During my early years, I would observe my father meticulously caring for his treasured array of Star Wars memorabilia. His routine was consistent: upon acquiring a new collectible, he would procure a duplicate for my entertainment while reserving the subsequent piece for display purposes only. The latter was strictly off-limits for play, regardless of its allure. Fast forward thirty years, and I have established my own ritual: whenever I come across a Titanic VHS tape in a store, I add it to my personal compilation.
Titanic has consistently held the top spot as my favorite film, inspiring me to convert my Florida home office into a Titanic-themed museum. The walls are festooned with 2,682 tapes, creating a wallpaper-like effect, while a Jack Dawson mannequin serves as the focal point.
At the tender age of six, my parents took me to watch the movie in theaters, leaving me mesmerized. Every aspect of the film captivated me: from the poignant and gripping storyline to the grandeur of the production and the stellar cast. I have a profound admiration for Leonardo DiCaprio, acknowledging him as an outstanding actor. Acquiring my initial copy alongside my parents during its 1998 release transformed my viewing experience.
In 2012, my partner and I stumbled upon a treasure trove of Titanic VHS tapes at a thrift store, igniting my passion for collecting them. However, the collection truly flourished in the recent year. Sharing glimpses of the assortment on social media elicited a global outpouring of support, with individuals from around the world sending tapes to my PO box. Contributions have poured in from various corners of the globe, including Australia, Germany, Japan, and Taiwan. Observing this collective effort to expand the collection fills me with immense gratitude. Keeping track of the expanding inventory has become a challenge due to the influx of packages.
The surge in deliveries necessitated a temporary closure of my PO box and prompted inquiries from the staff regarding the volume of parcels received. Managing the numerous cardboard boxes and packages, meticulously examining each tape for damage, has become a time-consuming yet gratifying task. Tapes that are found to be damaged are excluded from the collection.
While many individuals understand and support my pursuit, there are critics questioning the rationale behind my endeavor. Despite encountering occasional hostility, the prevailing positivity outweighs the negativity, motivating me to persist. My preference for VHS tapes over DVDs is rooted in Titanic’s original release format. The collection predominantly consists of original versions, with a few special widescreen editions featuring gold covers. Space limitations have led me to confine public viewings to online platforms, as I have reservations about inviting visitors into my home. A prized possession within the collection is an authenticated fragment of an original Titanic deckchair, symbolizing a tangible connection to one of history’s most iconic events.
With an approximate investment of $4,000 (£3,170) in the collection thus far, I believe the tapes are increasing in value due to their scarcity in today’s market. While most acquisitions are sourced from thrift stores and church sales, donations play a significant role in the collection’s expansion. I proudly hold the distinction of owning the largest documented compilation of Titanic VHS tapes in existence.
Although I aspire to achieve a Guinness World Record for the collection, the requirement prohibiting duplicates presents a challenge. Nonetheless, the pursuit of a record takes a back seat to my pride in the collection. To the overlooked Titanic VHS tapes awaiting a new home, I echo the iconic lyrics: “near, far, wherever you are, I need you in my collection.”