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 STUFF
I loved this movie as a kid and it still holds up well as a spoof of the genre with some crazy Killer Tomatoes like moments. But, the cover looks like a straight horror movie cross between THE BLOB and THE THING Click here to purchase on Blu-ray/DVD.
JACOB'S LADDER
If you haven't seen this mindf*ck of a movie, you are missing out. There are few films quite like it. It will stick with you long after you watch it. I still cannot deal with needles and eyeless doctors. Click here to purchase on Blu-ray/DVD.
EVIL DEAD II
A classic in my library, I love EVIL DEAD II. It is very different from the original film in that it serves as both a remake, a reboot, a spoof, and a standalone film. But, you cannot beat any shot of Bruce Campbell with a severed limb and a chainsaw. Click here to purchase on Blu-ray/DVD.
NIGHT OF THE COMET
I am here to tell you that this is one of the best movies you have never seen. There are not many movies that can pull off horror and comedy as well as this one along with some truly chilling visuals. Plus. I still have a massive crush on Catherine Mary Stewart. Click here to purchase on Blu-ray/DVD.
DEADLY FRIEND
I see any cover for this movie and all I can remember is Mama Fratelli getting her head smashed like a watermelon by a basketball. That and Kristy Swanson was hot even when she was undead. Click here to purchase on Blu-ray/DVD.
AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON
You can make the shittiest version of this movie's iconic scene your cover and it is still heads and tails better than most VHS boxes. This movie speaks for itself and doesn't need fancy fonts or editing to sell it to you. 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
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