Netflix tests nostalgia with VHS-style Stranger Things season one
The Duffer brothers say additional retro editions for later seasons are contingent on viewership metrics, as Netflix continues to extend the franchise’s lifecycle.
Netflix has launched a special edition of the first season of Stranger Things designed to replicate the visual aesthetic of a 1980s VHS tape. The release, which invites viewers to rewatch the series as if it were 1983, employs a 4:3 aspect ratio that results in large black bars on either side of the screen for most modern displays. The picture quality is intentionally degraded to feature a grainy, soft blur, mimicking the look of a home video rental.
The edition also utilises pan-and-scan editing, a technique used to fit wide-screen images into smaller, square screens by cutting off the sides and panning the camera to follow action. According to the show’s creators, the Duffer brothers, this format reflects how the series would appear if it existed within the fictional town of Hawkins and were sitting on a shelf at a video store. The Netflix opening animation has been edited to appear dated, although the audio remains unchanged.
The Duffer brothers indicated that further VHS-style editions for subsequent seasons may be released, but this is contingent upon sufficient viewership of the current special edition. They described the potential for future releases with caution, stating they will "maybe" proceed if enough people watch the first season’s retro version. This conditional approach suggests that the expansion of the format depends on undisclosed viewership metrics.
The move aligns with the show’s 1980s setting and nostalgic themes, offering a distinct visual experience that differs from the standard high-definition streaming format. Viewers can access the special edition by visiting the release's landing page or by searching "Stranger Things VHS" on the platform. The release marks another effort by Netflix to extend the engagement lifecycle of its flagship property, even as the main narrative arc concludes.
While the initial release is available, the uncertainty surrounding future editions remains. The Duffer brothers’ use of the term "maybe" indicates a lack of firm commitment to expanding the format to other seasons. The success of this nostalgia-driven experiment will likely determine whether the streaming service continues to invest in such specialised, retro-themed content for the franchise.
