Alien Romulus VHS: Will it Spark a Comeback?

Director Fede Álvarez is set to delight collectors and nostalgists with a unique offering. His movie Alien: Romulus will be released on VHS as a limited-edition collectible this December 3rd, 2024. This comes 45 years after the original Alien first hit theaters.

Much like the classic tapes of yore, this release will feature a 4:3 aspect ratio and a vintage-styled sleeve. The combination is set to evoke memories of video tape collections from decades past. However, details regarding pricing and the limited number of copies remain undisclosed.

Could VHS Make a Comeback?

The big question now looms: is this the dawn of a VHS comeback? Before rummaging through eBay for a VCR, it’s essential to grasp what a format revival would truly entail. Nowadays, the blend of nostalgia and digital collectible markets often fuels such interests.

Recently, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’s 50th Anniversary edition also included a VHS tape. However, it was more a nod to longtime fans than a technological revolution. This nostalgic inclusion hints at a potential trend: creating collectible items from bygone eras.

In the world of music, cassette tapes experienced a similar nostalgic resurgence. Artists like Metallica and Taylor Swift have embraced this format. Specialty cassette releases sparked a modest spike in production. Yet, they remain a niche offering compared to the staying power of vinyl. Sound fidelity, ultimately, remains superior on more modern formats.

Preserving the Old, Embracing the New

As the last VCR rolled off production lines years ago, releases like Alien: Romulus don’t signal a manufacturing comeback. Rather, they highlight a dedication to preserving cultural artifacts. Companies like Vinegar Syndrome are at the forefront, breathing new life into aged tapes.

With their Degausser Video label, Vinegar Syndrome restores genre films only available on VHS. This preservation effort safeguards a key viewing experience for those emotionally connected to VHS. Mondo, another proponent, supports these endeavors by releasing tapes infused with artistic nostalgia.

The significance of Alien: Romulus lies in its successful mix of critical and commercial acclaim. Enveloped in this achievement, any release related to the Alien saga garners attention. Devout fans of the franchise typically remain eager to indulge in whatever the brand has to offer.

The Collector’s Future

In summation, the fate of VHS lies with a select group: collectors and nostalgists. The current trend is more about curating personal collections than reviving bygone technology. Unless VHS rekindles the same interest cassettes once did, don’t expect a new wave of VCR production soon.

For now, these retro releases serve to decorate shelves with cool, nostalgic artifacts. One such future acquisition for many, including myself, will seamlessly fit alongside memorable collectibles of the past.