There’s nothing I like more than adding a good ol’ limited edition VHS tape to my collection. And due to the folks over at Vice Press, who seem to enjoy putting out VHS tapes, I’ve recently been able to add a new one (to accompany my Vice Press copy of Suspiria).

The film is John Carpenter’s 1988 sci-fi classic, They Live. Perhaps not as well known as Halloween (1978), Escape from New York (1981), or The Thing (1982), They Live is nonetheless one of Carpenter’s best films, and certainly ripe for new VHS treatment.

And what a treatment it has been given! As you can see from the images, my copy is housed in a white cardboard outer sleeve, which features the creepy alien creatures on the front, and a text/description blurb on the reverse.

The blurb reads: “They influence our decisions without us knowing it. They numb our senses without us feeling it. They control our lives without us realising it. They Live.

Horror master, John Carpenter (Halloween, The Thing) directs this action-packed sci-fi thriller about one man’s battle against aliens who are systematically gaining control of the Earth. Rugged Roddy Piper stars as the loner who stumbles upon a terrifying discovery: ghoulish creatures are masquerading as humans while they lull the public into submission through subliminal advertising messages. Only specially made sunglasses make the deadly truth visible.

“Suspenseful science-fiction and heart-pounding action highlights this masterfully ironic and startling tale co-starring Keith David and Meg Foster.”

As for the tape itself, the guys and gals at Vice Press have leaned into an aspect of the film – the subliminal messaging – and incorporated this into the cassette design. Printed on a white tape is the word ‘SUBMIT’ written in black lettering.

It’s bold, it’s eye catching, it’s iconic! 

I should add, that while my cassette tape features the word submit, other tapes feature different phrases. It’s luck of the draw as to which one you get, with four other phrases available: OBEY, CONSUME, WATCH TV, and STAY ASLEEP.

In addition to the above, They Live is also available in a traditional clamshell case, featuring a reversible sleeve. This alternate release (not pictured) includes a regular black cassette, rather than a white one.

The cost of each limited edition They Live VHS tape is around £34. The tapes are/were sold via HMV or directly through Vice Press.

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