2008 was a long time ago. Obama was still campaigning for the hearts of American voters, pop-influenced hardcore bands were more of a rare treat than an ever-present menace on music, and found footage was still something akin to a ‘cool’ subgenre in the world of horror.

It was around this same time that a little film arrived on the market called The Poughkeepsie Tapes. The film, which John Erick Dowdle directs from a story he wrote with his brother, Drew Dowdle, showcases a collection of mysterious tapes that were allegedly found in the basement of an abandoned house. It’s kind of like a beta version of V/H/S series, only with far lower production value and one scene involving a child that is so unsettling it gives me chills to this very day. You can view the film’s original trailer below.

So, why am I talking about a film that is more than half a decade old? Because for the first time since its original release The Poughkeepsie Tapes have found their way onto VOD. Yes, after all this time the little found footage thriller most of the world forgot about has been given new life thanks to the folks at DirectTV. Check your local cable listings for more information on the film’s availability in your area. We expect more VOD outlets will pick up the title soon.

I know found footage is not for everyone, but The Poughkeepsie Tapes are one of the few titles from this world of film I believe everyone should give an hour and a half of their time. It’s unique, or at least it was when it debuted, and even though the production value is incredibly low throughout it’s quite possible that the events depicted on screen will stay with you for days or weeks after your initial viewing. You have been warned.

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James Shotwell

James Shotwell is the founder of Under The Gun Review. He loves writing about music and movies almost as much as he loves his two fat cats. He's also the co-founder of Antique Records and the Marketing Coordinator for Haulix. You should probably follow him on Twitter.

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