Watch Adjust Your Tracking: The Untold Story of VHS Collectors

Adjust Your Tracking: The Untold Story of VHS Collectors is a documentary film released in 2013, directed and produced by Dan Kinem and Levi Peretic. The film explores the world of passionate collectors of VHS tapes from the 80s and 90s, and how this once-disappearing medium has gained new life and significance decades later. The film begins by introducing several collectors who have different reasons for their love of VHS tapes. Some are motivated by nostalgia, while others appreciate the unique, low-fi aesthetic of VHS. Some collect specific genres, like horror or martial arts movies, while others seek out obscure and rare tapes.

Throughout the film, we are treated to a range of interviews with collectors, as well as experts in the VHS world, such as Anthony Timpone, founder of Fangoria magazine. They share stories of their beloved collections, explain the appeal of VHS, and discuss the impact of the format on American culture. We also meet several collectors who have amassed staggering numbers of tapes, and learn about the ingenious ways they have found to store and display them in their homes.

In addition to exploring the love of VHS among collectors, the film delves into the history of the format. We learn about the early days of home video and how the VHS won out as the dominant format over Betamax. We also hear from video store owners who reminisce about the heyday of rental stores and share their thoughts on the decline of the industry.

The film also touches on the rise of digital media, and how this has both threatened and invigorated the world of VHS collectors. Some collectors embrace the convenience and accessibility of digital media, while others remain steadfast in their love of physical media.

The documentary culminates in a VHS swap meet, where collectors from around the country converge to buy, sell, and trade tapes. We see the excitement and enthusiasm shared by these collectors as they pore over stacks of tapes and connect with others who share their love of the medium.

Throughout the film, Kinem and Peretic use clever visual techniques to bring the world of VHS to life. They incorporate vintage ads, movie clips, and quirky animations to complement the interview footage and give context to the stories being shared.

Adjust Your Tracking: The Untold Story of VHS Collectors provides an engaging and insightful look into a subculture that has been often overlooked. The film is not just for VHS enthusiasts, but for anyone interested in the cultural significance of physical media, the impact of technology on our lives, and the enduring power of nostalgia.

Adjust Your Tracking: The Untold Story of VHS Collectors is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.