RIP VHS

I've been recording films on VHS since the early 1980s. As the technology at the time was new and expensive, my parents rented out our first top-loading VCR from Granada, a now defunct chain of TV suppliers. This was a time when video formats were still fighting for dominance between VHS and Betamax, when film rental stores doubled-up on their collections to cater for both. It was also a time of so-called 'video nasties' and tape piracy (the first pirate video I saw was ET, months before it was released in UK cinemas)

Last week, after 30 years, I finally decided to throw all of my tapes away. I no longer own a VCR that works properly, and I can't remember the last time I watched a film in this format. Bidding a fond farewell to the collection allowed a final wallow in nostalgia as I reacquainted myself with what I'd recorded over the years. To see a closer look at the tape labels and the films / programmes that I recorded, click HERE

And amongst all the tapes were a wonderful selection of boxes. Here are a token number of different manufacturers and versions collected over the years