This week’s pick comes from Patreon supporter Tony, who’s taken us straight into the neon-soaked world of Purple Rain—a film that’s as much a cultural moment as it is a movie. Directed by Albert Magnoli and starring music legend Prince in his film debut, Purple Rain was created as a semi-autobiographical vehicle to launch Prince into global superstardom. Produced on a modest budget of around $7.2 million, the film was shot primarily in Minneapolis, grounding it in the real club scene that shaped Prince’s early career. The First Avenue nightclub, where much of the film takes place, became an iconic cultural landmark thanks to its role in the movie.

Upon release, the film was a major commercial success, grossing over $70 million at the box office and becoming a defining entry in 1980s music cinema. Its soundtrack, driven by Prince’s genre-blending sound, became one of the best-selling albums of all time. While critical reception to the film itself was mixed at the time, its legacy has only grown, cementing its place as a cult classic and a cornerstone of pop culture history.

Trailer Guy Synopsis

In a city pulsing with neon lights… one man is about to turn sound into revolution.

He’s got the talent. He’s got the attitude. But in a world where music is everything… the stage isn’t just a platform—it’s a battlefield. As rival bands close in and the pressure builds, one performer must decide if he’s ready to rise… or fall into the shadows.

This summer… feel the beat. Face the struggle. And witness the moment a legend is born.

Fun Facts

• The film was designed specifically to showcase Prince’s musical talent and expand his audience beyond music fans

• First Avenue nightclub in Minneapolis is still a functioning venue and a pilgrimage site for fans

• The soundtrack album won the Academy Award for Best Original Song Score

• “When Doves Cry” was a massive hit despite having no bass line, which was highly unusual at the time

• Prince reportedly maintained a mysterious, aloof persona on set, rarely breaking character

• The film’s wardrobe, particularly the purple trench coat, became instantly iconic in 80s fashion

• Morris Day and The Time were real-life collaborators of Prince and added authenticity to the performances

• The script underwent multiple rewrites during production to better align with Prince’s image

• The movie helped redefine how music and film could be integrated as a commercial strategy

• Despite mixed reviews, it has since been preserved in the U.S. National Film Registry for cultural significance

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Released in 1964, Mary Poppins was a landmark production for Walt Disney Studios, blending live-action with groundbreaking animation in a way that felt genuinely magical at the time—and still holds up remarkably well today. Directed by Robert Stevenson and starring Julie Andrews in her film debut alongside Dick Van Dyke, the film was based on P.L. Travers’ beloved book series. Despite Travers’ well-documented scepticism toward Disney’s adaptation, the production moved forward with an ambitious vision, supported by the Sherman Brothers’ now-iconic musical score. With a budget of around $6 million, it became one of Disney’s most successful releases of the era.

The film was both a critical and commercial triumph, earning 13 Academy Award nominations and winning five, including Best Actress for Julie Andrews. Its combination of technical innovation, memorable songs, and family-friendly storytelling helped cement its place as one of Disney’s defining classics. Over the decades, Mary Poppins has remained a cultural touchstone, influencing generations of musicals and continuing to charm audiences well beyond its original theatrical run.

Trailer Guy Plot Synopsis

In a world where порядок is everything… one household is about to be turned completely upside down.

When the Banks family finds itself in desperate need of a new nanny, the wind changes—and with it arrives a mysterious figure who is anything but ordinary. With a snap of her fingers and a smile that hides more than it reveals, she brings colour, chaos, and just a hint of the impossible into their rigid world.

From gravity-defying adventures to streets that come alive with song, the ordinary becomes extraordinary. But as laughter echoes and rules begin to bend… one question remains: is this magical visitor here to fix the family—or change them forever?

Fun Facts

• Julie Andrews made her film debut as Mary Poppins after being passed over for My Fair Lady—a decision that famously backfired for the studio.

• Dick Van Dyke’s Cockney accent is often cited as one of the most infamous accents in film history.

• Walt Disney personally pursued the rights to the Mary Poppins books for over 20 years before securing them.

• The film combines live-action and animation using sodium vapor process technology, a cutting-edge technique at the time.

• The Sherman Brothers wrote over 30 songs for the film, though only a selection made the final cut.

• “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” became one of the most recognisable songs in cinema history despite initial doubts about its appeal.

• P.L. Travers reportedly cried at the premiere—but not for the reasons Disney had hoped.

• The chalk-drawing sequence required intricate special effects and precise choreography to blend animation with live actors.

• The film was the highest-grossing movie of 1964 in the United States.

• Julie Andrews won the Academy Award for Best Actress for this role, beating out Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady.

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Released in 1985, Teen Wolf was a low-budget teen comedy (around $1–1.2 million) directed by Rod Daniel and starring Michael J. Fox. Filmed primarily in California, the production leaned into practical effects, with extensive prosthetic makeup used to create the film’s now-iconic werewolf look. At the time of filming in 1984, Fox was already gaining popularity from Family Ties, but had not yet reached full movie-star status.

The film became an unexpected box office hit, grossing over $80 million worldwide. Its release shortly after Back to the Future significantly boosted its visibility, helping turn it into a VHS-era favourite. While critical reception was mixed, audiences connected with its blend of teen comedy and fantasy, and it has since earned a lasting cult status, even spawning an animated series and later adaptations.

TRAILER GUY PLOT SYNOPSIS

In a quiet town… where high school is a battlefield… one teenager is about to discover that fitting in… is overrated.

He’s not the star athlete. Not the popular kid. Just another face in the crowd… until something begins to change. Something wild. Something unstoppable.

This year… confidence has claws. And when the full moon rises… one teen will learn that sometimes… embracing what makes you different… is the only way to stand out.

FUN FACTS

• The film was shot in just a few weeks, contributing to its raw, fast-paced 80s energy

• Michael J. Fox’s werewolf makeup took several hours to apply each day

• The basketball scenes featured real players to help sell the action on screen

• The movie’s high school was filmed at John Marshall High School in Los Angeles, a popular filming location

• The “Beavers” team name was chosen to emphasize the film’s tongue-in-cheek humour

• The film’s success led to a 1986 animated Teen Wolf TV series

• The ending scene includes a now-infamous background extra moment that fans still talk about today

• The movie’s popularity surged on home video, becoming a staple of VHS collections in the late 80s

• Director Rod Daniel also worked on other 80s comedies, helping shape the film’s tone

• The film helped cement the “underdog sports movie” formula with a supernatural twist

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The Night Porter (1974) was chosen by Patreon supporter Spider-Dan, host of Spider-Dan and the Secret Bores, and it remains one of the most controversial and debated films of 1970s European cinema. Directed by Liliana Cavani, the film was produced during a period when European filmmakers were increasingly pushing boundaries around historical trauma, psychology, and taboo subject matter. Cavani approached the project with an intent to explore complex power dynamics and the lingering psychological effects of war, resulting in a film that blurred the lines between arthouse drama and exploitation. The production was backed by Italian producers and shot primarily in Vienna, using authentic locations to ground its unsettling tone in a sense of realism.

The film featured a mix of established and emerging European talent, with Dirk Bogarde and Charlotte Rampling delivering performances that would become central to the film’s lasting reputation. Upon release, The Night Porter sparked immediate controversy, drawing criticism and censorship in multiple countries due to its provocative themes and imagery. Despite — or perhaps because of — this reaction, the film achieved significant notoriety and has since become a staple of cult cinema discussion. Today, it is frequently analysed in both film studies and cultural discourse, often cited as a challenging and divisive work that continues to provoke debate decades after its release.

TRAILER GUY PLOT SYNOPSIS

In the shadows of the past… some memories refuse to stay buried.

Years after the war has ended, two people find themselves drawn back into a world they can’t escape — where obsession, control, and history collide in ways neither of them can fully understand. What begins as a chance encounter quickly spirals into something far more dangerous.

The Night Porter — some connections never fade… they only grow darker.

FUN FACTS

• The Night Porter was banned or heavily censored in several countries upon its initial release due to its controversial subject matter.

• Director Liliana Cavani conducted extensive research into World War II and post-war psychology before developing the film.

• The movie premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where it immediately sparked intense debate among critics and audiences.

• Dirk Bogarde took on the role specifically to challenge his established screen image from earlier films.

• The film has been widely discussed as part of the “Nazisploitation” genre, though many critics argue it defies simple categorisation.

• Charlotte Rampling’s performance in the film became one of the most talked-about roles of her career.

• The movie has influenced numerous later films exploring psychological trauma and taboo relationships.

• Over time, The Night Porter has been re-evaluated by critics, with some viewing it as a serious arthouse work rather than exploitation cinema.

• The film remains a frequent subject of academic analysis, particularly in discussions of memory, power, and post-war Europe.

• It continues to divide audiences, often ranking among the most controversial films ever made.

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A Bronx Tale (1993) is Matty V's pick, and brings a very personal story to the screen and marked Robert De Niro’s directorial debut, adapting the one-man stage play written and performed by Chazz Palminteri. Palminteri had famously turned down large offers for the film rights unless he could play the central mob figure himself, a condition De Niro respected when he brought the project to the screen. The production aimed for authenticity, recreating the working-class Bronx neighborhoods of the 1960s with meticulous attention to detail. Although the story is set in New York, much of the filming actually took place in Astoria, Queens, where entire blocks were transformed to reflect the era.

The film was produced during a period when crime dramas were enjoying renewed popularity following the success of films like Goodfellas. De Niro approached the material with a restrained directing style, focusing on character and atmosphere rather than spectacle. The cast included both experienced performers and young newcomers, with Lillo Brancato Jr. making his acting debut after being discovered by casting scouts while swimming at a public pool. Upon release, A Bronx Tale received strong critical praise and solid box office results, and over time it has grown into a widely respected cult favorite within the gangster film genre. Today it’s often remembered as one of the more intimate and character-driven crime dramas of the 1990s.

TRAILER GUY PLOT SYNOPSIS

In a neighborhood where respect means everything… a young boy watches two very different worlds collide.

On one side stands a hardworking father who believes in honesty and discipline. On the other… a powerful local figure who commands the streets and lives by his own rules. Caught between them, a boy grows up learning that loyalty, power, and family don’t always come from the same place.

A Bronx Tale — sometimes the toughest choices come from the people you admire most.

FUN FACTS

• A Bronx Tale originated as a one-man stage show performed by Chazz Palminteri before being adapted into a film.
  

• Robert De Niro reportedly agreed to direct the film only if Palminteri played the role he created on stage.
  

• The movie is widely considered one of the most personal films De Niro has been involved with outside of acting.
  

• Many of the film’s street scenes were shot in Astoria, Queens, which doubled for the Bronx of the 1960s.
  

• The movie has become famous for its “locked door test” scene, frequently quoted in pop culture discussions about relationships.
  

• Lillo Brancato Jr., who plays the young lead, had never acted before being cast in the film.
  

• The soundtrack features classic 1960s music, helping establish the film’s nostalgic tone.
  

• Over the years, the film has been praised for its balanced portrayal of both family life and neighborhood influence.
  

• In 2016, the story was adapted into a Broadway musical produced by Robert De Niro.
  

• The movie remains a fan favorite among gangster film enthusiasts, often recommended alongside classics like Goodfellas and Donnie Brasco.
  

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Empire Records (1995) was chosen by Patreon supporter Nick, and it represents a perfect snapshot of mid-90s youth culture wrapped inside a modest studio comedy. Directed by Allan Moyle and produced by Regency Enterprises for Warner Bros., the film was developed during a period when studios were eager to tap into the alternative music scene and Generation X attitudes. Rather than focusing on blockbuster spectacle, the production centered on character-driven storytelling and the energy of independent record store culture, something that resonated strongly with the decade’s music-obsessed audiences.

Filming took place primarily in Wilmington, North Carolina, with production designers transforming a local storefront into the now-iconic Empire Records shop. The cast featured a mix of emerging young actors, many of whom would go on to have prominent careers in film and television. Although the movie underperformed during its initial theatrical release, it found new life on home video and cable television throughout the late 1990s. Over time, Empire Records developed a passionate cult following, becoming one of the defining nostalgia pieces for fans of 90s alternative culture and music-driven coming-of-age films.

TRAILER GUY PLOT SYNOPSIS

One record store. One unforgettable day. And a group of employees who refuse to let the music stop.

When a tight-knit crew of misfits faces the possibility of losing the place that means everything to them, emotions run high, tempers flare, and secrets start spilling out. Over the course of one chaotic day, friendships are tested, dreams collide, and the soundtrack of a generation plays loud.

Empire Records — where the music is loud, the drama is louder, and the day will change everything.

FUN FACTS

• Empire Records was released during the height of the 1990s alternative rock boom, featuring a soundtrack packed with era-defining artists.
  

• The film helped popularize the phrase “Damn the man, save the Empire!”, which became a lasting cult quote among fans.
  

• Several cast members, including Liv Tyler and Renée Zellweger, were early in their careers when the film was released.
  

• The movie’s soundtrack album became more commercially successful than the film itself, selling strongly throughout the 1990s.
  

• Many scenes in the film were trimmed or removed from the theatrical cut, with additional material later appearing in extended versions.
  

• October 8th has become known among fans as “Rex Manning Day,” inspired by one of the film’s most memorable in-universe events.
  

• The movie is frequently cited as a cult classic of Generation X cinema, capturing the attitudes and anxieties of 90s youth culture.
  

• The fictional Empire Records store was inspired by the independent record shops that thrived before digital music changed the industry.
  

• Over the years, the film has inspired fan screenings, themed parties, and annual celebrations tied to its cultural references.
  

• Despite its modest box office, the movie’s reputation has grown significantly thanks to home video and streaming-era rediscovery.
  

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Top Secret! (1984) was chosen by Dave, and it arrived during a golden era for absurdist American comedy. Directed by the Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker team — Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker — the film followed the massive success of Airplane! (1980) as the trio continued refining their signature style of rapid-fire sight gags, visual jokes, and deadpan delivery. Rather than parodying a single film, the production blended elements of Cold War spy thrillers with the glossy style of Elvis-era musical films, creating a deliberately ridiculous mash-up that leaned fully into the trio’s love of relentless, layered comedy.

The film also marked the first starring role for Val Kilmer, who was cast largely because of his musical ability as well as his comedic timing. Production took place primarily in the United Kingdom, with elaborate sets and carefully staged visual gags that often required precise choreography and multiple takes. The filmmakers invested heavily in practical effects and cleverly staged illusions to achieve some of the movie’s more elaborate jokes. While Top Secret! performed modestly at the box office compared to the team’s earlier success, it gradually developed a strong cult following, and today it’s widely regarded as one of the most densely packed gag comedies of the 1980s.

TRAILER GUY PLOT SYNOPSIS

From the creators of some of the most outrageous comedies ever made… comes a mission so ridiculous, it might actually work.

When an all-American rock star suddenly finds himself caught in a world of secret agents, suspicious governments, and impossible missions, the result is chaos on an international scale. With danger around every corner and nonsense at every turn, nothing is quite what it seems.

Top Secret! — the spy movie where the jokes come faster than the bullets.

FUN FACTS

• Top Secret! was Val Kilmer’s film debut, launching the career of the future star of Top Gun and The Doors.

• Kilmer performed all of the singing himself, recording several full musical numbers for the film.

• The filmmakers created one famous scene by building an entire set backwards and having actors perform actions in reverse.

• The movie contains one of the highest joke-per-minute rates of any comedy film, packed with background gags and blink-and-you-miss-it jokes.

• Many of the film’s jokes parody 1950s Elvis Presley musicals, including the musical performances.

• The filmmakers encouraged audiences to watch the movie multiple times, knowing many jokes would be missed on a first viewing.

• Several gags in the film rely on carefully timed visual illusions, which required extensive rehearsal during production.

• The movie has become a cult favorite among comedy fans, often ranked alongside Airplane! and The Naked Gun.

• A number of jokes were edited differently in international versions of the film.

• The film’s layered humor means fans still discover new background jokes decades after its release.

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A View to a Kill (1985) was chosen by Chris, and it marked a significant transitional moment for the long-running James Bond franchise. Produced by Albert R. Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson and directed by John Glen, the film was developed during a period when the series was balancing its established formula with the shifting tone of mid-1980s blockbuster cinema. With a reported budget of around $30 million, the production aimed to deliver classic Bond spectacle while maintaining the polished globe-trotting style audiences expected. Notably, the film became Roger Moore’s seventh and final appearance as 007, closing out the longest tenure of any Bond actor at the time.

Principal photography took place across multiple international locations including France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, reflecting the franchise’s continued commitment to large-scale, location-driven filmmaking. The production also leaned heavily into contemporary 1980s culture, most famously through its theme song performed by Duran Duran, which became one of the most commercially successful Bond themes ever released. Upon release, the film performed strongly at the global box office despite mixed critical reception. In the decades since, A View to a Kill has remained a notable entry in the Bond canon, often discussed both for its place at the end of the Roger Moore era and for its distinctly mid-80s tone and style.

TRAILER GUY PLOT SYNOPSIS

One agent. One mission. And a threat that could change the balance of power forever.

When a ruthless new enemy emerges with ambitions that stretch far beyond ordinary crime, Britain’s most dangerous operative is called back into action. From high-stakes chases to globe-spanning danger, the mission will push him to the limit like never before.

A View to a Kill — the name’s Bond… and the clock is ticking.

FUN FACTS

• A View to a Kill features the only James Bond theme song to reach No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100, thanks to Duran Duran.

• At age 57 during filming, Roger Moore was the oldest actor to portray James Bond in an official Eon production.

• The film includes scenes shot at the Eiffel Tower, marking one of Bond’s most memorable European set pieces.

• Christopher Walken became the first Academy Award winner to play a Bond villain in the official series.

• The movie was one of the highest-grossing films of 1985 worldwide, despite divided critical reviews.

• Grace Jones performed many of her own physical stunts, reinforcing her formidable on-screen presence.

• The title comes from an Ian Fleming short story, though the film’s plot is largely original.

• This was the final Bond film produced entirely during the Cold War era, before the franchise shifted tone in later entries.

• The movie’s San Francisco material has become particularly iconic among Bond location fans.

• Despite mixed reviews, the film maintains a strong nostalgia following among 1980s Bond audiences.

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The Protector (1985) was chosen by Greig, and it stands as one of the more unusual entries in Jackie Chan’s filmography — an attempt to firmly break him into the American action market during the mid-1980s. Directed by James Glickenhaus and produced by Golden Harvest in collaboration with U.S. partners, the film was conceived as a tougher, more hard-edged vehicle than Chan’s Hong Kong output. The production reflected a clear effort to reshape Chan’s screen persona for Western audiences, emphasizing a grittier tone and more conventional cop-movie structure compared to the acrobatic, comedy-infused style that had made him famous in Asia.

Filming took place across New York City and Hong Kong, giving the movie an international scope that was relatively ambitious for the time. However, creative differences emerged between Chan and the production team, particularly regarding tone and action style. Chan was reportedly unhappy with the film’s direction and later took control of certain fight sequences for the Hong Kong release. Upon its theatrical debut, The Protector performed modestly but failed to fully launch Chan in the U.S. market as intended. In retrospect, the film is often viewed as an important transitional project — a fascinating snapshot of Hollywood’s early attempts to package Jackie Chan for Western audiences before his eventual global breakthrough in the 1990s.

TRAILER GUY PLOT SYNOPSIS

One city on the edge… one cop pushed too far… and one case that’s about to explode across continents.

When a routine investigation spirals into something far more dangerous, a hard-hitting detective finds himself pulled into a deadly world of crime, corruption, and international danger. Outgunned and outnumbered, he’ll have to rely on his instincts, his fists, and sheer determination to finish the job.

The Protector — justice doesn’t ask nicely.

FUN FACTS

• The Protector was Jackie Chan’s second major attempt to break into the U.S. film market during the 1980s.

• The film exists in multiple cuts, including a Hong Kong version that differs noticeably from the U.S. theatrical release.

• Jackie Chan later cited the movie as a learning experience that influenced how he approached future Hollywood projects.

• The movie features some of Chan’s earliest English-language leading-role work in a U.S.-focused production.

• Many fans consider The Protector a curious hybrid between Hong Kong action cinema and 80s American cop thrillers.

• The film was released during a period when Hollywood was actively trying to import Hong Kong martial arts stars for Western audiences.

• Jackie Chan would not achieve major U.S. box office success until Rush Hour (1998) more than a decade later.

• The movie has developed a cult following among Jackie Chan completists, despite its mixed reception.

• Some action scenes were reworked for international versions, reflecting different market expectations.

• Today, The Protector is often discussed as an important stepping stone in Chan’s long road to Hollywood stardom.

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This week on The VHS Strikes Back, we dive into Erotic Ghost Story (1990), chosen by friend of the show John Hammond — a man clearly unafraid of wandering into the “back shelf” section of the video rental store. Directed by Lam Ngai Kai during the golden age of Hong Kong Category III cinema, this supernatural fantasy blends martial arts, folklore, horror and soft-focus seduction into one uniquely 90s experience.

Released at a time when Hong Kong cinema was pushing boundaries with stylised ghost stories and adult-themed genre hybrids, Erotic Ghost Story arrived as part of a wave inspired by the success of films like A Chinese Ghost Story. With elaborate costumes, theatrical lighting, wire-work action and unapologetic late-night cable energy, this is exactly the kind of film you’d discover at 11:47pm with the volume turned suspiciously low. It’s mystical. It’s chaotic. It’s extremely 1990.

Trailer Guy Plot Summary

In a world… where fox spirits walk among us…

Three beautiful spirits descend from the mountains with one mission: to experience mortal life. But when a power-hungry sorcerer discovers their presence, desire turns to danger… and temptation awakens forces beyond control.

Magic will clash. Loyalties will be tested. Floorboards will creak ominously.

This summer… seduction has a supernatural side.

Erotic Ghost Story.

You were watching it for the kung fu.

Fun Facts

1. Erotic Ghost Story was released in 1990 during the boom of Hong Kong Category III cinema, the local rating equivalent of adults-only material.

2. The film blends Chinese folklore about fox spirits (huli jing) with martial arts choreography and supernatural horror.

3. Director Lam Ngai Kai became known for stylised fantasy films that leaned heavily into theatrical lighting and elaborate costume design.

4. The movie was part of a wave of sensual supernatural films following the commercial success of romantic fantasy ghost stories in late-80s Hong Kong cinema.

5. Practical wire-work and in-camera effects were used for levitation and fight sequences — no CGI safety net here.

6. The English export title was intentionally provocative to help the film stand out in international VHS markets.

7. Category III films often relied on strong box office from late-night screenings and overseas rental sales.

8. The combination of eroticism and traditional mythology made the film controversial but commercially viable at the time.

9. The film developed a cult following among collectors of 90s Hong Kong fantasy cinema.

10. Its blend of supernatural themes and martial arts action makes it a frequent inclusion in “so-bad-it’s-fascinating” VHS-era discussions.

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠