I subscribe to an embarrassing number of streaming services. While each caters to a particular corner of my viewing habits or tastes, I still find myself seeking out and hoarding illicit copies of things when I get a craving that my pantheon of paid content doesn’t satisfy. That goes for both digital and an increasing (after having ditched a lot of it in my last move) number of physical titles.
To this latter end, a tiny single-owner operation called Undead Media aims to rescue the best of the internet, as well as hidden gems in film, TV, and even wrestling. They capture these moments on compellingly-packaged custom VHS tapes with their own unique art and feel. These unique releases aren’t sanctioned by the filmmakers, creators, or any distributors, but that’s part of their appeal because Undead has complete creative freedom with these titles – selecting, pairing or presenting them in a way I can only describe as deliciously chaotic.
A double feature of Ti West’s X and Pearl, for example, feel like a natural fit for the VHS format. Sometimes you don’t want or need 4K fidelity when what you’re after is a grainy, bloody, filthy-looking kill where the tracking occasionally goes out of whack. Or a collection of releases in either classic slipcase or clamshell coverings that includes Halloween III: Season of the Witch, The Descent, Mad God, Longlegs, Zombi/Zombi 2, and Under The Skin that feels like a Sicko Starter Kit. The stock is always changing, and most releases come in a pretty limited run.
For wrestling fans, a two-tape box set dedicated to AEW’s The Elite (The. The. Elite) or 2018’s All In event that sparked AEW’s creation might hit the spot. Or for the discerning hardcore, there’s The Best of Savio Vega (including autographed copies!) that feels like it was pilfered from an abandoned Blockbuster. If you know, you know.
In addition to all this, random curiosities like a compilation of music videos from Charlie XCX’s brat or a three volume set chronicling “the greatest hits of the greatest band in the universe” are available. And if none of these fit quite right, custom VHS commissions with all sorts of options – double features, trailers, and slipcase or clamshell covers and more – are on offer for whatever your twisted little mind can put together.
There’s an underground quality to the Undead releases that feel like they’re unearthed gems from a flea market or a garage sale, and I’ve yet to find another product that better replicates the joy of finding something at that one weird video store in your town (shout out to Toronto’s Suspect Video, RIP). If you or your loved ones are looking for that unique find this holiday season that is almost guaranteed to surprise and delight just the right recipient, this might be the best way to deck either their halls, or your own.
(All images courtesy of Undead Media)
