If you have some VHS tapes lying around in your home garage or basement, you might be tempted to consider finally tossing them as you declutter your way into 2023. But as much as they are by all means a relic of the past, it doesn’t necessarily gain them an express ticket into the garbage pit.
Although technologies have changed and the ways we watch movies have evolved, VHS tapes still offer a unique viewing experience that can be both nostalgic and entertaining. There are also plenty of ways to repurpose those old tapes as opposed to sending them to the junkyard.
Here are some ways to enjoy VHS tapes in 2023:
Why You Shouldn’t Throw VHS Tapes
- VHS tapes can sometimes be valuable collectibles
- They may contain a wealth of valuable content that cannot be found elsewhere
- VHS tapes can be repurposed in creative ways
- You can transfer VHS to DVD or digital
- VHS tapes take up very little space (like books)
Ways to Enjoy Your Old VHS tapes in 2023
1. Create a VHS Tape Collection
If you’re a movie buff, collecting VHS tapes can be a great way to explore the history of film. From classic Hollywood movies and TV shows to cult favorites, and forgotten B-movies, there’s something for everyone in the world of VHS collecting.
And if you don’t have enough tapes to make a sizable collection, you can always get more from thrift stores, flea markets, and online VHS collector websites. Put some passion into it, and you can always build your collection without breaking the bank.
2. Converting VHS to Digital
If you want to preserve your VHS tapes for future generations, consider converting them to digital formats. That way, you can keep your favorite movies on your computer, phone, or another device for years to come.
If you have the right skills, you can do this yourself with a VCR and a VCR capture card and a computer, a USB-to-composite video converter, or an RCA to HDMI converter.
Alternatively, you can take your tapes to a professional for conversion at a small fee. Whether you got them from VHS collectors or from a dark, dusty corner in your basement, all you need to convert VHS to digital format is a reliable online professional service. This lets you save time, energy, and money; plus the resulting digital copy could be better quality than the original.
3. Throw a VHS Party
Nothing beats the feeling of gathering around a television with friends to watch a movie on VHS. You only need a VCR player or one of those traditional TV sets from the 80s, 90s, or early 2000s that came with VCR-playing capabilities.
To make it extra special, you can decorate your space with vintage movie posters or other movie memorabilia. Make sure to have a few different VHS tapes on hand so everyone can pick their favorite.
4. Use Them for DIY Projects
If you’re feeling crafty, there are lots of ways to get creative with VHS tapes. From upcycling them into jewelry and art pieces to turning them into planters and bookends, there are plenty of possibilities. You could even use them to create a unique piece of art such as a clock, wall art display, or even a coffee table. Here, only your creativity will limit you.
5. Re-Watching VHS Solo
Re-watching your favorite VHS films can be the perfect way to reminisce on the past. Not only will it bring back memories of when you first saw the movie, but it will also provide a unique viewing experience, as each VHS tape was slightly different from the others.
At the very least, you can think of it as revisiting that scrapbook you created growing up, full of memories from your younger years! Since films are often tied to certain memories in life that you’d rather not let go of, re-watching your old VHS tapes can help you relive some of the best moments in life.
Although VHS tapes are a thing of the past, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy them in 2023. Whether you’re a movie buff, a crafty DIY-er, or just someone looking to relive the nostalgia of the VHS era, there’s something for everyone. So grab a few tapes and get ready to have some fun!