Despite the belief that video stores and the like are outdated, I’ve recently developed a love for these staples of the past. A few months ago I visited the movie rental store a few blocks from my apartment with the intention of just looking around but ended up leaving with a rental card on my keychain. After seeing all of the movies that had been taken off streaming services, still standing tall on displays in the physical stores, it was enough for me to realize that it wasn’t such a crazy idea after all to get a membership. [1] As of April, Netflix has increased its prices by $2 for their “Standard Plan” and now it costs $12.99 per month. [2] Hulu has offered alternative solutions providing a $5.99 per month plan with commercials, $11.99 per month without commercials, and a hefty $44.99 per month for live TV. Logically speaking, a single movie at the video store can be rented for one dollar a week. If you’re like me and find yourself getting sick of half-ass Netflix Original movies, then fold out that futon and hear me out: VHS is seriously the way to go.
Soon after my discovery, I ended up going south to visit my parents in Georgia and decided it would be a good idea to bring my VCR player back to Indiana with me. Little did I realize this would be one of the most worthwhile investments I ever made. I had a VCR as a kid but it got lost somewhere along the way with all of our family moves so this recent pick-up was actually acquired at Goodwill about a year prior. It was a decision made on a whim but I had no idea how worthwhile it would be to use it every day a dozen or so months later.
Ironically, the first place I visited when I pulled back into my neighborhood in Indiana was the gas station across from the video store. To my dismay, there were dumpsters outside next to the store and I already knew what had happened. I didn’t need to read the “FOR LEASE” sign to know my short endeavor had come to an abrupt halt.
The VCR sat on my dresser until I had the time to go to the thrift store, at which point I spent less than $10 and came home with almost twenty classic movies on VHS tape. It’s now been a little less than a month and I don’t see the VCR getting used any less. The tape player has become more than just a staple of my media viewing habits; it has also become a conversation starter. It is one that intrigues people and makes them reconsider how special it can be to own tangible objects. Physical movies you already own can’t be taken offline.
Not every form of media is required to be in high definition. Let’s face it: classic movies such as these were meant to be watched on tape anyway, so let’s take advantage of this economic and unique pastime while it’s still available! Not to mention, asking somebody if they want to watch a movie on tape with you is a lot more intimate than asking to “Netflix and chill.
Comments