vhs vault: poltergeist (1982)

 

The tracking flickers, static hums, and then...they’re here. Few tapes scream early-80s horror like Poltergeist (1982). This classic haunted-house film is the suburban nightmare that convinced every kid their TV could turn on them.

Produced by Steven Spielberg and directed by Tobe Hooper, Poltergeist remains a masterclass in supernatural suspense—equal parts heartwarming and horrifying, with just enough ghostly chaos to keep your popcorn airborne.

Vault Fact File

• Title: Poltergeist
• Year: 1982
• Director: Tobe Hooper
• Runtime: 114 minutes
• Rating: PG (somehow!)
• Tagline(s): “They’re here.”
• Studio / Distribution: MGM / United Artists
• Cast: JoBeth Williams, Craig T. Nelson, Heather O’Rourke, Zelda Rubinstein
• Fun Fact: Spielberg was heavily involved in production—so much that many believe he secretly co-directed the film alongside Tobe Hooper.
• Extra Trivia: The infamous skeletons in the pool scene were real human skeletons used as props, because they were cheaper than plastic replicas at the time. No wonder this film has a “curse.”
• Legacy: A landmark in supernatural cinema that spawned sequels, a remake, and decades of ghostly imitators—but none capture the original’s eerie suburban charm.

⏪ Rewind or Fast Forward?

Rewind. Poltergeist is still one of the most polished haunted-house thrillers ever made. It’s Spielbergian wonder meets Hooper’s horror grit—genuinely spooky yet strangely cozy. From spectral TVs to vengeful toys, this one earns its permanent place in the Vault. Just make sure your TV’s unplugged before bed.

⚡ Watch It

Rent or buy Poltergeist (1982) now on Amazon, or grab the Poltergeist Blu-ray to relive every ghostly glitch in the comfort of your couch.

Official Trailer for Poltergeist

Back to the Vault: Still hearing voices through the static? Rewind to Creepshow (1982) for more spine-tingling VHS memories inside the VHS Vault.