Questions about collecting the series on VHS

[SeppOCE]

Hi everyone. I've recently ran into the opportunity to start collecting the series on VHS. It's something I've always wanted to do in terms of nostalgia. I've also loved how complete VHS sets look on a display shelf. I love Dragon Ball and want to collect it in many different forms so this wouldn't be my only way of having the series physically. I'm mainly making this topic because I have a few questions and wanted to discuss the VHS versions of the series The ones I would be getting are Australian ones.

Firstly how many of you have started to do the same or even have complete VHS collections of DB/Z/GT?

Secondly is it worth it in terms of dub? Is the dub on VHS a dub that you can't really get or collect in any form? I'm mainly curious about the dub on VHS being the same as the initial DVD releases.

And last but not least, do you guys have any tips in general for preserving VHS? Maybe even tips on how I would back it up digitally to avoid overuse of an old VHS tape?

I'm currently tossing up whether or not it's truly worth it and I think having a discussion here with other fans and collectors would help. For me it would just be something I'd pick at slowly, finding the good deals on different tapes until I maybe one day have a larger collection. The deal I've got now is really good so I'm pretty excited.

Thanks for your time

[rereboy]

Imo, it might be worth it as a collection but not as a "usable" collection for the enjoyment of the series, due to the VHSs being pretty old by now and thus fragile.

If you really want it as a collection, I think the best would be to invest in a digital transfer to preserve how they looked the best you come, and then use that for the enjoyment of the series (or some other format like the official dvds while still having the digital transfers). The main purpose of the VHSs would be to just have them as a collection, not actually using them.

[PacificOceanDub]

I have the entirety of “Z” on VHS. It’s a beautiful collection, and i’m Super proud of it. You’re right, the complete sets look really great ona shelf. I’ve watched thru all of the tapes a couple times since my collection has been complete, and aside from I think 3 tapes that had brief audio dropout issues, they’re all in great condition and are totally enjoyable to watch. I’ve since ordered and replaced the 3 problematic tapes and intend to do the same sort of “housekeeping” the next time I watch them all.

As far as backing up the tapes digitally, it’d be a very time consuming process, as analog footage/audio has to be backed up in real time, meaning it’s literally going to take as long as it takes to watch every episode of Dragon Ball, or however much of the series you end up owning. I recommend purchasing a product called “Roxio VHS to DVD”. It will allow you to capture the footage directly from the VCR, and then save the episodes as digital media files to your desktop or to a drive, or even to DVDs if that’s what you wish.

All in all, I don’t really think you need to back them up, honestly. Obviously you’re bound to come across a few bad eggs when you’re buying VHS tapes, but once you find copies that have been maintained well, it’s not that hard to keep them in good shape. Store them in the house, with A/C, not in the garage. Stand them up, don’t leave them lying flat, but obviously you want to show off the cool pictures the tapes make when side by side, so you’ll probably stand them up anyway!

Oh and I almost forgot! Be Kind, rewind. Keeping the magnetic tape nice and tightly wound helps to preserve video quality as well!