Watch Rewind This!

Rewind This! is a documentary that explores the rise and fall of the VHS format and its impact on film culture. The film is directed by Josh Johnson and was released in 2013. The documentary starts by introducing us to the VHS format and how it became the dominant format for home video in the 1980s. The film explores the development of the technology, as well as the marketing strategies used to sell VCRs and VHS tapes.

The documentary then shifts its focus to the explosion of the video rental industry and the birth of the "mom and pop" video store. We hear from former video store owners and employees who share their stories of what it was like to work in the video rental business during its heyday.

From here, the documentary delves into the rise of the exploitation film market and how VHS made it possible for these niche films to find an audience. We hear from filmmakers like Lloyd Kaufman (of Troma Entertainment) and Frank Henenlotter (Basket Case) who discuss how VHS allowed them to make and distribute their films on a shoestring budget.

Rewind This! also explores the impact of VHS on the horror genre, including the infamous "video nasties" scare in the UK. We hear from horror icons like Joe Bob Briggs and Elvira (Mistress of the Dark) about how VHS allowed them to introduce new audiences to classic horror films.

The documentary also covers the impact of VHS on the adult film industry, as well as its role in the distribution of bootleg concerts and sports events.

But as the documentary shows, the rise of DVD and digital streaming spelled the end of VHS. We hear from filmmakers and collectors who discuss the decline of the format and what it meant for those who were passionate about it.

Throughout the documentary, we are introduced to a colorful cast of characters who share their love of VHS and the films that were released on the format. We meet collectors who have amassed massive VHS collections, as well as musicians who incorporate VHS elements into their work.

Overall, Rewind This! is a fascinating look at a format that transformed the entertainment industry and left an indelible mark on those who grew up with it. The documentary is a must-watch for anyone who loves movies and wants to gain a greater appreciation for the role that VHS played in film history.

Rewind This! is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.