A.V. Opinions: My new favorite podcast is The Video Archives
Lately, my favorite podcast has been The Video Archives Podcast with Quentin Tarantino and Roger Avary. If you’re a fan of movies this podcast is a treasure trove. The premise is simple: Quentin Tarantino, in true cinephile fashion, bought the entire inventory of the old Video Archives video store in Manhattan Beach, where he and Roger used to work back in the day. Now, the two friends meet weekly to dig into the collection, pull out VHS tapes, and rewatch the same movies they used to rent to customers decades ago.
What I love most about this podcast is how genuine it feels. It’s not just two filmmakers talking shop, it’s two old friends reliving memories, laughing, and geeking out over movies they love. You can tell how much fun they’re having as they crack jokes and dive into deep discussions about the films. Their rule of only watching movies from the Video Archives collection adds a layer of authenticity and nostalgia. It’s like stepping into a time capsule filled with plastic clamshell cases and faded labels, back to a world where streaming didn’t exist, and movie nights started with a trip to the video store.
As a VHS collector myself, this podcast hits me on a personal level. Hearing them talk about the tactile experience of handling tapes, the quirks of old VHS packaging, and the joy of discovery reminds me why I fell in love with movies in the first place. But make no mistake, this isn’t just a podcast for VHS enthusiasts. It’s for movie lovers first and foremost. The passion and enthusiasm Quentin and Roger bring to each episode is infectious, and their insights into the films they discuss are just as fascinating as their personal stories.
If you’re looking for a podcast that feels like hanging out with friends who love movies as much as you do, I highly recommend The Video Archives Podcast. Whether you’re into VHS nostalgia or just want to hear two legendary filmmakers having a blast, this one’s worth a listen.
-Brad McBoom