The VIA VHS Podcast is your virtual video store. Imagine being transported back in time to a video store in the 80s or 90s and getting swept up in conversations with two crazy, movie obsessed guys behind the counter about the best and worst films of that era. Wes and Spencer are the crazy guys behind the counter and on this podcast we take you on a nostalgic journey back in time to revisit the movies, TV, video games and all the best analog era pop culture that you grew up on. So pop in the tape, adjust the tracking and travel back in time with us VIA VHS
Transformers: The Movie (1986) – Who The Hell Kills Optimus Prime? | Rewind Review
“AUTOBOTS ROLL-OUT”
In this episode of VIA VHS, we rewind Transformers: The Movie (1986) — the animated film that shocked a generation by killing Optimus Prime and redefining what a “kids movie” could be.
Was it just a toy commercial… or something way more ambitious?
We break down the Tale of the Tape, the box office context, the unforgettable 80s rock soundtrack, and why this movie still hits decades later. From corporate risk to emotional impact, this is one of the boldest swings in animation history.
If you grew up in the VHS era, this is a rental you never forgot.
14 Nov 2025
The Running Man - Rewind Review
The Running Man is a staple of 1980s sci-fi, blending action, satire, and dystopian social commentary.
If you’re searching for:
“The Running Man review,” “Running Man explained,” “Arnold Schwarzenegger 80s movies,” “best dystopian movies,” “VHS era action films,” or “retro movie podcasts,” — this episode has you covered.
We dig into:
• 1987 sci-fi action tropes
• The over-the-top gladiator TV show premise
• Richard Dawson’s performance
• Memorable “Stalkers” (Captain Freedom, Subzero, Buzzsaw)
• How the film predicted modern reality TV
• Its cult-classic status and 80s cheese factor
🎬 About VIA VHS
The VIA VHS Podcast is dedicated to the movies that defined the analog era — from cult classics to forgotten gems.
Each week, we revisit a different title from the 80s, 90s, or early 2000s, blending film analysis, nostalgia, humor, and pure love for the VHS rental days.
If you love retro cinema, film podcasts, nostalgia content, and 80s/90s pop culture, hit Subscribe and join the community.
💾 Join the VIA VHS Video Club (Exclusive Content!)
Become a Video Club Member on Patreon and unlock:
• Analog Legends Nostalgia Specials
• Retro SlamMasters (Wrestling Show)
• Bonus episodes + behind-the-scenes content
• Your own retro video store membership card
25 Apr 2024
Iron Eagle - Rewind Review
In this episode of Rewind Review we revisit the 1986 the cheesy yet endearing action film Iron Eagle. In memory of Louis Gossett Jr we look back at one of his peak VHS era flicks in this conventionally terrible and simultaneously charming Reagan era American propaganda film
3 Nov 2023
X-Men - Rewind Review
Some would say this is the film that for better or worse ushered in the Superhero movie era at the start of the new Millennium . Sure there were Comic based Superhero movies that came before this, but something about the success of X-Men signaled to studios that anything was possible. Not only were the audiences primed and ready for more films like X-Men, but the technology was available to make these movies as creative and imaginative as their Comic Book depictions.
We look back at one of the most influential comic book movies ever made as we discuss the legacy of X-Men (2000)
3 Nov 2023
Hooper - Rewind Review
Burt Reynolds stars as Hooper, an aging stuntman facing the reality that his lifestyle may not be suitable for a man of his age. Instead of scaling back Hooper decided to up the ante and take his stunts to the next level, especially in light of a young bright new star on the stunt circuit threatening his greatness.
Wes and Spencer discuss weather or not Hooper is actually Burt’s best movie.
5 Oct 2023
Young Sherlock Holmes - Rewind Review
In this episode of VIA VHS Rewind Review we are looking back at the 1986 family film Young Sherlock Holmes.
Not only is this film a pretty solid family flick with surprisingly good practical effects, but this film is historically significant for a couple of reasons.
First, a lot of movie nerds will know that Young Sherlock Holmes features the first CGI created character in a feature length film. The early history of Pixar during it's days in the partnership with George Lucas and Steve Jobs is a major moment for the history of cinema. CGI would be everywhere soon, for better or worse.
Secondly and what we found most compelling, is the eerie similarities Young Sherlock Holmes shares with the Harry Potter franchise, even going as far as the director of two early Harry Potter films Chris Columbus being a writer for Young Sherlock. The similarities are uncanny and we discuss the possibility of this film being one of the inspirations for the Harry Potter books and later the film franchise.
20 Sept 2023
Contact - Rewind Review
We live in a time where there are actual hearings on Capitol Hill about disclosing to the public information regarding the Government hiding proof of UFO's and the possible existence of Extraterrestrial Alien biologics on Earth....and nobody gives a shit.
Things play out a little differently in the 1997 film Contact which is the subject of this week's Rewind Review. This is one of Wes's favorite films of the 90s, and we discuss how this movie blew his mind as a teenager. In addition to our retrospective on Contact we delve into the recent Government hearings on UAPs and possible Alien Biologics and why nobody seems to care or the conspiracies have completely reversed.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.9 / 5
31 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
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