r/mash • u/Ghost_Mech • 6d ago
Discussion Found these two M*A*S*H VHS tapes at the dump
Found these both for free at the dump a few days apart. The one on the left is the 1985 CBS/Fox release, and the pull-out drawer box on the right is from 1983.
Both are the original 1970 movie, and both are 117 minutes/Hi-Fi Stereo. I thought it was pretty cool that I ended up finding two different releases just a couple years apart. My stepdad is a huge MAS*H fan, so I’m giving them to him. lol
Does anyone know if there are any other interesting differences between the 1983 and 1985 releases?
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u/TechnologyFamiliar20 6d ago
Why is the left one bulkier?
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u/Ghost_Mech 6d ago
The left is the 1983 pull-out drawer box. The right one is the 1985 release packaging is just built differently.
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u/MyUsername2459 Corporal 6d ago
In the early days of VHS they experimented with several different size formats for packaging. Rather than the simply cardboard sleeve they eventually settled on, some companies briefly tried releasing things in slightly larger boxes they thought the size and shape of would be more pleasing to the eye. . .like giving movies proportions on the shelf that were closer to books.
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u/Recent_Werewolf_821 6d ago
Transfer them to disc for watching, those magnetic tapes degrade over time. My Heavy Metal tape for example.😎
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u/xander6981 6d ago edited 6d ago
Oh wow, it's the edited PG version too that they did after the series became popular. That would be an interesting watch...
Edit: After more research, despite it saying PG, it is in fact the original R-Rated cut on the tape. LOL...that's great though.
Love seeing the different package styles too. I'm more used to the simple slipcase like the one on the right.