Rotten Rentals is one such mystery box company that takes a different approach to their product. Rotten Rentals sends out their mystery boxes in the classic 80s/90s plastic VHS case of your choosing. For horror geeks like myself that grew up in the early nineties this business is a gold mine. It brings fond memories of going out with my mom on a Friday night and renting horror movies form the local video store.
But instead of having a subscription you simply buy a box when you want one. How it works is you view their wide selection of horror themed VHS covers, both old and new. You pick a case you like and order it. They send it to you filled with all kinds of retro goodies like trading cards, merchandise, pins, mini-figurines, ext. It's always a surprise what is inside. (Be aware, there isn't ever any actual VHS tapes inside).
Recently I picked up my very first mystery box from Rotten Rentals. Because I'm a huge fan of off-beat 80s slashers I chose the Slaughter High VHS Pack. It came in the mail, I opened it (you can watch the unboxing below), and I was completely wowed. I have never been so satisfied with a piece of horror merchandise I've purchased.
For the price of $13 ($7 for the box and $6 shipping) I was impressed with what I got. The box also arrived in a matter of days. The product is priced right, they have a wide selection of awesome VHS cases (even some limited edition ones), the shipping is fast, and the product just oozes with retro 80s coolness. If your a fan of retro horror than you're going to love this company.
My only disappointment is that they don't have a subscription option. I know at one time they had a "Video of the Month Club." Members paid a monthly fee of $15 dollars and received a new VHS each month, including special edition ones that were never made available in their store. Members also were entered into drawings for bigger and better prizes.
However, as far as I can tell the "Video of the Month Club" no longer exists. I can't find anything for it on their website.
I will definitely buy from this company again. In fact, they could easily become my favorite horror merchandise company on the web because of their niche market. Maybe next time I will buy a VHS Pack of such cult horror classics as Chopping Mall and Prom Night. I hope they continue to receive enough business to keep growing because I love what they are doing.
See my unboxing of the Slaughter High VHS Pack below!