In a striking contrast to the predominance of digital media, Robert dos Santos has announced his upcoming film, “This Is How The World Ends,” which will be the first feature to debut exclusively on VHS in two decades. This release marks a unique departure in a landscape increasingly dominated by streaming platforms and digital consumption.
As both writer and director, dos Santos helms And Films in this ambitious project that speaks to the nostalgia and physicality of media. The traditional interpretation of a “straight-to-VHS” release, often seen as a stigma in the past, is undergoing a transformation. Dos Santos articulates this shift, saying, “‘Straight to VHS used to be a slur in the 90s. But not anymore. Today it represents that your film is crafted with intention, and made for those who truly love films.” This perspective encapsulates the intent behind the film’s release.
The creative team aims to reconnect audiences with the tangible experience of cinema. In a time where AI-generated content and algorithm-driven recommendations dominate, they contend that the essence of film has become diluted. The filmmakers believe that, “In the digital world of AI, streaming, and downloads, we’ve lost touch with what it means to fall in love with cinema.” By prioritizing the physical medium of VHS, they seek to revive the communal and personal aspects of film-watching, reinstating the joy of owning a film in a palpable format.
Scheduled to launch on June 7, 2026, coinciding with International VHS Day, this release is more than merely a nostalgic throwback; it is a call to action for independent filmmakers to rethink their distribution tactics. The film’s title resonates with today’s uncertainties, illustrating the challenges that both the film industry and the wider world confront. Rather than lamenting the industry’s evolution, dos Santos and his team view this moment as a catalyst for change.
He emphasizes, “This is a film that is made by humans, for humans. This is cinema you can hold, touch, and most importantly own.” By embracing a collector’s format and criticizing the digital-first approach, dos Santos aims to reignite a broader movement that appreciates the artistry of physical formats, ultimately advocating for a more intentional and less convenience-driven consumption of media.
