Hollywood Revives Its Love for VHS Tapes

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.