Portuguese director Robert dos Santos has created the first film in 20 years to be released straight to VHS, titled This Is How the World Ends. The film's release on VHS challenges modern digital streaming conventions, requiring viewers to own an old VCR, which ceased production in 2016.
Speaking to The Guardian, Dos Santos said he aims for viewers to engage in a “physical process” and experience an “imperfect” medium. This unconventional release taps into a growing interest in physical media, driven by nostalgia, with sales of DVDs, Blu-Rays, CDs, and vinyl seeing an increase.
Dos Santos plans to release This Is How the World Ends on DVD and Blu-Ray before showing it in cinemas and then streaming. The director's decision to embrace VHS reflects a broader trend of consumers rediscovering tangible formats in an increasingly digital world.
