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Play S1 E1The Oddity Archive is a web series that revolves around the "cultural dustbin", especially as it pertains to media. The Archive also functions as an actual archive of sorts, with a modest collection of off-air Betamax and VHS recordings (about 400 total as of June, 2014). There's also a decent collection of ephemeral video, "ripoff" and "drugstore" LP's/cassettes/8-tracks, as well as (working) obsolete technology.
Cast: Ben Minnotte
HDCC
26 episodes
- 1. The Max Headroom Incident of 1987On the night of Sunday, November 22nd, 1987, a mysterious figure in a Max Headroom mask hijacked two Chicago TV stations. Spoiler alert: The perpetrators were never found.CC12minJul 5, 2012
- 2. Emergency Broadcast SaluteAn informal (not to mention, loose) history of Civil Defense Broadcasting in the U.S.CC17minJul 19, 2012
- 3. TV Sign-offsRemember when TV stations used to go off the air late at night? Anyone?CC15minAug 2, 2012
- 4. Local TV SpecialInterested in seeing a clown so laid-back, he forgets he's on camera? Now about a Hawaiian teen idol with a pen fetish? Maybe an American Bandstand ripoff with an evil spirit hosting? If you answered yes to any of these questions, watch this episode--then seek immediate professional help.CC21minAug 16, 2012
- 5. American EXXXtacy (and other C-band nastiness)The Archive's most infamous episode--for some reason.CC16minAug 30, 2012
- 6. Conservative Folk MusicMeet the artists that made the likes of Joan Baez and Pete Seeger fear for their careers.CC16minSep 13, 2012
- 7. Format WarsVHS or Beta? Laserdisc or CED? What the hell is a CED anyway? These burning questions (amongst others) answered in this episode!CC21minSep 27, 2012
- 8. 1-900-ARCHIVEJoin Ben as he launches his own 1-900 number. What could possibly go wrong?CC21minOct 11, 2012
- 9. Halloween Special 2012 (Strange VHS Endings)We still get a lot of flack for this episode (did you really think there were 37 minutes of odd VHS endings out there?). Nonetheless, it's still a favorite.CC37minOct 25, 2012
- 10. Captain Midnight / VrillonAn Archive double header: The two most famous occurrences of Broadcast Signal Hijacking (well, save for the Max Headroom Incident) are discussed here.CC14minNov 8, 2012
- 11. Pay TV (but not Cable or Satellite)The Oddity Archive will now be switching to scrambled mode. Please turn on your (preferably, circa 1984) decoder box now.CC14minNov 15, 2012
- 12. Top (Thanksgiving) Turkeys of the (19)90'sBecause we always like to go the extra mile (at least, when it's convenient), the Archive tackles TWO lists of the worst of the (19)90's: The top 4 Trendy Turkeys and the top 4 Technological Turkeys of the (again, 19)90's.CC19minNov 22, 2012
- 13. Local TV vol. 2 (Kiddie Show Hosts)The 13th episode is a very unlucky one for Ben as he discusses some (all too often, rather off) U.S. Kiddie Show hosts from the early 1950's through the late 1990's.CC32minDec 6, 2012
- 14. Christmas Special (A Fair Use Christmas)All Ben wanted for Christmas was a silent night...CC23minDec 20, 2012
- 15. Teletext Heaven (or Hell)Ceefax and Keyfax, Nite-Owl and Cable Chuckles, oh my...CC16minJan 3, 2013
- 16. IntermissionIt's movie day at the Archive! Unfortunately, due to copyright issues, you're not invited. But, at least you can join us for an intermission reel (conveniently containing all Public Domain footage!).CC13minJan 10, 2013
- 17. Prehistoric TelevisionGiven how much we discuss TV on the Archive, a history lesson seemed in order.CC16minJan 17, 2013
- 18. gniksaM sdrawkcaB (Backwards Masking)?segassem lanimilbus tahW ?huH Everyone knows there are no subliminal messages in music...(!slatrom nwod wob ,woN)CC24minJan 31, 2013
- 19. Valentine's Day Special (Dating Services)Join Ben as he discusses some of the Dating Services of the 1980's to present. And, if you're good, maybe Ben will let you join him in his own quest for a date.CC26minFeb 14, 2013
- 20. Local TV vol. 3 (Public Access)Temporarily exiled from the big leagues of Internet TV, Ben (again, temporarily) sets up camp at his local Public Access outlet.CC20minFeb 28, 2013
- 21. Protect & SurviveIt's the feel-good episode of the year as Ben discusses the (in)famous British Nuclear War preparedness campaign.CC16minMar 14, 2013
- 22. Duck & CoverBecause you can (apparently) never have enough nukes...CC17minMar 28, 2013
- 23. Scary Logos (and other Nostalgic Video Terrors)What is it about end logos and FBI Warnings that scared so many children of the VHS era?CC23minApr 11, 2013
- 24. Hell's Bells (The Dangers of Rock and Roll)Can pure rock sound really hard-boil an egg? Of course not. It does make for some wicked "deviled" eggs though.CC22minApr 25, 2013
- 25. Employee Training VideosThings have gotten so dire at The Archive that Ben's been forced to take a "real" job. Join him as he takes a look at his potential employers' training videos.CC29minMay 9, 2013
- 26. VHS Vault vol. 1 (Amvest Video)Ever wanted to know the absolute root of the Oddity Archive? Well, it involves a creepy guy in a Hamster costume...CC22minMay 23, 2013
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Oddity Archive
★ 8.0/10201215 seasons304 episodesReturning Series
The Oddity Archive is a web series that revolves around the "cultural dustbin", especially as it pertains to media. The Archive also functions as an actual archive of sorts, with a modest collection of off-air Betamax and VHS recordings (about 400 total as of June, 2014). There's also a decent collection of ephemeral video, "ripoff" and "drugstore" LP's/cassettes/8-tracks, as well as (working) obsolete technology.
Creators and cast
- Directors
- Ben Minnotte
- Created by
- Ben Minnotte
- Cast
- Ben Minnotte
Maturity rating
Not yet rated.
Audio languages
English
Where to watch
Not currently listed on any streaming, rental or purchase service.
