Streaming Gems: Time-Traveling Tales
Streaming Recommendations for the Current Week - Weekly suggestions for enhancing your streaming experience:
Delve into the annals of past, present, and future with these streaming picks!
Journey to Yesteryear: ARD's "Video Nasty"
In a chilling trip back to 1985, horror finds its way to the small screen in the heart of Dublin. Three daring teenagers, collectors of forbidden films, have amassed a c library filled with horror classics like "Girl Murdered in the Woods Part 4". One last legendary horror film eludes their grasp. They embark on an eerie adventure to England, only to realize the brutality of their choice flicks isn't only screen-bound. "Video Nasty - Horror is Cult" is a dark comedy series produced by the BBC, blending thriller, laughter, and coming-of-age. The series consists of six episodes, available in both German and the original English, on the ARD media library.
Need a refresher on the Video Nasties hype of the ’80s? Check out Historical Background of Video Nasties below.
Bono Tells His Tale: "Bono: Stories of Surrender" on Apple TV+
Get a glimpse into the extraordinary life of Bono, the iconic musician, through his film adaptation, "Bono: Stories of Surrender". Based on his book, "Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story", and stage show, this film takes viewers behind the scenes of Bono's life. He shares personal stories of his journey as a son, father, husband, activist, and rockstar, with never-before-seen footage from his performances at New York's Beacon Theatre. The film is available on Apple TV+ since May 30.
Meet John Doe in "Twisted Metal" on ZDF
Crave action? "Twisted Metal" is your pick! This series, set in a post-apocalyptic America, follows a package delivery driver named John Doe, who travels across the country delivering packages while facing deadly challenges outside fortified cities. The ten-part adrenaline-pumping series is now available on the ZDF streaming portal.
Sisterly Secrets Unveiled in "The Perfect Sister" on Prime Video
immerse yourself in a thrilling tale of family secrets in "The Perfect Sister". The series revolves around Chloe, a successful woman who unravels following the tragic murder of her husband, Adam. Her younger sister Nicky offers support but their relationship is complex, and their seemingly perfect lives are soon called into question. The series, based on Alafair Burke's novel of the same name, stars Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks. The eight episodes are available on Prime Video.
Selected Background Info:
Historical Background of Video Nasties
The term "Video Nasties" emerged in the early 1980s in the United Kingdom, referring to a list of horror and exploitation films that were banned or heavily censored due to their graphic content. This period of censorship was marked by a moral panic, which led to significant changes in film regulation.
The Moral Panic
In the early 1980s, Britain faced a moral panic over the availability of these films on home video. The media and politicians argued that these films were corrupting the youth and promoting violence. This panic led to the passage of the Video Recordings Act 1984, which required all video recordings to be submitted for classification by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) before they could be sold or rented in the UK[4].
Banned Films
Dozens of films were classified as "Video Nasties," including titles like The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, which was banned for many years due to its graphic content[5]. The ban on these films was driven by a fear that they would influence young people and lead to real-life violence.
Impact in Ireland
In Ireland, although the term "Video Nasties" was not as culturally prominent as in the UK, the moral panic and censorship debates around these films were part of a broader European discussion. The Irish public was exposed to similar media coverage and debates, reflecting concerns about the impact of violent films on society[3].
Legacy and Cultural Significance
The "Video Nasties" era left a lasting impact on British and Irish popular culture. It influenced the development of horror cinema and the way films are regulated today. The nostalgia for these films has also led to their celebration in retro horror culture, with some enthusiasts seeking out original VHS tapes as collectibles[4].
2025 Television Series "Video Nasty"
In 2025, an Irish comedy horror series titled Video Nasty was released, set in 1985 Dublin during the height of the moral panic. The series follows teenagers trying to collect banned films while navigating social issues and horror elements inspired by the era[2][3].
- ARD
- Bono
- Apple
- John Doe
- Berlin
- Streaming
- Future
- Dublin
- England
- BBC
- Comedy
- Media Library
- Great Britain
- Ireland
- Historical Background of Video Nasties
- The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
- The Commission, ever mindful of employee safety, has also adopted a proposal for a directive on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the protection of employees against risks related to exposure to chemical substances, just as various characters from the 'Video Nasty' series find themselves encountering such risks during their movie-watching adventures.
- In a futuristic twist reminiscent of science fiction movies-and-tv from the entertainment industry, John Doe, the protagonist in the action-packed series "Twisted Metal", faces challenges that would make even the most daring action hero from Hollywood pale in comparison.
