A Nostalgic Journey to the Videoclub
I remember with special fondness the nights when I would return home after long days at work. That magical moment, when the clock struck a quarter to eleven, would lead me to grab my Vespino and head to the Anguesan video club. Located in the bustling neighborhood of the Barcelona highway, Anguesan was more than just a business; it was a haven for film lovers, a space where you could find passionate conversations about recent films, such as Terry Gilliam’s ‘Brazil’, or debates about the suitability of Eusebio Sacristán in Cruyff’s Dream Team.
The Z Series Cinema: An Unexpected Gem
At the entrance to Anguesan, as in most of the video stores I visited, there was a section dedicated to what we called Z-series cinema. This genre, which takes B-series to a new extreme, was an inexhaustible source of entertainment. The actors’ performances, absurd scripts and rudimentary special effects combined to create works that, despite their appearance, could surprise with brilliant moments. Ed Wood, recognized by Tim Burton, became a symbol of that cinema that, with a minimal budget, managed to produce films that are now considered classics of the joke.
The Terror Revolution: A Cult Genre
Films produced outside the major Hollywood studios opened the doors to a new generation of filmmakers who, without the necessary resources, found refuge in the horror genre. Production companies such as Troma, based in New York, proliferated, creating titles that, over time, achieved cult status among the most passionate fans. Although the genre continues to evolve today, with Asian and Italian influences, it was during the 1980s and 1990s that it reached its peak of popularity, driven by the video club phenomenon.
El Fenomen de ‘Attack of the Killer Tomatoes’
One of the films that exemplifies this phenomenon is ‘Attack of the Killer Tomatoes’, directed by John de Bello in 1978. This absurd comedy, centered on killer tomatoes, marked a milestone in the subgenre of psychopathic horror. Its famous song, which bears the same name, would deserve a place of honor in the history of film music, far surpassing other more commercial successes. In addition, its success gave rise to several sequels, series and even video games, thus consolidating its legend.
Reflections on the Past
Those moments at the Anguesan video club, surrounded by conversations about cinema and unexpected discoveries, remind me that the world of cinema is a universe of creativity and passion, where even the most modest productions can leave a lasting mark. Far from being just superficial entertainment, Z-series cinema offers us a window into the overflowing imagination of its creators and the magic of independent cinema.
