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A History of Violence VHS: A Relic of a Bygone Era and its Impact on the Home Video Market
By Dr. Amelia Stone, PhD in Film Studies, University of Southern California
Published by Cinephile Quarterly, a leading journal in film history and criticism for over 30 years.
Edited by Professor Marcus Riley, PhD in Media Studies, with 20 years experience in film archiving and preservation.
Summary: This article explores the cultural impact of A History of Violence’s release on VHS, examining its contribution to the evolving landscape of home video and its implications for the depiction of violence in mainstream cinema. We delve into the tape's rarity, its collector's value, and the ways in which its physical format interacted with the film's themes and overall reception.
Keywords: A History of Violence VHS, VHS tapes, home video market, David Cronenberg, Viggo Mortensen, home video, cult classic, film violence, film preservation, collector's item.
The Rise and Fall (and Rise Again?) of VHS: Setting the Stage for A History of Violence
Before discussing the specific impact of A History of Violence VHS, it’s crucial to understand the context of the home video market in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The VHS format, despite facing competition from the burgeoning DVD market, still held considerable sway over the distribution of films to the home audience. For many, the VHS tape was the primary – and often only – way to experience films outside of the theatrical release. This accessibility directly impacted how films were received and discussed, particularly those with controversial content like A History of Violence.
A History of Violence VHS: A Study in Contradictions
David Cronenberg's A History of Violence, released theatrically in 2005, was a critically acclaimed thriller exploring themes of identity, masculinity, and the hidden depths of suburban normality. Its violent content, however, was a major talking point. The A History of Violence VHS release, therefore, became a fascinating case study. It presented a paradox: a film dealing with the insidious nature of violence made accessible in a format often associated with readily available, potentially exploitative, material.
The physicality of the A History of Violence VHS itself is worth noting. The VHS tape, with its iconic plastic casing and often-worn labels, became a tangible representation of the film's themes. The act of inserting the tape into a VCR, a ritualistic act for many, created a sense of intimacy with the material that digital formats often lack. This physical connection amplified the visceral nature of the film’s violent sequences, potentially intensifying the viewer’s experience.
Collector's Item and Cultural Artifact: The Legacy of A History of Violence VHS
The transition from VHS to DVD and subsequently to digital streaming significantly diminished the accessibility of older VHS titles. This has inadvertently transformed many VHS tapes, including A History of Violence VHS, into collector's items. The rarity of finding an unworn copy in good condition adds to its value, making it a coveted piece for film enthusiasts and collectors.
The A History of Violence VHS transcends its role as a mere film format. It embodies a specific moment in cinematic history and the evolution of home video distribution. Owning a copy is not merely owning a film; it’s owning a piece of media history. The wear and tear on the tape, the faded label, even the smell of the plastic casing – these elements contribute to a unique sensory experience that enhances the overall appreciation of the film.
The Impact on the Home Video Industry: A Shifting Landscape
The A History of Violence VHS release played a role in the broader shift within the home video industry. As DVD players became more common, the VHS format's dominance began to wane. However, the continued availability of VHS tapes, even for films like A History of Violence, demonstrated the enduring appeal of this format for a significant segment of the audience. This ultimately contributed to a longer tail for the film's commercial life, expanding its reach beyond the initial theatrical release and early DVD sales.
The film's availability on VHS also highlights the limitations of early home video censorship. While DVDs offered the potential for stricter parental control features, VHS tapes did not. This factor might have played a role in shaping public perception and discourse surrounding the film's depiction of violence.
Conclusion
The A History of Violence VHS is more than just a relic of a bygone era; it's a cultural artifact that encapsulates the transitional period in home video distribution. Its scarcity today further emphasizes its significance as a collector's item and a reminder of the unique experience of watching films on VHS. The film's content, combined with the physicality of the format, created a powerful and enduring impact, shaping both audience reception and the ongoing evolution of the home video landscape. The legacy of A History of Violence VHS continues to resonate with film enthusiasts and collectors, preserving a vital piece of cinematic history.
FAQs
1. Where can I find a copy of A History of Violence VHS? Finding a copy might be challenging; online auction sites and specialist video stores are your best bet. Be prepared to pay a premium due to its rarity.
2. How does the VHS release compare to the DVD and digital versions? The VHS provides a unique physical experience, while the DVD and digital versions offer superior picture and sound quality.
3. What makes A History of Violence VHS a collector's item? Its rarity and association with a critically acclaimed and impactful film contribute to its value.
4. Did the VHS release of A History of Violence face any censorship issues? While not directly censored, the readily available nature of VHS tapes without parental control features might have led to discussions about its violence.
5. What role did the VHS format play in the film's overall success? VHS expanded the film's reach to a broader audience and prolonged its commercial lifespan.
6. How does the A History of Violence VHS reflect the broader trends in home video technology? It illustrates the shift from VHS to DVD and highlights the evolving methods of film distribution.
7. What are the key differences between watching A History of Violence on VHS and streaming it today? The VHS format provides a distinct sensory and tactile experience missing from digital platforms.
8. Is the A History of Violence VHS a valuable investment? Its value depends on the condition of the tape and collector demand.
9. What makes David Cronenberg's directorial style particularly suited to the VHS format (ironically)? Cronenberg’s often visceral and unsettling imagery might be amplified by the grainy, slightly imperfect quality of VHS, adding to the film's overall impact.
Related Articles
1. The Evolution of Home Video Formats: From VHS to Streaming: A comprehensive overview of the technological advancements in home video distribution.
2. David Cronenberg's Body Horror: A Critical Analysis: An in-depth exploration of Cronenberg's filmmaking style and thematic concerns.
3. The Cult Following of A History of Violence: A discussion on the film's enduring popularity and critical acclaim.
4. Censorship and Violence in Cinema: A Historical Perspective: An analysis of the evolution of film censorship concerning violent content.
5. The Collector's Market for Vintage VHS Tapes: An examination of the growing interest in collecting rare and sought-after VHS tapes.
6. Viggo Mortensen's Performance in A History of Violence: An assessment of Mortensen's acclaimed acting in the film.
7. Thematic Analysis of A History of Violence: A deep dive into the film's exploration of identity, family, and violence.
8. The Impact of Home Video on Independent Filmmaking: How home video distribution changed the landscape for smaller productions.
9. Preserving Film History: The Importance of Film Archives: A discussion on the vital role of archives in preserving cinematic heritage, including VHS tapes.
a history of violence vhs: New Blood Eddie Falvey, Jonathan Wroot, Joe Hickinbottom, 2021-01-15 The taste for horror is arguably as great today as it has ever been. Since the turn of the millennium, the horror genre has seen various developments emerging out of a range of contexts, from new industry paradigms and distribution practices to the advancement of subgenres that reflect new and evolving fears. New Blood builds upon preceding horror scholarship to offer a series of critical perspectives on the genre since the year 2000, presenting a collection of case studies on topics as diverse as the emergence of new critical categories (such as the contentiously named ‘prestige horror’), new subgenres (including ‘digital folk horror’ and ‘desktop horror’) and horror on-demand (‘Netflix horror’), and including analyses of key films such as The Witch and Raw and TV shows like Stranger Things and Channel Zero. Never losing sight of the horror genre’s ongoing political economy, New Blood is an exciting contribution to film and horror scholarship that will prove to be an essential addition to the shelves of researchers, students and fans alike. |
a history of violence vhs: VHS: Video Cover Art Thomas Hodge, 2015 Video cover art is a unique and largely lost artform representing a period of unabashed creativity during the video rental boom of the 1980s to early 1990s. The art explodes with a succulent, indulgent blend of design, illustration, typography, and hilarious copywriting. Written and curated by Tom The Dude Designs Hodge, poster artist extraordinaire and VHS obsessive, with a foreword by Mondo's Justin Ishmael, this collection contains over 240 full-scale, complete video sleeves in the genres of action, comedy, horror, kids, sci-fi, and thriller films. It's a world of mustached, muscled men, buxom beauties, big explosions, phallic guns, and nightmare-inducing monsters. From the sublime to the ridiculous, some are incredible works of art, some are insane, and some capture the tone of the films better than the films themselves. All are amazing and inspiring works of art that captivate the imagination. It's like stepping back in time into your local video store! |
a history of violence vhs: The Great Believers Rebecca Makkai, 2018-06-19 PULITZER PRIZE FINALIST NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST A NEW YORK TIMES TOP 10 BOOK OF 2018 LOS ANGELES TIMES BOOK PRIZE WINNER ALA CARNEGIE MEDAL WINNER THE STONEWALL BOOK AWARD WINNER Soon to Be a Major Television Event, optioned by Amy Poehler • One of the New York Times’s 100 Best Books of the 21st Century “A page turner . . . An absorbing and emotionally riveting story about what it’s like to live during times of crisis.” —The New York Times Book Review A dazzling novel of friendship and redemption in the face of tragedy and loss set in 1980s Chicago and contemporary Paris In 1985, Yale Tishman, the development director for an art gallery in Chicago, is about to pull off an amazing coup, bringing in an extraordinary collection of 1920s paintings as a gift to the gallery. Yet as his career begins to flourish, the carnage of the AIDS epidemic grows around him. One by one, his friends are dying and after his friend Nico’s funeral, the virus circles closer and closer to Yale himself. Soon the only person he has left is Fiona, Nico’s little sister. Thirty years later, Fiona is in Paris tracking down her estranged daughter who disappeared into a cult. While staying with an old friend, a famous photographer who documented the Chicago crisis, she finds herself finally grappling with the devastating ways AIDS affected her life and her relationship with her daughter. The two intertwining stories take us through the heartbreak of the eighties and the chaos of the modern world, as both Yale and Fiona struggle to find goodness in the midst of disaster. Named a Best Book of 2018 by The New York Times Book Review, The Washington Post, NPR, San Francisco Chronicle, The Boston Globe, Entertainment Weekly, Buzzfeed, The Seattle Times, Bustle, Newsday, AM New York, BookPage, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Lit Hub, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, New York Public Library and Chicago Public Library |
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a history of violence vhs: A History of Violence John Wagner, 2011 Originally published: New York: Paradox Press, 1997. |
a history of violence vhs: Uncle John's Actual and Factual Bathroom Reader Bathroom Readers' Institute, 2018-09-04 It’s an actual fact—Uncle John is the most entertaining thing in the bathroom! Uncle John and his team of devoted researchers are back again with an all-new collection of weird news stories, odd historical events, dubious “scientific” theories, jaw-dropping lists, and more. This entertaining 31st anniversary edition contains 512 pages of all-new articles that will appeal to readers everywhere. Pop culture, history, dumb crooks, and other actual and factual tidbits are packed onto every page of this book. Inside, you’ll find . . . Dogs and cats who ran for political office The bizarre method people in Victorian England used to resuscitate drowning victims The man who met his future pet—a stray dog—while running across the Gobi Desert Searching for Planet X—the last unknown planet in our solar system Twantrums—strange Twitter rants that had disastrous effects The true story of Boaty McBoatface And much more! |
a history of violence vhs: Billboard , 2006-04-08 In its 114th year, Billboard remains the world's premier weekly music publication and a diverse digital, events, brand, content and data licensing platform. Billboard publishes the most trusted charts and offers unrivaled reporting about the latest music, video, gaming, media, digital and mobile entertainment issues and trends. |
a history of violence vhs: Film After Film J. Hoberman, 2013-11-05 One of the world’s most erudite and entertaining film critics on the state of cinema in the post-digital—and post-9/11—age. This witty and allusive book, in the style of classic film theorists/critics like André Bazin and Siegfried Kracauer, includes considerations of global cinema’s most important figures and films, from Lars von Trier and Zia Jiangke to WALL-E, Avatar and Inception. |
a history of violence vhs: Film Firsts Ethan Alter, 2014-02-17 This forward-looking exploration of contemporary American film across the last 40 years identifies and examines the specific movies that changed the film industry and shaped its present and future. Since the mid-1970s, American cinema has gone through enormous changes, such as the birth of the modern summer blockbuster, the rise of the independent film industry, ongoing technological advancements in special effects, and the ever-evolving models for film distribution. Written by a professional film critic and film buff, this book tells the story of contemporary American cinema in a unique and engaging way: by examining 25 key movies that demonstrated a significant creative, technological, or business innovation that impacted the industry at large. Each chapter in this chronological survey of contemporary film is divided into two sections: The Film, which offers a critical overview of the film in question; and The First, which describes the specific innovation achieved by that film and places that achievement in the larger historical context. Two additional appendices in each chapter explore other significant aspects of both the film and its groundbreaking nature. The broad coverage—ranging from action movies to horror films to science fiction favorites—ensures the work's appeal to all film fans. |
a history of violence vhs: Violence in the Films of Stephen King Michael J. Blouin, Tony Magistrale, 2021-07-29 In Violence in the Films of Stephen King, contributors analyze the theme of violence in the film adaptations of Stephen King’s work—ranging from the earliest films in the King canonto his most recent iterations—through a variety of lenses. Investigating the diverse and varying roles that violence continues to play as both the level of violence and the gendered depictions of violence have evolved, many of the contributors come to the conclusion that King’s films have grown more violent over time. This book also examines the fine line between necessary violence and sensationalist violence, discussing the complexity of determining what constitutes violence with a narrative and ethical significance versus violence intended solely to titillate, repulse, or otherwise draw an emotional reaction from viewers. Scholars of film studies, horror studies, literary studies, and gender studies will find this book particularly useful. |
a history of violence vhs: Stuck on VHS Josh Schafer, 2020 Nostalgic journey through the VHS tapes of the past via their rental store stickers. |
a history of violence vhs: Tales of the Video Nasty Nathan Toulane, 2023-10-01 A carefree memoir of growing up during the golden age of VHS and video rental stores in the 1980s. This humorous nostalgia trip rewinds to an era of chunky plastic tapes, horror movie sleepovers, and rewinding woes. Relive the magic of discovering cinema through the blurry analogue footage, cheesy effects, and garish cover art of the VHS generation. A warm remembrance of all that was sublime and ridiculous about watching movies on tape during the heyday of the video rental store. From dodgy splatter films to DIY camcorder creations, this book celebrates a bygone media age and the role VHS played in shaping many a budding filmmaker. Sit back and soak in the fuzzy signals of yesteryear for a heartfelt trip back to the fascinating world of VHS. |
a history of violence vhs: Focus On: 100 Most Popular New Line Cinema Films Wikipedia contributors, |
a history of violence vhs: The Accidental Tourist Anne Tyler, 2007-12-18 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the beloved Pulitzer Prize–winning author—an irresistible novel exploring the slippery alchemy of attracting opposites, and the struggle to rebuild one’s life after unspeakable tragedy Travel writer Macon Leary hates travel, adventure, surprises, and anything outside of his routine. Immobilized by grief, Macon is becoming increasingly prickly and alone, anchored by his solitude and an unwillingness to compromise his creature comforts. Then he meets Muriel, an eccentric dog trainer too optimistic to let Macon disappear into himself. Despite Macon’s best efforts to remain insulated, Muriel up-ends his solitary, systemized life, catapulting him into the center of a messy, beautiful love story he never imagined. A fresh and timeless tale of unexpected bliss, The Accidental Tourist showcases Tyler’s talents for making characters—and their relationships—feel both real and magical. “Incandescent, heartbreaking, exhilarating…One cannot reasonably expect fiction to be much better than this.” —The Washington Post |
a history of violence vhs: Killer Tapes and Shattered Screens Caetlin Anne Benson-Allott, 2013-02-20 Since the mid-1980s, US audiences have watched the majority of movies they see on a video platform, be it VHS, DVD, Blu-ray, Video On Demand, or streaming media. Annual video revenues have exceeded box office returns for over twenty-five years. In short, video has become the structuring discourse of US movie culture. Killer Tapes and Shattered Screens examines how prerecorded video reframes the premises and promises of motion picture spectatorship. But instead of offering a history of video technology or reception, Caetlin Benson-Allott analyzes how the movies themselves understand and represent the symbiosis of platform and spectator. Through case studies and close readings that blend industry history with apparatus theory, psychoanalysis with platform studies, and production history with postmodern philosophy, Killer Tapes and Shattered Screens unearths a genealogy of post-cinematic spectatorship in horror movies, thrillers, and other exploitation genres. From Night of the Living Dead (1968) through Paranormal Activity (2009), these movies pursue their spectator from one platform to another, adapting to suit new exhibition norms and cultural concerns in the evolution of the video subject. |
a history of violence vhs: 50 Best Business Ideas from the past 50 years Ian Wallis, 2011-11-04 50 Best Business Ideas takes a look back at the business world over the past 50 years. Revealing the ideas and innovations that have changed how we do business. From the humble post-it note that we still use and love today, to the revolutionary fax machine that changed business for the better and formed the beginnings of the speedier, fast moving business world as we know it. 50 Best Business Ideas takes a look at the ideas, inventions and innovative practices that made an impact in the business world. Selected by a panel of top business leaders, entrepreneurs, journalists and inventors, this book is the definitive history of the ideas and inventions that shaped the business world over the past 50 years. Inspiring profiles include: The mobile phone, Flexitime, Hot-desking, Tetrapak cartons, Product Placement, The ergonomic office chair, Microwave ovens, Overnight couriers, The BlackBerry and many more. Profiling how the inspirational concept came about, its development, the hurdles it faced, to its ultimate impact the innovative idea had on the business and consumer world at the time plus where it sits today in the business arena and its future in the ever changing and developing landscape of business. Where would we be without email? How did a different approach to copywriting shape business and the advertising industry? When did we all start sitting comfortably in ergonomic office chairs? And how did celebrity endorsement become THE essential selling tool? Discover the journey of the business world from the past 50 years and its fascinating development through the best 50 innovative ideas that became the fabric of business today. Also includes profiles on Contact lenses, Satellite television, Video conferencing, The plastic bag, Budget airlines, The computer game, The electronic spreadsheet, The barcode and many more iconic business inventions... |
a history of violence vhs: The Video Librarian , 2006 |
a history of violence vhs: The DVD and the Study of Film M. Parker, 2011-05-23 Drawing on interviews with producers, directors, and scholars, and examining the DVD's supplementary features, this book explores how the format, at its best, combines the enthusiasm of a fan, cinematic nostalgia, and scholarly insight. |
a history of violence vhs: New Studies in the History of American Slavery Edward E. Baptist, Stephanie M. H. Camp, 2006 These essays, by some of the most prominent young historians writing about slavery, fill gaps in our understanding of such subjects as enslaved women, the Atlantic and internal slave trades, the relationships between Indians and enslaved people, and enslavement in Latin America. Inventive and stimulating, the essays model the blending of methods and styles that characterizes the new cultural history of slavery’s social, political, and economic systems. Several common themes emerge from the volume, among them the correlation between race and identity; the meanings contained in family and community relationships, gender, and life’s commonplaces; and the literary and legal representations that legitimated and codified enslavement and difference. Such themes signal methodological and pedagogical shifts in the field away from master/slave or white/black race relations models toward perspectives that give us deeper access to the mental universe of slavery. Topics of the essays range widely, including European ideas about the reproductive capacities of African women and the process of making race in the Atlantic world, the contradictions of the assimilation of enslaved African American runaways into Creek communities, the consequences and meanings of death to Jamaican slaves and slave owners, and the tensions between midwifery as a black cultural and spiritual institution and slave midwives as health workers in a plantation economy. Opening our eyes to the personal, the contentious, and even the intimate, these essays call for a history in which both enslaved and enslavers acted in a vast human drama of bondage and freedom, salvation and damnation, wealth and exploitation. |
a history of violence vhs: Hate Crimes Donald Altschiller, 2015-09-15 Hate crime is a disturbing phenomenon that is the subject of constant debate, discussion, and legislation. This book helps readers understand the complex issue and see how the government and activists are proactively combating hate crime. With the first two editions widely praised by reviewers, Hate Crimes: A Reference Handbook, Third Edition remains the most comprehensive reference source on bias-motivated violence committed in the United States. The book contains vital history on hate crime legislation, provides a detailed chronology of recent events, and offers the most up-to-date information on its prevalence and the affected religious, racial, and other targeted communities, such as Jewish Americans and Sikh Americans. Dozens of expert contributors—such as Kenneth L. Marcus, president and general counsel of the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law—present a balanced range of perspectives on the growing phenomenon, enabling readers to fully comprehend the widespread problem and develop their own informed opinion. Written in an accessible style suited to high school and undergraduate-level students as well as general readers, this book provides an essential, current, and easy-to-read ready reference on the timely and evolving issue of hate crime in the United States. The material provides an introductory overview of the topic of hate crime as well as insightful discussion of specific subjects, such as U.S. Supreme Court decisions and federal and state legislation regarding hate crimes, the incidence of hate crimes committed on America's college campuses, and governmental and citizen efforts to combat this disturbing phenomenon. |
a history of violence vhs: Bleeding Skull Annie Choi, Zack Carlson, Joseph A. Ziemba, 2021-03-23 A celebration of the most obscure, bizarre, and brain-busting movies ever made, this film guide features 250 in-depth reviews that have escaped the radar of people with taste and the tolerance of critics ― Goregasm! I Was a Teenage Serial Killer! Satan Claus!Die Hard Dracula! Curated by the enthusiastic minds behind BleedingSkull.com, this book gets deep into gutter-level, no-budget horror, from shot-on-VHS revelations (Eyes of the Werewolf) to forgotten outsider art hallucinations (Alien Beasts). Jam-packed with rare photographs, advertisements, and VHS sleeves (most of which have never been seen before), Bleeding Skull is an edifying, laugh-out-loud guide to the dusty inventory of the greatest video store that never existed. |
a history of violence vhs: Nasty Business Mark McKenna, 2020-07-06 Considers the technological, economic and aesthetic histories of the early British video industry as part of the broader global film industry. |
a history of violence vhs: Tweet If You Heart Jesus Elizabeth Drescher, 2011-05 Social media has ushered in a dramatic global shift in the nature of faith, social consciousness, and relationships. How do churches navigate the Digital Reformation? Tweet If You Heart Jesus brings the wisdom of ancient and medieval Christianity into conversation with contemporary theories of cultural change and the realities of social media, all to help churches navigate a landscape where faith, leadership, and community have taken on new meanings. |
a history of violence vhs: Empire of Sacrifice Jon Pahl, 2012-06 It is widely recognized that American culture is both exceptionally religious and exceptionally violent. Americans participate in religious communities in high numbers, yet American citizens also own guns at rates far beyond those of citizens in other industrialized nations. Since 9/11, United States scholars have understandably discussed religious violence in terms of terrorist acts, a focus that follows United States policy. Yet, according to Jon Pahl, to identify religious violence only with terrorism fails to address the long history of American violence rooted in religion throughout the country’s history. In essence, Americans have found ways to consider blessed some very brutal attitudes and behaviors both domestically and globally. In Empire of Sacrifice, Pahl explains how both of these distinctive features of American culture work together by exploring how constructions along the lines of age, race, and gender have operated to centralize cultural power across American civil or cultural religions in ways that don’t always appear to be religious at all. Pahl traces the development of these forms of systemic violence throughout American history, using evidence from popular culture, including movies such as Rebel without a Cause and Reefer Madness and works of literature such as The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass and The Handmaid's Tale, to illuminate historical events. Throughout, Pahl focuses an intense light on the complex and durable interactions between religion and violence in American history, from Puritan Boston to George W. Bush’s Baghdad. |
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a history of violence vhs: Cronenberg on Cronenberg David Cronenberg, 1992 David Cronenberg is Canada's most provocative director. With internationally acclaimed films such as Scanners, The Fly, Dead Ringers and Naked Lunch, he has demonstrated his ability to touch painful nerves and invest his own unique genre with a rare philosophical and emotional intensity. In this stimulating, vivid book--combining memoir, behind-the-scenes movie stories and unsettling and original insights into the traumas of the late 20th century--David Cronenberg reveals the concerns and obsessions which dominate his rich, complex work. |
a history of violence vhs: Interview with the Vampire Anne Rice, 1991-09-13 The spellbinding classic that started it all, from the #1 New York Times bestselling author—the inspiration for the hit television series “A magnificent, compulsively readable thriller . . . Rice begins where Bram Stoker and the Hollywood versions leave off and penetrates directly to the true fascination of the myth—the education of the vampire.”—Chicago Tribune Here are the confessions of a vampire. Hypnotic, shocking, and chillingly sensual, this is a novel of mesmerizing beauty and astonishing force—a story of danger and flight, of love and loss, of suspense and resolution, and of the extraordinary power of the senses. It is a novel only Anne Rice could write. |
a history of violence vhs: Rewind, Replay Johnny Walker, 2022-06-30 Charts the introduction and rise of video entertainment in Britain from the launch of Betamax and VHS in 1978 to the development of the video superstore in the early 1990s |
a history of violence vhs: Beyond the Multiplex Barbara Klinger, 2023-09-01 Since the mid-eighties, more audiences have been watching Hollywood movies at home than at movie theaters, yet little is known about just how viewers experience film outside of the multiplex. This is the first full-length study of how contemporary entertainment technologies and media—from cable television and VHS to DVD and the Internet—shape our encounters with the movies and affect the aesthetic, cultural, and ideological definitions of cinema. Barbara Klinger explores topics such as home theater, film collecting, classic Hollywood movie reruns, repeat viewings, and Internet film parodies, providing a multifaceted view of the presentation and reception of films in U.S. households. Balancing industry history with theoretical and cultural analysis, she finds that today cinema's powerful social presence cannot be fully grasped without considering its prolific recycling in post-theatrical venues—especially the home. |
a history of violence vhs: Ponyville Confidential Sherilyn Connelly, 2017-03-28 Beloved by young girls around the world, Hasbro's My Little Pony franchise has been mired in controversy since its debut in the early 1980s. Critics dismissed the cartoons as toy advertisements, and derided their embrace of femininity. The 2010 debut of the openly feminist My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic renewed the backlash, as its broad appeal challenged entrenched notions about gendered entertainment. This first comprehensive study of My Little Pony explores the history and cultural significance of the franchise through Season 5 of Friendship Is Magic and the first three Equestria Girls films. The brand has continued to be on the receiving end of a sexist double standard regarding commercialism in children's entertainment, while masculine cartoons such as the Transformers have been spared similar criticism. |
a history of violence vhs: The History Teacher's Movie Guide Richard Di Giacomo, 2008 Finding, funding, and using the right films and video equipment can be challenging for history teachers. Did you know that… The movie Prince of Egypt was banned in Egypt? In the movie Troy, ancient Trojans are shown using llamas that could only be found in the New World at that time? Oliver Stone’s movie JFK was so controversial that he wrote a whole book defending it? The movie 300 is based on a comic book and not meant to show historical reality at all? No one in the West has ever made a major motion picture featuring the life of Vladimir Lenin? Showing movies in the dark can damage your eyesight? Showing the wrong movie could get you fired or slapped with a heavy fine? There are ways to obtain free educational films? There are some great books and websites that allow you to learn about the objectionable content and historical accuracy of a film before you show it to your students? This book helps you get good films that are free from bias, anachronisms, or objectionable content. There are many great tips on how to use films more effectively in your classroom and interesting assignments to go with them. Chapter One: The Do’s and Don’ts of Using Films in Your Classroom 4 Chapter Two: Should I Use a Drama or a Documentary? 9 Chapter Three: Finding the Right Films 11 Chapter Four: Funding Your Film Library 18 Chapter Five: Copyright Issues 25 Chapter Six: Choosing the Right Format of Films & Equipment 28 Chapter Seven: Anachronisms in Film 35 Chapter Eight: Bias in Film 38 Chapter Nine: Films with Violence and Bad Language 42 Chapter Ten: Film-related Assignments 44 Chapter Eleven: The Best and Worst Dramatic Films for History Classes 67 Chapter Twelve: Recent Reviews 73 Chapter Thirteen: Films That I Think Should be Made 78 Chapter Fourteen: Recommended Reading 82 Chapter Fifteen: Dramatic Films Listed by Historical Era 85 |
a history of violence vhs: Understanding Community Media Kevin Howley, 2009-09-11 A text that reveals the value and significance of community media in an era of global communication With contributions from an international team of well-known experts, media activists, and promising young scholars, this comprehensive volume examines community-based media from theoretical, empirical, and practical perspectives. More than 30 original essays provide an incisive and timely analysis of the relationships between media and society, technology and culture, and communication and community. Key Features Provides vivid examples of community and alternative media initiatives from around the world Explores a wide range of media institutions, forms, and practices—community radio, participatory video, street newspapers, Independent Media Centers, and community informatics Offers cutting-edge analysis of community and alternative media with original essays from new, emerging, and established voices in the field Takes a multidimensional approach to community media studies by highlighting the social, economic, cultural, and political significance of alternative, independent, and community-oriented media organizations Enters the ongoing debates regarding the theory and practice of community media in a comprehensive and engaging fashion Intended Audience This core text is designed for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses such as Community Media, Alternative Media, Media & Social Change, Communication & Culture, and Participatory Communication in the departments of communication, media studies, sociology, and cultural studies. |
a history of violence vhs: The X-Rated Videotape Guide Robert H. Rimmer, 1993 Offers physical descriptions, biographical data, the names and addresses of video distributors and manufacturers, production dates, and many useful cross-references. |
a history of violence vhs: Bowker's Complete Video Directory , 2000 |
a history of violence vhs: The Night the War Was Lost Charles L. Dufour, 1994-01-01 Long before the Confederacy was crushed militarily, it was defeated economically, writes Charles L. Dufour. He contends that with the fall of the critical city of New Orleans in spring 1862 the South lost the Civil War, although fighting would continueøfor three more years. On the Mississippi River, below New Orleans, in the predawn of April 24, 1862, David Farragut with fourteen gunboats ran past two forts to capture the South's principal seaport. Vividly descriptive, The Night the War Was Lost is also very human in its portrayal of terrified citizens and leaders occasionally rising to heroism. In a swift-moving narrative, Dufour explains the reasons for the seizure of New Orleans and describes its results. |
a history of violence vhs: My Best Friend's Exorcism Grady Hendrix, 2016-05-17 Soon to be a major motion picture. This ENHANCED DIGITAL EDITION features TONS of TOTALLY AWESOME ’80s bonus materials—including Satanic Panic educational pamphlets, a do-it-yourself exorcism cheat sheet, a Spotify playlist of awesome ’80s tunes, animated cover artwork, and much more! From the New York Times best-selling author of The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires, this unholy hybrid of Beaches and The Exorcist blends teen angst and unspeakable horrors into a pulse-pounding supernatural thriller. The year is 1988. High school sophomores Abby and Gretchen have been best friends since fourth grade. But after an evening of skinny-dipping goes disastrously wrong, Gretchen begins to act…different. She’s moody. She’s irritable. And bizarre incidents keep happening whenever she’s nearby. Abby’s investigation leads her to some startling discoveries—and by the time their story reaches its terrifying conclusion, the fate of Abby and Gretchen will be determined by a single question: Is their friendship powerful enough to beat the devil? |
a history of violence vhs: Fault Lines: A History of the United States Since 1974 Kevin M. Kruse, Julian E. Zelizer, 2019-01-08 A gripping and troubling account of the origins of our turbulent times.” —Jill Lepore, author of These Truths: A History of the United States When—and how—did America become so polarized? In this masterful history, leading historians Kevin M. Kruse and Julian E. Zelizer uncover the origins of our current moment. It all starts in 1974 with the Watergate crisis, the OPEC oil embargo, desegregation busing riots in Boston, and the wind-down of the Vietnam War. What follows is the story of our own lifetimes. It is the story of ever-widening historical fault lines over economic inequality, race, gender, and sexual norms firing up a polarized political landscape. It is also the story of profound transformations of the media and our political system fueling the fire. Kruse and Zelizer’s Fault Lines is a master class in national divisions nearly five decades in the making. |
a history of violence vhs: Replay Tristan Donovan, Richard Garriott, 2010 A comprehensive overview of the evolution of video games covering topics such as, Atari revolution; rise of cartridge-based consoles; American video game industry; international video game industry; Apple Mac; Nintendo Entertainment System; Sega video games; PlayStation video games; and girl gaming. |
a history of violence vhs: The Routledge Companion to Theatre and Performance Historiography Tracy C. Davis, Peter W. Marx, 2020-08-03 The Routledge Companion to Theatre and Performance Historiography sets the agenda for inclusive and wide-ranging approaches to writing history, embracing the diverse perspectives of the twenty-first century and Critical Media History. Written by an international team of authors whose expertise spans a multitude of historical periods and cultures, this collection of fascinating essays poses the central question: what is specific to the historiography of the performative? The study of theatre, in conjunction with the wider sphere of performance, involves an array of multi-faceted methods for collecting evidence, interpreting sources, and creating meaning. Reflecting on issues of recording — from early modern musical scores, through VHS-technology to latest digital procedures — and on what is missing from records or oblique in practices, the contributors convey how theatre and performance history is integral to social and cultural relations. This expertly curated collection repositions theatre and performance history and is essential reading for Theatre and Performance Studies students or those interested in social and cultural history more generally. |
a history of violence vhs: Video Source Book , 2006 A guide to programs currently available on video in the areas of movies/entertainment, general interest/education, sports/recreation, fine arts, health/science, business/industry, children/juvenile, how-to/instruction. |
Check or delete your Chrome browsing history - Google Help
Deleted pages from your browsing history; Tips: If you’re signed in to Chrome and sync your history, then your History also shows pages you’ve visited on your other devices. If you don’t …
Manage & delete your Search history - Computer - Google Help
On your computer, go to your Search history in My Activity. Choose the Search history you want to delete. You can choose: All your Search history: Above your history, click Delete Delete all …
Access & control activity in your account
Under "History settings," click My Activity. To access your activity: Browse your activity, organized by day and time. To find specific activity, at the top, use the search bar and filters. Manage …
Check or delete your Chrome browsing history
Websites you’ve visited are recorded in your browsing history. You can check or delete your browsing history, and find related searches in Chrome. You can also resume browsing …
Delete your activity - Computer - Google Account Help
Under "History settings," click an activity or history setting you want to auto-delete. Click Auto-delete. Click the button for how long you want to keep your activity Next Confirm to save your …
Manage your Google Meet call history
Tip: History on the home screen shows only the last call you had with a contact, whether or not it was a Meet call or a legacy call. Export your call history. On your computer, go to Meet. Select …
View, delete, or turn on or off watch history - Computer - YouTube …
Click YouTube History. Click Manage history. Click Auto-delete. Select your preferred time range, then click Next. Click Confirm when done. Turn off or delete your watch history while signed …
View or delete your YouTube search history - Computer - Google …
Delete search history. Visit the My Activity page. Select one of the following: Delete: Click beside a search to delete it. To delete more than one search from your history at a time, click …
Delete browsing data in Chrome - Computer - Google Help
Download history: The list of files you've downloaded using Chrome is deleted, but the actual files aren't removed from your computer. Passwords: Records of passwords you saved are …
Manage your Location History - Google Maps Help
Location History is off by default. We can only use it if you turn Location History on. You can turn off Location History at any time in your Google Account's Activity controls. You can review and …
Check or delete your Chrome browsing history - Google Help
Deleted pages from your browsing history; Tips: If you’re signed in to Chrome and sync your history, then your History also shows pages you’ve visited on your other devices. If you don’t …
Manage & delete your Search history - Computer - Google Help
On your computer, go to your Search history in My Activity. Choose the Search history you want to delete. You can choose: All your Search history: Above your history, click Delete Delete all …
Access & control activity in your account
Under "History settings," click My Activity. To access your activity: Browse your activity, organized by day and time. To find specific activity, at the top, use the search bar and filters. Manage …
Check or delete your Chrome browsing history
Websites you’ve visited are recorded in your browsing history. You can check or delete your browsing history, and find related searches in Chrome. You can also resume browsing …
Delete your activity - Computer - Google Account Help
Under "History settings," click an activity or history setting you want to auto-delete. Click Auto-delete. Click the button for how long you want to keep your activity Next Confirm to save your …
Manage your Google Meet call history
Tip: History on the home screen shows only the last call you had with a contact, whether or not it was a Meet call or a legacy call. Export your call history. On your computer, go to Meet. Select …
View, delete, or turn on or off watch history - Computer - YouTube …
Click YouTube History. Click Manage history. Click Auto-delete. Select your preferred time range, then click Next. Click Confirm when done. Turn off or delete your watch history while signed …
View or delete your YouTube search history - Computer - Google …
Delete search history. Visit the My Activity page. Select one of the following: Delete: Click beside a search to delete it. To delete more than one search from your history at a time, click …
Delete browsing data in Chrome - Computer - Google Help
Download history: The list of files you've downloaded using Chrome is deleted, but the actual files aren't removed from your computer. Passwords: Records of passwords you saved are …
Manage your Location History - Google Maps Help
Location History is off by default. We can only use it if you turn Location History on. You can turn off Location History at any time in your Google Account's Activity controls. You can review and …