Hollywood Revives VHS: A Nostalgic Journey or Marketing Play?

In a surprising turn of events, Hollywood has begun to embrace a relic of the analog era: VHS tapes. Though this format was largely retired decades ago in favor of high-definition digital standards, a string of recent releases has reignited interest in the once-dormant medium. However, unlike the resurgence of vinyl records—celebrated for their superior audio fidelity—VHS appears to be making a comeback as a largely aesthetic and nostalgic phenomenon.

The trend arguably began in 2016 with a special collector’s edition of Deadpool released on VHS. Limited to just 100 copies and distributed exclusively at Comic-Con, the tapes were more a decorative novelty than a practical release. Fast-forward to 2024 and 2025, a slew of titles has followed suit: from the horror classics Suspiria (1977) and V/H/S/Beyond to the new sci-fi installment Alien: Romulus and even Terrifier. Notably, a VHS version of They Live marked the dawn of 2025. Now, the cult favorite Escape From New York (1981) has entered the mix.

The reissued Escape From New York is available in two formats: a numbered collector’s slipcase edition capped at 1,000 copies, and a more widely available "non-limited" version. Both feature widescreen formatting and a runtime of approximately 99 minutes in the PAL standard. According to StudioCanal and Vice-Press, who are behind this release, these tapes are fully functional and compatible with VHS players. Priced at £30 before shipping, with an optional £100 poster available separately, the release hit the shelves on May 15.

Technically speaking, the revival of VHS is worlds apart from vinyl’s rebirth in both intention and output. VHS reproduces content in interlaced 480i or 576i, equating to an effective resolution of 240p or 288p. When juxtaposed with the stunning clarity of modern video standards like 1080p HD and 4K Ultra HD, these specifications are a glaring reminder of the format’s limitations. Moreover, the widescreen presentation on VHS is typically achieved through visual compromises, while frame rates are adapted to 29.97fps or slightly accelerated to 25fps, further distancing the viewing experience from creative authenticity.

While owning VHS editions may tug at nostalgic heartstrings, offering the tactile satisfaction of rewinding tapes or displaying bold cover art on a shelf, the drawbacks of the format are inescapable. Unlike vinyl, which continues to deliver warm, analog audio quality, VHS lacks any compelling technical merit in today’s era of crystal-clear digital viewing experiences.

Ultimately, while these releases undoubtedly appeal to diehard collectors and retro enthusiasts, the practical value of VHS remains highly questionable. The format’s flaws, both visual and functional, were significant enough to consign it to history. Whether this resurgence is a fleeting trend or a deliberate marketing strategy, one thing is certain—VHS will likely remain a niche indulgence rather than a viable alternative to modern media.

Hollywood Revives VHS: A Nostalgic Journey or Marketing Play?

In a surprising turn of events, Hollywood has begun to embrace a relic of the analog era: VHS tapes. Though this format was largely retired decades ago in favor of high-definition digital standards, a string of recent releases has reignited interest in the once-dormant medium. However, unlike the resurgence of vinyl records—celebrated for their superior audio fidelity—VHS appears to be making a comeback as a largely aesthetic and nostalgic phenomenon.

The trend arguably began in 2016 with a special collector’s edition of Deadpool released on VHS. Limited to just 100 copies and distributed exclusively at Comic-Con, the tapes were more a decorative novelty than a practical release. Fast-forward to 2024 and 2025, a slew of titles has followed suit: from the horror classics Suspiria (1977) and V/H/S/Beyond to the new sci-fi installment Alien: Romulus and even Terrifier. Notably, a VHS version of They Live marked the dawn of 2025. Now, the cult favorite Escape From New York (1981) has entered the mix.

The reissued Escape From New York is available in two formats: a numbered collector’s slipcase edition capped at 1,000 copies, and a more widely available "non-limited" version. Both feature widescreen formatting and a runtime of approximately 99 minutes in the PAL standard. According to StudioCanal and Vice-Press, who are behind this release, these tapes are fully functional and compatible with VHS players. Priced at £30 before shipping, with an optional £100 poster available separately, the release hit the shelves on May 15.

Technically speaking, the revival of VHS is worlds apart from vinyl’s rebirth in both intention and output. VHS reproduces content in interlaced 480i or 576i, equating to an effective resolution of 240p or 288p. When juxtaposed with the stunning clarity of modern video standards like 1080p HD and 4K Ultra HD, these specifications are a glaring reminder of the format’s limitations. Moreover, the widescreen presentation on VHS is typically achieved through visual compromises, while frame rates are adapted to 29.97fps or slightly accelerated to 25fps, further distancing the viewing experience from creative authenticity.

While owning VHS editions may tug at nostalgic heartstrings, offering the tactile satisfaction of rewinding tapes or displaying bold cover art on a shelf, the drawbacks of the format are inescapable. Unlike vinyl, which continues to deliver warm, analog audio quality, VHS lacks any compelling technical merit in today’s era of crystal-clear digital viewing experiences.

Ultimately, while these releases undoubtedly appeal to diehard collectors and retro enthusiasts, the practical value of VHS remains highly questionable. The format’s flaws, both visual and functional, were significant enough to consign it to history. Whether this resurgence is a fleeting trend or a deliberate marketing strategy, one thing is certain—VHS will likely remain a niche indulgence rather than a viable alternative to modern media.