VHS Retro Art Round-up: Goldfinger, Brain Damage, Akira and more

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

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.

AKIRA

Many people are not well versed in the realms of Japanese animation, but even the least informed movie fan likely has heard of AKIRA. In the decades since it was released, countless variations of the box art have been released that highlight the cyberpunk look of the film while still keeping the twists of the film hidden. Click here to purchase on Blu-ray/DVD.

SLAUGHTERHOUSE

More of a dark comedy than a horror film, SLAUGHTERHOUSE is a brutal but low budget movie that looks all the better thanks to an atmospheric cover image of main character, Buddy. Definitely not going to win any acting awards, this is a movie that should still appease 1980s horror buffs.. Click here to purchase on Blu-ray/DVD.

BRAIN DAMAGE

Fans of BASKET CASE and FRANKENHOOKER may not be familiar with this film from director Frank Henenlotter. Much like BASKET CASE, this movie follows a small creature that forces his host to kill and murder to feed him. While these covers look like art for albums by Devo, they are still pretty damn cool. Click here to purchase on Blu-ray/DVD.

GOLDFINGER

One of the most iconic Bond films has been forced to bear cover art that fits the library format for the two dozen 007 films, but these classic VHS covers definitely are worthy of display on your shelf. Guns, girls, and gadgets, what more do you need?  Click here to purchase on Blu-ray/DVD.

COCAINE WARS

John Schneider of Dukes of Hazzard fame stars in a movie that seems like it should star Chuck Norris or Dolph Lundgren. I will still take it. Hopefully this movie makes it's way to DVD someday as this looks awesome. Click here to purchase on VHS.

DON'T GO IN THE WOODS

I am ashamed to say that I have not seen this movie, but if I have come across this VHS at the video store, io would have grabbed it based on either painted covers. Bloody and unique, this is what good box art looks like. 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 [email protected]