Horror Fans Revive VHS Culture at Los Angeles’ Slasher World
A recent VHS swap event at Slasher World in Los Angeles demonstrates a surprising resurgence of interest in the analog format among horror enthusiasts.
The event, held yesterday at Slasher World – a horror-themed shop that opened in August – featured hundreds of meticulously arranged VHS tapes and attracted collectors and fans eager to trade and discuss classic horror films. Garage rock music filled the space as attendees exchanged titles like “Scream” and “Halloween.” The shop, located on Melrose Avenue, also houses Slashback Video, a permanent exhibit originally launched in 2017, showcasing a vast collection of VHS covers, including both well-known and obscure titles. This growing trend highlights a desire for physical media and a nostalgic connection to a pre-digital era of film consumption.
“One of my big motives for opening [Slasher World] was, I just love the horror community so much,” says owner Kiko Bailey. “I really feel like we need a safe space — a place to meet up with like-minded people and in a nice horror vibe. I think it’s so important right now and to just bring people together.” The event also drew vendors like Alex von Klemperer of Retro UFO, who noted the tactile element the swap added to the exhibit. Matt Landsman, film programmer at Be Kind Video, explained that the original Slashback Video exhibit inspired his career path, stating it was “like an idealized video store.”
For many attendees, collecting and trading VHS tapes is more than a hobby; it’s a connection to their youth and a way to preserve film history. Tape vendors Angela Medina and Miguel Alonso of Cheap Thrill Retro, who have been collecting for five years, emphasized the importance of keeping the format “alive.” Slasher World is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with admission to Slashback Video at $13. You can find more information on their Instagram page.
Bailey envisions future events including meet and greets, art shows, and parties, and hopes to eventually expand to a second location.
