B Movies Blog

Hello, Movie Mavens! Welcome back to the B Movies Blog. Today, we’re popping DVD menus into the ol’ VCR. 

This piece is going to be such a hit in the nostalgia for my readers who grew up in the time of DVDs. For any younger readers, this is going to make me sound like the oldest human being alive. 

As someone who still remembers VHS tapes being phased out, I was skeptical of DVDs. 

Yes, I’ve always been distrustful of technological advances, even as a child. I blame it on Terminator 2. 

I digress. 

However, with the arrival of DVDs came something magical: the DVD menu. 

From the TV guide-inspired menu of Wayne’s World to the interactive special features of the Shreks, there was so much to see and explore. 

Video source: Nostalgivault 

I still think about lying awake at night, when KP thought I was sleeping, going through each and every element.

I remember waking up in the middle of the night to the sound of the menu for The Rocky Horror Picture Show on multiple occasions.

And, honestly, there was nothing more comforting than falling asleep to the glow of a TV while some silly sounds and music played. 

That’s why it makes me so sad that physical media is being phased out at Best Buy stores. 

There are generations that will never get to experience the games and special features we did. They’ll never know what it’s like to play with a clamshell VHS case or the excitement of ripping open the plastic of a DVD. 

Video source: Jack B 

As someone who has lived through countless unprecedented events, I know there are so many bad things that happened when I was growing up and are continuing into my adulthood. 

But, DVD menus aren’t one of them. 

Okay, fine. 

I’ve already waxed poetically about Hot Topic, so I’ll leave it here — lest I become Rory in the episode of Gilmore Girls where she’s commended for a piece that compares a parking lot being repaved to the fact that everyone and everything will become obsolete. 

I guess the biggest takeaway here is to share the joy of physical media with the youths, when you can. 

Make new memories, too, obviously, but don’t be afraid to pass on some of the cool things we grew up with. 

I think you can skip Furby, though.