Remember Stranger Things, the hit Netflix series that ran for six seasons, launching multiple careers and exponentially more themed merchandise? Of course you do! The finale just arrived this past New Year’s Eve with tons of fanfare, as well as a whole post-release conspiracy theory that was fake and a making-of documentary that was real. Then, Netflix released the animated spin-off Tales From ’85 in April and swiftly announced another season was on the way.
At this point, it’s safe to say nostalgia for Stranger Things—a show very much fueled by nostalgia itself—has yet to kick in. But that hasn’t stopped Netflix from finding another reason to bring it to your attention. The occasion is the show’s 10th anniversary, seeing as how it debuted on July 15, 2016.
To go with that, Netflix has released a 26-minute video featuring the Stranger Things cast reflecting on their experiences with the help of a big pile of Polaroids.
It’s titled Strange Memories: Celebrating 10 Years of Stranger Things, and you don’t need a Netflix login to watch it.
To really transport yourself back to the ’80s, you will need a Netflix login, because the streamer is now home to a “VHS Special Edition” version of the first season. It replicates the suboptimal experience of watching a well-worn cassette on a VCR that probably could use a good cleaning, which, according to co-creators Matt and Ross Duffer, could mark the start of a revived trend.
“If Stranger Things existed in Hawkins—sitting on a shelf at Family Video—it would look just like this (complete with pan-and-scan)! Is it possible your head will explode from nostalgia overload? Yes. But it’s worth the gamble! And hey, if enough of you nerds watch it, maybe we’ll do the rest of the seasons,” they teased in a Netflix press release.
Elder types who actually suffered through the pan-and-scan era of home video may not be amused, but perhaps younger fans will find some delight in the gimmick. As you might expect, Netflix is also taking advantage of the anniversary to release some new tie-in goods, which you can read more about on Tudum. Here’s a look at the full 10th anniversary poster, too:
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