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.
THE BRAIN
What happened to the good old days where the most batshit crazy ideas could get made into movies? This one supposedly followed a scientist who teamed with an alien brain monster to take control of the masses through a TV show. They just don't make them like this anymore. Not available to purchase on Blu-ray/DVD.
THE BURNING
Sometimes, a simple title is all you need to sell your story. But, when your title is as generic as THE BURNING, maybe a good box would seal the deal. The first is generic and looks kind of like FIRESTARTER, but the second is just beautiful and creepy as hell. Click here to purchase on Blu-ray/DVD.
DEAD MAN WALKING
No, this isn't the Academy Award-winning film starring Sean Penn and Susan Sarandon. No, this DEAD MAN WALKING stars cult favorite Jeffrey Combs and frequent 80s character actor Brion James. The first box may look like a low rent porno but the second looks like the best bad action movie I have never seen. Not available to purchase on Blu-ray/DVD.
RABID
David Cronenberg's early film is a great exploration of addiction. It is part body horror and part zombie film. Starring the very sexy Marilyn Chambers, this is one of those quintessential films that everyone needs to see at least once. You won't regret it. Click here to purchase on Blu-ray/DVD.
EXTERMINATORS OF THE YEAR 3000
I don't care what this movie is about. You had me at nuclear mutants and vicious bikers. Throw in the year 3000 and I am sold. Not available to purchase on Blu-ray/DVD.
GRAVE OF THE VAMPIRE
Considered one of the greatest cult films of all time, this features one of the most bizarre scenes of all time: a mother nursing her vampire baby with blood. Yeah, I said vampire baby. The first box below looks a little cheesy, but the second is very creepy. 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