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.
AEROBICIDE
Most slasher films in the 80s simply had to have boobs and blood and that was enough to warrant at least a modicum of profit for the producers. Still, some of these films have lasted longer than others, especially ones with puns for titles. I can't speak for how good this movie actually is, but both covers are enticing enough to check out. Click here to purchase on Blu-ray/DVD.
DARK NIGHT OF THE SCARECROW
I have heard many people talk about this film as one of the most under-appreciated horror films of all time. In fact, this film directed by Frank Ferlito was originally a CBS television movie. You wouldn't think a network film would be as scary as a theatrical production, but this proves it. Click here to purchase on Blu-ray/DVD.
KILLER INSTINCT
A movie about Vietnam starring Robert Patrick? Consider me intrigued. The box art invokes the name of RAMBO but I cannot find much else about this film. Have any of you seen this movie? If so, is it more like the first box or the second because both promise very different movies inside. Not available to purchase on Blu-ray/DVD.
CONVICT WOMEN
Four women escape from prison and are pursued by a crazed redneck. Sounds like a good exploitation plot, right? What if I told you this one also features an appearance from none other than Mickey Rooney in the role of a gas station attendant. Okay, so it isn't Oscar caliber, but that still is kind of weirdly intriguing. Not available to purchase on Blu-ray/DVD.
PUMPKINHEAD II: BLOOD WINGS
A nearly unrelated sequel to the cult classic first film, PUMPKINHEAD II is similar to EVIL DEAD 2 in that it doesn't take itself as seriously as it's predecessor. Instead, this direct to video follow-up heaps on the gore and violence while giving a lot more screen time to the title monster. Click here to purchase on Blu-ray/DVD.
THE MIDNIGHT HOUR
A made for TV rip-off of THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW, this film has a huge cast of famous faces including the first on screen appearance by Macauley Culkin. This is definitely not a good movie by any stretch, but it does have a dedicated fan base. Check out that bizarre second cover that looks like it belongs to an unrelated movie. 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