10 Awesome B-Movie Treasures from the VHS Era

      Lower your brow and grab some popcorn because it’s time to explore ten must-see B-movie treasures.

      The essence of the modest B-movie (which has, in many ways, transitioned into the realm of the A-movie in mainstream cinema) was to offer escapist entertainment without the need for excessive pretension or psychological depth. Unlike today's blockbusters that cost tens or hundreds of millions, we’re taking a nostalgic leap back to a time when B-movies were crafted with spare change found in a producer's couch, highlighting some gems from the flourishing VHS era of the 80s and 90s.

      **Trancers**

      Charles Band is a titan in the world of B movies, so it’s fitting to begin with one of his standout films. Trancers was released shortly after James Cameron's Terminator. It's hard to determine the extent to which Cameron's work influenced Band since the Arnold Schwarzenegger film was still in the early stages of establishing its legacy. However, it’s another 1982 film, Blade Runner, that significantly shapes Trancers. From the costume design to the neon-lit, gritty atmosphere where Jack Deth (Tim Thomerson) pursues 'Trancers,' this film essentially channels Blade Runner on a budget, and Band extracts an impressive amount from it. The story unfolds in contemporary Los Angeles as Deth time travels to thwart a renegade Trancer. Clocking in at a brisk 76 minutes, Trancers exemplifies a B movie executed exceptionally well. It’s pure fun and launched both a franchise and the career of Helen Hunt. While she shines, Tim Thomerson excels as the rugged bounty hunter.

      **Scanner Cop**

      Beginning with the humble roots of B movie master David Cronenberg, Scanners unexpectedly turned into a franchise, leading to two Scanner Cop films that blended telekinesis with police procedural drama. This unique combination of mid-90s action, cop thriller, and sci-fi horror makes Scanner Cop appealing on paper, and thankfully, Pierre David, primarily known for his work on Cronenberg films including the original Scanners, delivers it effectively. Although he only directed one more film after Scanner Cop (his debut), the result is impressive, showcasing a confident execution and stylish visuals. The body horror special effects are also commendable, resulting in all Scanners films being enjoyable, making the franchise surprisingly consistent across its five entries (including the two Scanner Cop films).

      **Retroactive**

      Jim Belushi transitioned from comedic sidekick to a lead actor, though his best solo films often felt like lesser versions of more famous counterparts (like K9 compared to Turner and Hooch). His eventual move to direct-to-video was expected, but Belushi developed a grittier persona as tough cops and became a dependable star in video action and crime thrillers. The 1997 film Retroactive is a solid time loop action thriller that nails the action genre, featuring Belushi as the antagonist who repeatedly torments Kylie Travis, who accidentally enters a time loop. Since its release, Retroactive has garnered a cult following due to its sheer fun factor. While logic and coherence sometimes take a back seat, the repeated scenarios remain engaging, and the cast, particularly Belushi, delivers a great performance infused with his slacker charm and dark undertones.

      **The Hidden**

      Jack Sholder’s defining work (with close competition from his underrated A Nightmare on Elm Street 2), The Hidden is refreshingly straightforward, featuring a body-jumping alien parasite wreaking havoc in Los Angeles, pursued by a cop and a peculiar companion (whose odd traits are revealed as the story unfolds). The film moves quickly from one set piece to another with a playful tone, contributing to the lasting appeal of The Hidden, which many viewers discover later. Michael Nouri plays the classic hard-nosed cop while Kyle MacLachlan shines as the secretive federal agent aiding him, perfectly cast and excelling in his quirky role, adding to the film's appeal over other genre crossovers of its time. If you haven’t yet seen The Hidden, be sure to check it out soon.

      **Dollman**

      With Charles Band already mentioned, it would be remiss not to highlight an Albert Pyun special (also produced by Band). Tim Thomerson, a frequent collaborator with Pyun, stars in a role reminiscent of Jack Deth. Here, Thomerson is a space cop (rather than a space/time-traveling bounty hunter) tasked with tracking down criminals on Earth, a significant challenge since he stands at just 13 inches tall. As absurd as it sounds, Pyun adds style on a budget, resulting in numerous entertaining set pieces supported by Thomerson's rugged charm and Jackie Earle Haley’s presence.

      **Dead Heat**

      This buddy cop action film infused with horror features the late Treat Williams teamed up with Joe Piscopo (who you might recall from other films) as two detectives delving into cases involving seemingly resurrected criminals. In