The entire V/H/S series deserves recognition, though some films and sequences stand out more than others. These horror anthologies feature short films often tied together by a frame narrative, typically involving characters who are watching these shorts on a found VHS tape. One of the series’ greatest strengths is its ability to push the boundaries of found footage, often placing the camera in unexpected locations or playing with different formats.
“Phase I Clinical Trials” from V/H/S/2 puts the camera inside a man’s eye after he loses his sight in a car accident. We see a zombie outbreak from the POV of a biker’s helmet in “A Ride in the Park” from V/H/S/2, “Storm Drain” from V/H/S/94 evokes a 1990s local news report investigating an urban legend that lurks deep in the sewers among the displaced community. “Ozzy’s Dungeon” from V/H/S/99 puts a deadly spin on a Nickelodeon-style game show.
The shorts can extend beyond the horror genre, incorporating humor or taking a more straightforward thriller approach. They feature all types of spooky things like body horror, aliens, the paranormal, or everyday terrors like cults and serial killers. Some of the shorts can be hit or miss, but all of them are creative and continually surprise the audience. It’s fun to watch such a variety of horrific worlds, found footage techniques, and filmmaking styles in quick succession.
