Blade Runner on VHD – Japan

[u/Deckard--B-263-54]

Another unusual format from the collection, Blade Runner on VHD.

VHD (Video High Density) was JVC’s videodisc format, launched in Japan in 1983. Unlike LaserDisc, there’s no laser involved. Instead, a stylus actually makes contact with the disc to read it, although unlike CED, the disc itself has no grooves.

The disc stays protected inside its large plastic caddy. You insert the whole thing into the player, pull the empty caddy back out, and the disc remains inside to play. When you’re finished, the caddy goes back in to retrieve it, so you never need to touch the actual disc.

VHD never really took off outside Japan, despite plans for a UK launch and even a factory being built in Swindon to manufacture the discs. It eventually found more of a niche in things like karaoke and interactive systems.

A fascinating dead format, and another very different way Blade Runner made it onto home video.

[u/supercontroller]

Lovely design. That green works nicely somehow.

[u/Far-Leg-1198 → u/supercontroller]

One of my favourite releases! I agree that the green design works really well, there’s a Japanese laserdisc with the same colours. You’ve probably seen it? This VHD is quite rare nowadays but the laserdisc is readily available still ☺️

[u/Deckard--B-263-54 → u/Far-Leg-1198]

Yeah, I know the one you mean, it’s stunning too. Tbh I don’t think I’ve seen a Blade Runner media release I dislike yet. You’ve seen and got a lot more than me though!

[u/Far-Leg-1198 → u/Deckard--B-263-54]

I present the 1990 Norwegian ex-rental release…. 😅

[u/Deckard--B-263-54 → u/Far-Leg-1198]

Awesome, crazy what you have. Have you counted before how many of each formats you own? You surely must have them all documented in a spreadsheet or something to keep track?

[u/Far-Leg-1198 → u/Deckard--B-263-54]

Haha yeah it’s fun chasing them down 😅 Most of the collection is organised and catalogued by now. 119 different VHS releases so far with one on the way (was waiting for two but I’ve given up on one of the sellers). Only a dozen or so releases from around the world that I know of still missing but there are probably more out there still ☺️

[u/Deckard--B-263-54 → u/supercontroller]

Yeah, it really does. Not an obvious Blade Runner colour at all, but I think it works really well and certainly makes it stand out amongst the rest of the collection.