A small film known simply as V/H/S has quietly been making rounds in the movie circuit and on Netflix. V/H/S is a collection of found-footage shorts, with one story used to present the others, formatting it as a horror anthology.

Overall, the film could have used more editing, but it was still enjoyable; the first video presented and the last video were standouts. Especially the last one, which was fun with a lot of good scares.

Considering that it’s an anthology, it was quick to film. Each short had their own writers, directors, and actors; they were filmed simultaneously. The sequel was already made, with a few new directors thrown into the mix. Entitled S-VHS, the movie follows the same format, with a collection of tapes found in a house. Sundance provided a synopsis:

“Inside a darkened house looms a column of TVs littered with VHS tapes, a pagan shrine to forgotten analog gods. The screens crackle and pop endlessly with monochrome vistas of static—white noise permeating the brain and fogging concentration. But you must fight the urge to relax: this is no mere movie night. Those obsolete spools contain more than just magnetic tape. They are imprinted with the very soul of evil.”

A trailer for S-VHS is out, so obviously that means you should check it out. The film debuted at the Sundance Film Festival over the weekend, and received good reviews — with a few saying it improved upon the first movie. And speaking of the first movie, if you have Netflix, check it out.

Did I say “check it out” enough? But really, they’re creepy and worth a look.

[Empire Online]