Cardboard Standee of Charles Bronson on Video Cassette Day: 'VHS just looks better"

A free-standing life-size image of Charles Bronson says video tapes provide a better viewing experience than DVDs or streaming video.

"It does look better," said the promotional cutout. "I know people say it doesn't, but it does.
"I've been around long enough to know. I've been in so many studios, I've made so many videos. It just looks better."

Bronson's comments came as he was named a "Video Cassette Day Legend", honouring his support of video libraries.

There has long been a debate over the merits of tape over digital formats.

Apostles argue that a video tape's analogue signal produces a more authentic, honest picture, while digital formats like DVD and downloads compromise quality for the sake of portability and convenience.

Video engineers argue that digital files are inherently more accurate - and that some of the "warmth" of video tape is, in fact, blurriness introduced by the fact it can barely resolve 240 lines, half that of DVD. In reality, both have their pros and cons, (okay they don't. Videotape is demonstrably and quantitatively worse) but the lie perception that videotape is superior has been a key reason behind the format's resurgence.

Sales in the UK topped three or so last year, the highest total in 25 years according to the VPL which represents the video industry.

The late Charles Bronson will be releasing a new version of his legendary film Death Wish 3 to commemorate the 3rd annual Video Cassette Day on 22 April. This exclusive edition adds a couple of trailers and a new anti-piracy warning to the original release.

The star was well known for his love of video libraries - having rented his first videos ("Jaws III") in the early 1980s. He said was "honoured" to be named a Video Cassette Day Legend, and wholeheartedly supported the initiative - which aims to tempt videotape buyers back into their local, independent video libraries.

Special video releases are made exclusively for the day and many shops and cities host special screenings and events to mark the occasion.

AS1967  is an official partner of the event; and will premier a selection of the exclusive new videos in the week leading up to the event, culminating in a live broadcast from the boarded up remains of an Xtravision on Friday, 21 April, hosted by Clapperboard's Chris Kelly. "Film 82" host Barry Norman will celebrate the initiative with a live show from the ruins of a Blockbuster on the day itself.