V/H/S/85 (2023)

I never end up liking these as much as other people. As always, the segments vary in quality, though this was probably the most consistently entertaining entry thus far. I really liked how they integrated the wraparound story within an actual VHS tape which has clearly been recorded over many times. That part at least feels very authentic to the time period. However, it suffers from the same issue of every found footage film, which is that nagging question of "Why would they keep filming this?" Especially considering how unwieldly camcorders were back in the '80s. I also thought this installment was way too bloated and some of the pacing dragged on far too long. 

My favorite segments were "No Wake"/"Ambrosia" (I was hoping for a third part to conclude that story) and "Dreamkill," even though that was probably the worst acted. I'm not really sure why they changed the aspect ratio for that one, since it very much looked like it was shot on digital video. 

Aesthetically, this entry was also kind of painful to watch. I know it's supposed to look like crappy videocassette quality, but they may have succeeded a bit too well.

2½ VR headsets out of 5

SOUTHBOUND [2015]

Veterans of the V/H/S series trail off on their own with the very satisfyingly creepy anthology Southbound.
Set on a deserted highway, this is five interlocking tales about sinful folks who are facing their worst nightmares in what seems to be a endlessly looping form of purgatory.
With the exception of Trick 'r Treat and the second V/H/S, I haven't really been at all impressed with horror anthologies so this collection of disturbingly twisted tales came as a very pleasant surprise.  What most films in it's genre lacks, this one packs some strong horrific creativity to match it's interesting storytelling while actually managing to leave a lasting impression of dread.  There's numerous minor flaws but when all is said and done, it's an entertaining ride into hell that meets all of what little expectations I had.

3½ shitty 911 calls out of 5

V/H/S [2012]

V/H/S is a collaborative effort of several short "found footage" films framed by another "found footage" film, all of which have next to nothing to do with each other. 

It might feature some interesting concepts and effective scares but never really seems to gel together to form a stronger impression.  I pretty much got exactly what I was expecting and admittedly was entertained by a few of the better segments but none of it leaves much of an afterthought.  

2 homicidal video glitches out of 5