The SAMPLE Collection. 

The SAMPLE collection features popular Vipco releases, mainly from the early '90s Cult Classic series. Each VHS tape was a promotional Sample copy sent to video rental shops in the UK by Vipco. The tapes were meant to showcase upcoming or new films, encouraging video stores to purchase them for rental. Each release came with a reverse sleeve designed to promote the film, with the word 'SAMPLE' printed on the cover. Inside the sleeve, there was also a brief film description, similar to an advertisement, giving store owners a preview of what the film was about. (See photo 1 below). sample sleeves available at VHS trade shows and conferences, which would have given them exposure to industry professionals before the films hit the market.

The VHS tapes included in these Sample releases did not feature the usual full Vipco logo sticker. Instead, they came with a plain white sticker with just the film's name printed on it. This simple sticker design mirrored the same style seen on the Danish uncut VHS releases. (See photo 2 below)

Additionally, these tapes had a time-code running on the footage, which made them unsuitable for consumer rental. This time-code would have been distracting to viewers, but it allowed video stores to screen the film and assess whether it was worth stocking. (See image 03).

However, it's important to note that, today, many Sample Vipco releases are only found with the sleeve, and the original VHS tape is often missing. As archivists and collectors, we face the risk of losing these time-coded video examples over time if we don’t make an effort to collect the original tapes along with the sleeves. Collectors looking for a complete Vipco experience should aim to track down both the sleeve and the tape, as this ensures the preservation of these unique marketing tools and the films themselves.