Episode Summary: VHS Classics Dear Movies, I Love You with Hosts Millie De Chirico and Casey O'Brien Released July 15, 2025

Introduction

In this nostalgic episode of Dear Movies, I Love You, hosts Millie De Chirico and Casey O'Brien dive deep into the beloved era of VHS tapes. Celebrating the tactile and sentimental aspects of physical media, the duo explores personal memories, iconic VHS covers, and the enduring charm of analog film consumption.

Film Diaries

Millie and Casey kick off the episode with their recent movie experiences:

• Millie's Picks:

  • Coal Miner's Daughter (1980): Millie revisits this emotionally charged musical biopic starring Sissy Spacek and Tommy Lee Jones, highlighting its heartfelt performances and memorable soundtrack. "It's really good," she affirms at [10:29].
  • Missing (1982): Directed by Costa-Gavras, this political thriller grabs Millie's attention with its tense narrative and stellar cast, including Jack Lemmon and Melanie Mayron. "Great hair in the movie," she notes humorously at [12:21].
  • You Hurt My Feelings (2023): A modern comedy featuring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Millie praises its portrayal of a good marriage and the nuanced performances that diverge from her initial perceptions of actor Tobias Menzies.

• Casey's Picks:

  • Pee Wee as Himself (2025): A documentary that moved Casey deeply, reflecting on Pee Wee Herman's influence and his personal connection to the character.
  • 28 Years Later (2025): Casey hails this sequel to 28 Days Later, commending Danny Boyle’s return to a mixtape-style filmmaking approach and its vibrant soundtrack.
  • Drowning by Numbers (1988): A Peter Greenaway film that Casey admires for its quirky atmosphere and unique storytelling, comparing its style to Wes Anderson’s films with added elements of sex and death.
  • New Rose Hotel (1998): Directed by Abel Ferrara, Casey describes this cyberpunk corporate espionage thriller as vibey and moody, featuring standout performances by Asia Argento, Christopher Walken, and Willem Dafoe.

Main Discussion: VHS Classics

Embracing their shared love for VHS, Millie and Casey reminisce about the golden days of video rentals:

• First Memories:

  • Millie recalls early video store visits on military bases, specifically the limited selection at BX in South Carolina. She fondly remembers the Blackwell Video store in Marietta, Georgia, comparing its vast selection to a modern-day Blockbuster [26:32].
  • Casey speaks of Mr. Movies, a Midwest chain that played a pivotal role in fostering his love for films, despite its closure in 2009 [30:09].

• Iconic VHS Covers:

  • Millie highlights the American release cover of Dario Argento’s Phenomena (titled Creepers in the US) as a formative image, describing it as "Jennifer Conley being devoured by bugs" [31:07].
  • Casey shares his fascination with horror covers like Child’s Play 2 and Killer Clowns from Outer Space, noting how they intrigued and scared him simultaneously [39:53].
  • Both hosts discuss the peculiar and sometimes misleading nature of VHS covers, such as Alvin Purple’s minimalistic design and the humorous depiction of Cheech and Chong as babies in The Corsican Brothers [37:50 - 39:05].

• Personal VHS Classics:

  • Millie cherishes her copy of The Cutting Edge, which she watched over 20 times, and We Married an Axe Murderer, appreciating its SNL-adjacent comedy [46:57].
  • Casey considers Jurassic Park (1994) a quintessential VHS classic, lauding its iconic cover and widespread presence on rental shelves [48:36]. He also fondly recalls renting Heavyweights and Ghost Dad with his family [51:28].

• VHS Collection Revival:

  • Casey shares his renewed passion for collecting VHS tapes, attributing it to the analog charm and the tangible connection it offers to movie culture. He mentions the practical aspects, like the inclusion of trailers and the ability to own a physical copy independently of streaming platforms [57:21].
  • Millie echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the role VHS played in shaping her love for film and recounting her hands-on experiences with VHS editing and personal camcorder recordings [64:02].

Film Advice

The hosts transition to their popular segment, answering listener questions with insightful recommendations:

• Question from Rose [64:56]:
  "Have you ever had the opportunity to be a judge for a film festival? If so, what are some best practices or any overall advice that you can give to a first-time film judge?"

  • Millie's Response [65:03]:
    She recounts her experience judging at Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas, alongside notable figures like Edgar Wright. Millie advises first-time judges to "pace yourself" and approach each film with an open mind, free from preconceived notions [65:47].

• Question from Ange [71:06]:
  "What are some horror films suitable for an 11-year-old who loves all things spooky without exposing them to adult themes?"

  • Casey's Recommendations [72:15]:

    • Ernest Scared Stupid: Combines humor with spookiness, suitable for young viewers.
    • Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019): A modern take on classic spooky tales.

  • Millie's Recommendations [73:04]:

    • Flowers in the Attic (1987): Combines gothic elements with child protagonists facing evil.

  • Additional Suggestions:
    Return to Oz (1985) and Dark Night of the Scarecrow (1981) are recommended for their atmospheric and supernatural horror without excessive violence [76:16].

Employee Picks

Millie and Casey share their personal must-watch recommendations related to the episode's theme:

• Millie's Pick [89:31]:
  The Little Mermaid (1989): Not for its narrative, but for its infamous VHS cover rumored to feature a concealed image—a playful nod to VHS-era urban legends. Millie humorously points out the leaked clips depicting unexpected adult moments in the beloved Disney classic [90:04].

• Casey's Pick [92:16]:
  Local Hero (1983): A heartwarming film that emphasizes community and light-hearted storytelling, perfect for uplifting one's spirits during challenging times.

Closing Remarks

As the episode winds down, Millie and Casey hint at their next discussion focusing on the 30th anniversary of Showgirls (1995). They express excitement over unpacking the film's legacy, its controversial reception, and its place in VHS history.

Notable Quotes:

• Millie [10:29]: "It's really good." – Praising Coal Miner’s Daughter.
• Casey [39:53]: "What is that? What is going on in there?" – Reflecting on puzzling VHS covers.
• Millie [46:57]: "I wore it the fuck out." – Describing her obsession with The Cutting Edge.

Conclusion

This episode of Dear Movies, I Love You is a heartfelt homage to the VHS era, blending personal anecdotes with critical reflections on how VHS culture has shaped modern film appreciation. Whether reminiscing about first video store visits or debating the merits of iconic VHS covers, Millie and Casey provide an engaging exploration of a beloved medium that continues to hold a special place in cinematic history.

For more nostalgic discussions and film insights, follow Dear Movies, I Love You on Instagram @dearmoviesiloveyou and tune in weekly on your favorite podcast platforms.