Dead and Buried VHS Value Guide

The Dead and Buried VHS is a cornerstone of 1980s horror collections, notable for being penned by Alien creators Dan O'Bannon and Ronald Shusett. Its status as a 'Video Nasty' in the UK during the moral panic of the era has cemented its reputation as a must-have piece of cult cinema history.

What affects the value of Dead and Buried VHS?

• Physical condition of the cardboard sleeve, specifically looking for edge wear, fading, or 'shelf wear' common in 1980s releases.
• The presence of original promotional stickers or price tags from defunct video rental chains which can add provenance.
• The playability and visual clarity of the magnetic tape, including the absence of mold or tracking issues.
• Market demand driven by its historical notoriety as a formerly banned 'Video Nasty' title.

How to Identify Dead and Buried VHS?

• Verify the presence of the original 1980s cardboard slipcase or big box featuring the iconic theatrical cover art.
• Check for the specific 1981-1985 era distributor logos such as Media Home Entertainment on the spine and tape label.
• Ensure the magnetic tape is housed in its original black plastic shell with period-accurate manufacturing stamps.
• Look for the distinct United States NTSC formatting marks typical of the initial North American home video run.

History of Dead and Buried VHS

Released in 1981, this film was written by Dan O'Bannon and Ronald Shusett, the same duo behind Alien. Despite a troubled theatrical release, it gained a massive following on home video. In the United Kingdom, it was famously labeled a Video Nasty during the moral panic of the 1980s, which contributed to its notoriety and collectible status among horror aficionados.