For anyone who grew up threading a VHS tape into the family VCR, the Stranger Things Season 1 DVD/Blu-ray is pure nostalgia in a box. Released on October 17, 2017, and exclusively available at Target, the package immediately stands out with its bold colours, geometric logo placement, and tactile cues that harken back to the days of CBS-FOX broadcasts. It’s a design that makes you pause and remember the smell of rewound tape, the satisfying click of a cassette snapping into place, and the anticipation of watching a favourite show in the living room.
The packaging does more than mimic a VHS; it celebrates it. Every visual element—the retro typography, the muted gradients, the logo reminiscent of old-school tape cases—feels like a loving nod to a bygone era. Target described it at the time as “an homage to the 80s vibe that permeates every episode,” a statement that doesn’t overpromise. From the opening scene of Season 1, the show drips with references to 1980s music, fashion, and cinema, and the packaging mirrors that same attention to detail. It’s a clever piece of marketing, yes, but also a genuine labour of love for fans who appreciate that tactile, physical connection to their favourite stories.
Collectors quickly realised that owning this DVD/Blu-ray was more than about having Stranger Things on a shelf—it was about holding a piece of art that captured the show’s ethos. The packaging itself is almost a portal back to the era that inspired the narrative, reinforcing the series’ themes of childhood adventure, friendship, and eerie supernatural suspense.
Following the success of the first season’s physical release, the second season continued the trend, arriving on November 6, 2018, with the same eye-catching VHS-inspired design. By maintaining the visual continuity, the creators signalled that these editions were more than just media—they were part of a broader aesthetic identity for Stranger Things.
Every time a fan unboxes one of these releases, the bold colours, the angular logo, and the hints of analogue media instantly transport viewers into Hawkins. It’s a reminder that the series thrives on nostalgia as much as narrative tension, and the packaging is a tangible extension of that. The careful curation of colours, fonts, and textures makes it a joy to display on a shelf and a conversation starter for anyone visiting your living room.
This nostalgic packaging also bridges generations. Millennials remember the tactile pleasure of VHS tapes, while Gen Z fans, who grew up in a digital-first world, get a curated taste of the era that inspired the show. Owning the DVD or Blu-ray becomes an interactive experience, allowing audiences to appreciate both the series and the historical context that informs it.
Beyond the visual appeal, there’s an emotional connection. As the show’s narrative explores friendships, supernatural mysteries, and the essence of growing up in 1980s America, the packaging echoes those same feelings. It’s almost as if the box itself invites viewers to step back into time and live in Hawkins alongside Mike, Eleven, Dustin, and Lucas.
