Every child of the 80s will remember going to the video store and trying to find a movie to rent. Back before the days of Blu-ray and On Demand, selecting a movie usually meant finding the flick with the coolest box art. Like modern posters, classic VHS art has been lost but thanks to the Internet there are countless reminders of these cool creations. This column will be dedicated to bringing you reminders of a bygone era and a look at how cool some of these movies looked on store shelves.
SUBSPECIES
One of Full Moon Entertainment's longest running franchises, SUBSPECIES is schlocky and goofy but the first movie is still a fun time-waster. Notice one box showcases the villainous Radu while the other just centers on the T&A component? Click here to purchase on Blu-ray/DVD.
BLOODSPORT
I can watch this movie over and over again and never get bored. Jean-Claude Van Damme has never been cooler than when he enters the Kumite. This movie has not aged well but I still find myself stopping to watch it every time it shows up on television, regardless of where in the movie it is. And the box art only needs glistening muscles to sell itself. Click here to purchase on Blu-ray/DVD.
POLTERGEIST
Forget the craptastic remake released earlier this year and check out the classic original. It is cool to see art that doesn't focus on the static television but that image still appears on each and every version of the film's home video release. Click here to purchase on Blu-ray/DVD.
THE LOST BOYS
A great 80s movie with a cast of the decades most popular actors like Corey Haim, Jason Patric, and the immortal Kiefer Sutherland. Sutherland's blonde spikes and leather jacket helped kickstart a fashion trend that many imitate to this day. The top cover is the most common but the painted art on the second is pretty sweet. Click here to purchase on Blu-ray/DVD.
PLATOON
One of Oliver Stone's best films, PLATOON is a powerful and stirring war film. But, that iconic image that is featured on every poster and box for the film is instantly recognizable by anyone, even those who have not seen the film. Click here to purchase on Blu-ray/DVD.
THE MONSTER SQUAD
I recommend this movie to everyone who will listen and no one has ever come back disliking it. Basically THE GOONIES meets Universal Monsters, THE MONSTER SQUAD is an integral part of my childhood. Just looking at this box art brings back memories. Click here to purchase on Blu-ray/DVD.
Feel free to pop us your favorite VHS box art and come back for each future column. You can send your finds or photos of your own VHS tapes to alexmaidy@joblo.com