This month, we are saying goodbye to an era that many of us feel so nostalgic about; it is time to say goodbye to the VCR. While the majority of our society got rid of these bad boys several years ago for a few bucks at a garage sale, saying goodbye forever...and I mean forever...is, well, sad.
Japan's Funai Electric claims to be the worlds last VCR manufacturer and at the end of this month, they are stopping the production of Videocassette Recorders (VCRs). Funai Electric started their production of the device in 1983 after seeing a rise in sales of VHS tapes. By the late 1980's, they were the second largest 2-head mono VHS videocassette recorder manufacturer in Japan. Last year, the company sold 750,000 units and found that the parts to make these VCRs were becoming harder and harder to find. Loyal customers, upon news of the halt in production of VCRs, are asking where they can find the last few products.
The VCR and VHS tapes hold a special place in the heart of 1980's and 90's kids. While the other Japanese companies that produced the VCR, such as Sony and Panasonic, may be more familiar to Americans, the stopping of production overall truly marks the end of an era.
To commemorate all of the days VHS tapes and VCR's kept us from boredom--practically every time it rained, we were sick, or had a sleepover--I leave you with 11 VHS movies we all watched growing up.
1. "Home Alone"
1, 2 and I guess 3 and 4 but those were no good...I mean, it really went downhill after Macaulay Culkin left.
2. "The Lion King"
Where we cried, laughed and fell in love with one of Disney's greatest animated musicals for the first time.
3. "The Goonies"
My personal favorite movie of all time that, to my surprise, is not as well known as it should be. I suggest going and getting one of the last VCRs...you're missing out.
4. "Space Jam"
This one speaks for itself.
5. "Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey"
Chance, Shadow and Sassy taught us how the adventurous, wise and cautious come together and find their way home through the California Wilderness...ahhhh, nostalgia.
6. All of "The Land Before Time" Movies
More personal favorites. I mean who could forget Littlefoot and his journey to the legendary Great Valley.
7. "Toy Story" 1 and 2
Although "Toy Story 3" stole the hearts of many, there is nothing like watching 1 and 2 on VHS...old school.
8. "Babe"
The tale of the nonconformist piglet, do I have to say more?
9. "101 Dalmatians"
This one's a classic among 90's kids, even with the horror behind Cruella's evil hopes for a fur coat.
10. "The Sandlot"
Primarily watched during rainy days at school, but who's complaining?
11. "Scooby-Doo!"
Not limited to VHS but definitely a staple to the childhoods of many...and honestly, how good did all the food Shaggy and Scooby ate look?
So long, VHS and VCR. You will be forever remembered by us 90's kids!
