminescence, a ‘warmth’, almost a glow to films that really does enhance some movies. Two franchises I can think of are Star Wars the original trilogy and the Lord of the Rings movies. In the case of Lord of the Rings, VHS’ glow adds to the fantasy appeal. In the case of Star Wars, it covers over some special effects that look quite dated on later digital formats. Not trying to insult Star Wars, that’s just the truth.

While not related film quality VHS offered two other ‘quality of life’ traits. Firstly, home movies could be shot directly to VHS. This may exist for DVD; however, the equipment was relatively cheaper for its time for VHS. In addition, VHS tapes are actually quite durable with the movie well-protected from shock, abrasion, wear, and even spills. This makes them ideal for kids…Give your kids a VHS and a DVD, let them play with it for a morning, see which runs well or at all at the end of the day.

Do you have any good memories of VHS? What’s your favorite home video format?

Moby