Stranger Things fans still holding onto the Conformity Gate theory might not have gotten their wish for a new bonus season of Netflix’s hit series, but they did technically get a surprise season of the show.
To celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Stranger Things season 1’s release, Netflix surprised fans by releasing a new special edition reimagining of the beloved series. On July 15, Netflix debuted Stranger Things - VHS Special Edition, a special edition spin on the first season of the show designed to give fans a retro viewing experience that calls back to the VHS tapes of the ‘80s.
“Rewind and relive the first season with a video store vibe that’s glitchy, grainy, and gloriously vintage — just like you’d have rented it in 1983,” the official synopsis for the special edition release teases.
While perhaps not as exciting as a brand new sixth season or ninth episode of Stranger Things season 5 would have been to many, Netflix definitely cooked with its Stranger Things - VHS Special Edition. The reimagined special edition of the eight-episode first season is a true treat from Netflix, which honestly could have phoned it in and simply released a brief behind-the-scenes reel or social media post to celebrate the show’s anniversary.
Instead, fans of the series can literally transport themselves back to the 80s to rewatch the first season of the show as if they had just rented the series on VHS at Family Video. We honestly can’t think of a better way to celebrate the show’s legacy, and we’re certain die-hard fans are going to love being able to watch the first season in all its vintage glory. In fact, we’re getting chills just thinking about watching the Stranger Things - VHS Special Edition version of the series as part of a Halloween marathon this October!
It’s going to be interesting to see how well-received the new Stranger Things - VHS Special Edition is among fans and whether it’ll crack the Netflix Top 10. While it might not be a new season, we’re certain Stranger Things fans will show up for the series and won’t be surprised at all to see the special edition season crack the Top 10 as more fans discover it on Netflix
Speaking of which, you will want to search for the title directly, as Stranger Things - VHS Special Edition is available as a separate entity in the Netflix backend. So instead of simply going to the main Stranger Things title via your Netflix account, you’re going to want to make sure to select the VHS Special Edition title card.
And just to reiterate for anyone wondering, there is no new footage in the Stranger Things - VHS Special Edition. There is sadly no bonus content snuck into the release; rather, Netflix took the eight episodes from season 1 and reimagined them with the retro look to give it that less than crisp VHS appearance. That certainly doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy watching the new special edition season; just don’t expect it to bring about some unaired footage.
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