Techno Tangle

In an effort to de-clutter and simplify my space, I just emptied out my antique armoire drawer of all the long-collected videos I can no longer play because I have no VCR. I have a DVD player, like everyone else, and am quite captivated by the idea of storing only those slim squares of entertainment-filled plastic from now on.

But I can’t say goodbye to my Danny Kaye videos. After researching online, I find the same titles in DVD are not good quality. Do I want substandard Danny Kaye movies? I mean, it’s Danny Kaye! Should I be subjected to faded DVD colors when I’m used to the Technicolor brilliance of The Court Jester, Inspector General, and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty? In good old video?

I think not. Besides, they look so nice and comfy in that big drawer.

Woman’s World, with Lauren Bacall, Fred MacMurray, and my favorite Cornel Wilde, is not even offered in DVD.  Another video I’ll have to keep. Really, there is no choice.

Some I’ve already substituted with DVDs: American Dreamer with Jo Beth Williams, Crossing Delancy with Amy Irving, the Pride & Prejudice BBC collection, Without A Clue starring Michael Caine and Ben Kingsley.

What about my dear Christmas movies! I have to replace those. Oh, dear. This is getting expensive.

I gaze at The Three Lives of Thomasina and the rest of my Disney films, lovingly collected for my future grandchild, who is here at last. I can’t toss out those charming adventures when Sidney might enjoy a movie night with her Gramsey.

The drawer is filling up again. Note to self: Buy new VCR.