VHS Horror Art
Article by Anthony Cleveland
I grew up next to a video store and the public library. Each one had a massive horror VHS section. Even though I couldn’t check out these videos (most of the clerks knew me as a regular and knew my parents wouldn’t approve), I could still wonder up and down the aisles to get a thrill fix. Back then, these VHS boxes held nothing back. Gore, monsters, and partial nudity were splashed all over the box art. Because I couldn’t rent these or get up the nerve to read the back exerpts, I’d make up the story to the movie. These VHS boxes were probably the earliest catalyst to spur my horror imagination...and a lot of my earliest nightmares!
Here’s a look at some box art from those ol’ video stores.
- Shock Chamber 1985
- Bloodbath in Psycho Town 1989
- Halloween II 1981
- Return to Horror High 1987
- Faces of Death II 1981
- Alone in the Dark 1982
- Death Spa 1989
- Child's Play 2 1990
- Pieces 1982
- The Outing 1987
- The Gate 1987
- Curtains 1983
- Maniac 1980
- Subspecies 1991
- Nail Gun Massacre 1985
- Fright Night 1985
- Children of the Corn 1984
- Ice Cream Man 1995
- Silent Night Deadly Night 1984
- Evil Ed 1995
- Chopping Mall 1986
- Ghoulies 1984
- Monkey Shines 1988
- Evil Dead 2 1987
- Cheerleader Camp 1988
- House II 1987
- Dolls 1987
- Sleepaway Camp 1983
- Dead Alive 1992
- The Return of the Living Dead 1985
- Hello Marry Lou: Prom Night II 1987
What VHS covers do you remember as a kid? Did you see some of these growing up? Share your thoughts and feelings in the comments section below, and remember: