CINESTIA
ExploreFavoritesRadar
Sign in
ExploreFavoritesRadar
All Titles
Oddity Archive
Soundtrack
Google
Radar
Get notified when it hits streaming, rent, or buy below your target price.
Related titles
What's Next? The Future with Bill Gates
What's Next? The Future with Bill Gates
The Universe
The Universe
Human +  The Future of Our Senses
Human + The Future of Our Senses
Nature Tech
Nature Tech
?
Tekniskt magasin
COLLECTION · Series · 2012

Oddity Archive

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.

Source: TMDB
* 8.0 (1)DocumentaryUnited States
Directors
Ben Minnotte
Creators
Ben Minnotte
Countries
United States
Studios
YouTube · Blip
Runtime
30 min/ep
Release
05/07/2012
Score
8.0 / 10 (1)
Where to watch
Loading providers…
Seasons and episodes
Specials
382 episodes · 2012
Episode 1. Donny Osmond - Soldier of Love (Michael Bay Salute)
2012-07-26 · 8 min

Michael Bay directed music videos? That would explain a lot.

Episode 2. National Anthem Conspiracy Theory
2012-08-23 · 4 min

This video has been censored by "The Man" for your pleasure.

Episode 3. Everlasting Love
2012-09-20 · 8 min

What the hell would make this overplayed moldy-oldie count as an oddity? Find out...

Episode 4. The Max Headroom Incident of 1987 (Commentary)
2012-10-18 · 12 min

The first Archive Riffs episode. Ben tackles a supposed promotional film for the "Butter & Egg Days Festival" that the Rifftrax guys already did--but they don't know real art (like Ben does).

Episode 5. Sounds to Make You Shiver
2012-10-31 · 5 min

A nice, compact little review of one of the most (in)famous "drugstore" records ever released. Bet you thought we didn't have a copy!

Episode 6. TV Sign-Offs (Commentary)
2012-12-13 · 15 min

An informal discussion of the TV Sign-Offs episode.

Episode 7. Emergency Broadcast Salute (Commentary)
2013-02-07 · 17 min

Something about February always gets Ben thinking about Civil Defense Broadcasting.

Episode 8. Freedom is a Hammer (Album Review)
2013-03-07 · 9 min

At the time of the Conservative Folk Music episode, some of the artists discussed had yet to make their digital debuts. Naturally, Ben would want to take a look at the CD that rounds up the complete folk-rock works of Janet Greene.

Episode 9. American EXXXtasy (Commentary)
2013-04-04 · 16 min

Perhaps the Archive's most infamous episode needed a little more context. Maybe not. Nevertheless, it got it anyway--the context, that is.

Episode 10. Greetings From the Stars (Sort Of)
2013-05-02 · 8 min

Ever wanted to get an (impersonal) birthday greeting from Milton Berle? How 'bout an answering machine message from "Richard Simmons"? Yeah, didn't think so.

Episode 11. Ask the Archive
2013-05-30 · 12 min

An informal Q & A session. Yep, that's about it.

Episode 12. Archive Riffs: Petaluma Chicken
2013-06-06 · 5 min

The first Archive Riffs episode. Ben tackles a supposed promotional film for the "Butter & Egg Days Festival" that the Rifftrax guys already did--but they don't know real art (like Ben does).

Episode 13. Local TV Special (Commentary)
2013-06-13 · 21 min

A commentary cut for the Local TV Special that was originally shelved due to a factual error regarding Indianapolis-based Horror Movie Host, Sammy Terry. Well, that and a couple of other brain farts.

Episode 14. Archive Riffs: Greedy Humpty Dumpty
2013-06-20 · 10 min

Ben riffs the sole survivor of his childhood Public Domain VHS collection.

Episode 15. VHS Vault Vol. 1 (Amvest Video) (Commentary)
2013-06-27 · 23 min

Recorded before the original episode premiered. Since then, we've learned that: 1. Audiofidelity Records started in the mid/late 1950's and issued some of the first stereo records. 2. Someone at Audiofidelity went berserk sometime in…

Episode 16. Archive Riffs: Say No to Strangers
2013-07-25 · 12 min

Learn to take the safe way to school (but only if you have to walk through Chinatown).

Episode 17. National Anthem Conspiracy Theory (Redux)
2013-08-22 · 5 min

One of the Archive's earliest episodes seems to have gone missing. As such, Ben has been forced to remake it. Or, this was Ben's (unsurprisingly, failed) submission to the ConBravo indie video showcase.

Episode 18. Halloween Special 2012 (Commentary)
2013-10-17 · 10 min

An all-too-brief look back at the Archive's first Halloween special.

Episode 19. Hallmark Presents: Spooky Sounds
2013-10-31 · 11 min

Given we followed up the first Halloween Special with a review of a "spooky sound effects" album, we figured it wouldn't hurt to do it again.

Episode 20. Archive Riffs: Dining Together
2013-11-28 · 12 min

Chain Aunt Phyllis to the family piano and enjoy an old-fashioned Thanksgiving.

Episode 21. Christmas Special 2012 (A Fair Use Christmas) (Commentary)
2013-12-12 · 24 min

A much-maligned commentary to a forgotten Archive episode.

Episode 22. Archive Riffs: A Christmas Fantasy
2013-12-24 · 7 min

Because nothing says "Christmas" quite like creepy wax figures and a bargain-basement Bing Crosby.

Episode 23. TV DX-ing
2014-01-09 · 5 min

...because the local stations suck.

Episode 24. Archive Riffs: Live & Learn
2014-01-30 · 14 min

Sid Davis would like to remind you that he loves his wallpaper and hates your child.

Episode 25. Archive Riffs: Cigarette Commercials
2014-02-27 · 6 min

Since we spent so much time with anti-smoking propaganda last time out, in the name of fairness, we thought we'd share some pro-smoking propaganda. Sorry, no dancing Luckies here (seriously, what can you say about it? Insert smart-ass…

Episode 26. Backwards Masking (Commentary)
2014-03-27 · 13 min

Everything Ben has to say about the Backwards Masking episode in a mere 12 minutes!

Episode 27. A Nice Pair (of early, European VCR's)
2014-04-24 · 11 min

Can your heart take the sheer sex appeal of the Philips N1500? No (prescription) pills necessary!

Episode 28. Blooper Reel
2014-05-15 · 5 min

Alternate Title: Why The Archive isn't terribly conducive to outtake specials.

Episode 29. VHS Vault Vol. 5 - Y2K (Commentary)
2014-06-05 · 24 min

One of those rare occasions where there was a little TOO much to say in an episode.

Episode 30. Archive Riffs: Atomic Alert (Elementary Edition)
2014-06-12 · 12 min

Released about five minutes before the Conelrad system was established (and featuring some nice undercranking), 1951's Atomic Alert teaches you how to keep your nuclear experience nice and peaceful.

Episode 31. Ben's Junk: Sony Super Betamax
2014-06-19 · 8 min

A new spin-off of the Archive in which a piece of equipment is discussed that either has already been discussed in greater detail or that simply wouldn't amount to even a minisode of Archive.

Episode 32. Ben's Junk: VideoNow PVD Player
2014-06-23 · 5 min

The rejected pilot of Ben's Junk (for reasons that should become readily apparent fairly quickly). This time out, Hasbro's failed attempt at a portable DVD player for kids.

Episode 33. Format Wars 2 (COMMENTARY)
2014-07-03 · 14 min

By request, Ben discusses "Format Wars". By unilateral action, Ben discusses both "Format Wars" videos in one convenient (for him) commentary.

Episode 34. Ben's Junk: VHS Camcorder (RCA CC285)
2014-07-31 · 8 min

A "by request" Ben's Junk. Taking a look at the camcorder used to film "Going Analog" and "Y2K Apocalypse Party".

Episode 35. The Great Archive Treasure Hunt (Commentary)
2014-08-28 · 24 min

Who'da thunk the making of this episode AND the episode itself was about rediscovery?

Episode 36. Ben's Junk: Tascam Cassette Portastudio
2014-09-25 · 12 min

Perhaps a too-personal installment of Ben's Junk. Don't take that the wrong way...

Episode 37. Halloween Special 2013 (Commentary)
2014-10-09 · 12 min

Must be that magic time of year again when Ben lazily dusts off the previous year's Halloween episode for a commentary.

Episode 38. Ben's Junk : 8-Track/Cassette "Adaptor"
2014-11-20 · 8 min

SPOILER ALERT: Whoa-oh here it comes/Watch out boy, it'll chew them up/Whoa-oh here it comes/It's a tape eater!

Episode 39. Ben's Junk: Multi-System VHS VCR (Hitachi VT-M768EM)
2014-12-04 · 11 min

Finally, a VCR that can play all international formats! What do you mean, it only has mono sound?!? What you do mean I need converter boxes?!?

Episode 40. Ben's Junk: JVC S-VHS VCR (S7600U)
2014-12-18 · 9 min

The long-awaited conclusion to the two-part Ben's Junk VHS extravaganza. Does this count as the climax?

Episode 41. Ben's Junk: LaserKaraoke/Laserdisc Player (Pioneer CLD-S304)
2015-01-08 · 9 min

Two episodes of LaserKaraoke and still no demonstration of the machine? Yeah, I'm kinda slow...

Episode 42. 1-900 ARCHIVE Vol. 2 (Commentary)
2015-01-22 · 26 min

A dual commentary for both 1-900 ARCHIVE volumes. WARNING: Wrestling aficionados may not like what I have to say.

Episode 43. The DuMont Network (Deleted Game Show Segment)
2015-02-05 · 9 min

The DuMont episode ran ridiculously overlong (gotta love that molasses-slow early TV!). Here is a deleted segment giving an overview on the Game Shows aired on the DuMont Network.

Episode 44. Ben's Junk: Handheld Electronic Games
2015-03-05 · 5 min

Pouring some additional salt in the gamer wounds...

Episode 45. Ben's Junk: B-Movies & cult Classics
2015-04-02 · 10 min

Slightly bastardizing the usual Ben's Junk format--but not Ben's Junk itself (that'd hurt).

Episode 46. Ben Tries Finnish Candy
2015-04-30 · 11 min

...and welcome to (probably the only edition of) "Ben Tries"!

Episode 47. Ben's Junk: WebTV Box
2015-05-28 · 8 min

A day late, a dollar short--you know the deal.

Episode 48. The Death of Analog TV (Commentary)
2015-06-11 · 23 min

Little did I know... NOTE: If you don't like my dry, rambling (and stutter-heavy) commentaries, you might wanna skip this one.

Episode 49. Ben's Junk: Super 8 Sound Projector (Sears Sound II - Model 9258)
2015-06-18 · 10 min

Nothing but the cutting edge in home video technology in Archive-land!

Episode 50. Archive Riffs: Self-Conscious Guy
2015-06-25 · 12 min

I'm so vain, I KNOW I think this short is about me...

Episode 51. Oddity Archive: Episode 78.4 - VHS Vault Vol. 6 (How's Your Sex Life?) (COMMENTARY)
2015-07-02 · 24 min

I really wanted to be hypnotized! Seriously!

Episode 52. (Unofficial) Ben's Junk: Philips CD-I (model 220)
2015-07-09 · 7 min

The original "demo" segment in the CD-I episode ran long. REALLY LONG! This is the complete, intended segment shamelessly re-purposed as a "Ben's Junk" episode.

Episode 53. Ben's Junk: 8-Track (and related) Oddities
2015-08-06 · 7 min

Just going through some (relatively) recent additions to the Archive's 8-track (and associated) pile.

Episode 54. Ben's Junk: Sony DT-30 (External VCR Timer)
2015-09-03 · 6 min

DVR? Two-week advance recording? Wusses.

Episode 55. Ben Tries Bonomo's Turkish Taffy
2015-09-17 · 6 min

Made as a thank you to the viewer who sent this. A thank you for not sending us any Magic Clown ephemera, that is.

Episode 56. Ben's Junk: Rejuvenique Revisited (plus Contest!)
2015-10-01 · 14 min

Looking back on the mental and physical scars sustained while making the Rejuvenique episode--and the mask too.

Episode 57. Halloween Special 2014 (Archive Wares: Rejuvenique) (Commentary)
2015-10-15 · 26 min

Recounting one of the Archive's more memorable production experiences.

Episode 58. An Overly Nostalgic Halloween (or, For The Want of a Pail)
2015-10-29 · 11 min

I hate it when my ideas for holiday specials fall through...

Episode 59. For The Want of a Pail (Conclusion)
2015-10-31 · 1 min

No synopsis

Episode 60. Ben's Junk: Fisher-Price PXL 2000 Camcorder
2015-11-12 · 12 min

Discussing what was arguably the most difficult restoration project I’ve (successfully) undertaken. Special thanks once again to Stephen Greer for his generous donation.

Episode 61. Ben Tries (Thanksgiving Edition) (or, Ben tries Australian Stuff)
2015-11-26 · 11 min

'Cause, you know, Thanksgiving, food...it all makes sense.

Episode 62. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
2015-12-10 · 12 min

What's with the box? Who's that creepy guy in the intro? Is Chuck Swirsky really a freakin' nerd? Those questions (and more) will be answered in this video.

Episode 63. Archive Riffs: A Christmas Dream
2015-12-24 · 13 min

The Archive dusts off a minor (albeit severely butchered) art-house classic. Merry Christmas!

Episode 64. Ben's CED Collection (Deleted Segment from CED Episode)
2016-01-14 · 4 min

Filmed for inclusion on the CED episode (Episode 92), but left off for time.

Episode 65. Ben's Junk: Guitars! Guitars!! Guitars!!!
2016-01-28 · 25 min

Ben geeks out about guitars for 25 minutes. Watch at your own peril.

Episode 66. Ben's Junk: Ben's Philips CD-I Collection
2016-02-11 · 14 min

Let’s just say it all just kind of fell into my lap.

Episode 67. Ben's Junk: Philips CD-I Peacekeeper Revolver
2016-03-10 · 9 min

As promised, here's the second installment on the CD-I collection. Was it worth the wait?

Episode 68. Ben's Junk: Ben's (Incomplete) Comedy LP Collection
2016-03-24 · 17 min

The one time where it's ok to giggle at Ben's Junk.

Episode 69. Ben's Junk: Fisher-Price Movie Viewer
2016-04-07 · 6 min

It takes a steady hand to run one of these. Unfortunately, that's something I sorely lack.

Episode 70. Ben's Junk: Commodore 64 (& Peripherals)
2016-05-05 · 11 min

A wise man once said: “Save the big (stuff) for Ben’s Junk—it needs all the help it can get.”

Episode 71. Ben's Junk: Sony TT-100 Tuner/Timer (for U-Matic)
2016-05-19 · 16 min

Sometimes it takes a while for Ben's Junk to get in motion.

Episode 72. Commodore 64 (Commentary)
2016-06-02 · 32 min

Admittedly, a very stream-of-consciousness commentary here, but a(n apparently) necessary one.

Episode 73. Ben's Junk: VCR Co-Pilot
2016-06-09 · 10 min

I already discussed this one back on the VCR Ephemera episode, but didn't have one, so I couldn't test it. Let's rectify that situation.

Episode 74. Archive Riffs: Fox Hour Promotional Reel
2016-06-16 · 10 min

Taking a look at a (rather cryptic) promo reel for a series of silent, educational two-reelers.

Episode 75. Record Ripoffs (Commentary)
2016-06-23 · 23 min

A look at the first installment (and, to a lesser degree, the subsequent installments) of the recurring Record Ripoffs series. This is a commentary I’ve been wanting to do for awhile.

Episode 76. Ben's Junk: Magnavox Odyssey 2 (Video Game Console)
2016-06-30 · 11 min

A look at one of the many competitors to the Atari 2600.

Episode 77. Ben's Junk: Colecovision Video Game Console
2016-07-14 · 8 min

Discussing another bit of donated junk--'cause, you know, everybody apparently wants a hand in Ben's Junk.

Episode 78. Ben's Junk: (Some Of) Ben's Vinyl Collection
2016-08-11 · 42 min

Lately, I've been getting asked quite a bit about my music collection. All I can say is, be careful what you wish for.

Episode 79. "The Voice" Module (for Magnavox Odyssey 2)
2016-08-25 · 14 min

Oh-oh, won’t you tell me again…and again…and again…

Episode 80. Flexplay Disposable DVD Update
2016-09-08 · 6 min

Taking another stab at the now-infamous "zombie" disc.

Episode 81. Ben's Junk: Fisher-Price Star Station Sing-Along Machine
2016-09-22 · 12 min

Fairly recent for an Archivism—let’s take a look at how the current generation of middle and high-schoolers grew up to be such narcissists.

Episode 82. Fisher-Price PXL-2000 Camcorder (Commentary)
2016-10-20 · 20 min

Yeah, there were some ghosts in the camera—or were they gremlins?

Episode 83. Ben's Junk: bob (Another Nanny Box)
2016-11-03 · 15 min

ACTUAL (paid) TESTIMONIAL: Parenthood turned out to be a real bitch and we were totally unprepared. Thanks bob!

Episode 84. Ben's Junk: DVD Recorder (Panasonic DMR-E55)
2016-11-17 · 11 min

Another weapon in the Archive’s—well, archiving arsenal.

Episode 85. Ben's Junk: Gemmy Douglas Fir Talking Christmas Tree
2016-12-15 · 13 min

Well, I already discussed Big Mouth Billy Bass. Might as well finish the 90’s/Gemmy/Talking Novelty Item concept.

Episode 86. Ben's Junk: Ben's Comic Book Collection
2017-01-12 · 22 min

Superheroes? What are those?

Episode 87. Ben's Junk: Learn To Solder Kit
2017-02-23 · 16 min

A soldering kit for kids? Yeah, that about fits my skillset.

Episode 88. Ben’s Junk: MD Walkman (Minidisc Addendum)
2017-03-09 · 9 min

Like clockwork, I get my hands on a MD Walkman with a mic input just after I finish making the Minidisc episode. I swear it's a conspiracy.

Episode 89. Ben's Junk: RCA Selectavision CED Player (SGT 250)
2017-03-23 · 13 min

I was downright embarrassed by my old CED Player (see the CED episode). Obviously, an upgrade was in order.

Episode 90. Ben's Junk: Ben's Audiophile Albums
2017-04-06 · 14 min

For all the overpriced hunks of plastic in my possession, it’s kind of a wonder that this segment of my record collection is so small.

Episode 91. Ben's Junk: Vtech Socrates Educational Video System
2017-05-04 · 18 min

(conversation overheard at VTech, 1988) Boss: What’s a name that sounds good and smart for our quasi-educational video game console? Engineer: Um, Socrates! Boss: Is he smart? Engineer: Yeah. Boss: Perfect! What’s for lunch?

Episode 92. Ben's Junk: Videocipher II Plus/Manhattan Cable TV Box
2017-05-18 · 15 min

A couple of obsolete, useless (to me) bits of Pay-TV history—so, of course, I bought them.

Episode 93. Ben's Junk: go reader (Audiobook Device)
2017-06-08 · 8 min

Ben helps save the environment—with bad audiobooks on a cheap, low-capacity, unalterable mp3 player!

Episode 94. Archive Riffs: Dear Miss Gloria
2017-06-15 · 13 min

I’m ready for my mail, Mr. DeMille.

Episode 95. DBX Noise Reduction System (Commentary)
2017-06-22 · 17 min

Effectively tackling the three “(100% showtune-free) Musical March” episodes all at once. Who’da thunk old audio gear could be so controversial?

Episode 96. Ben's Junk: Las Vegas Vacation (1997)
2017-06-29 · 20 min

A decidedly different installment in the Ben’s Junk series. This time, I take a(n admittedly lengthy) stroll down memory lane about a family vacation from 20 years earlier.

Episode 97. Ben's 10 Favorite Albums (Part 1)
2017-07-13 · 12 min

Alternate Title: God, Ben! Don’t you listen to anything from this century?!?!

Episode 98. Ben's 10 Favorite Albums (Part 2)
2017-07-27 · 12 min

Remember kids, these are MY favorite albums, not yours. If there’s any overlap, consider it a happy accident.

Episode 99. Ben's Junk: MFSL Geo-Tape (Azimuth Alignment Cassette)
2017-08-10 · 6 min

A slightly askew edition of Ben’s Junk. Let’s rectify that situation.

Episode 100. Ben's Junk: DBX Cassettes (DBX Addendum)
2017-08-24 · 7 min

When researching the DBX episode, as best as I could gather, there were no (legit) pre-recorded DBX-encoded audiocassettes. Turns out there was a line of Classical tapes.

Episode 101. Ben's Junk: MFSL Geo-Disc (Turntable Cartridge Alignment Tool)
2017-09-07 · 8 min

…and the great Archive A/V tune-up continues.

Episode 102. Ben’s Junk: (New) Speed Calibration Cassette
2017-09-21 · 8 min

The Archive kicks it up a notch—or at least about one-fifth of one.

Episode 103. Ben's Junk: CVS One-Time-Use Video Camcorder
2017-10-05 · 10 min

Remember the single-use 35mm camera? How ‘bout a single-use camcorder?

Episode 104. Conelrad (Halloween Special 2016) (Commentary)
2017-10-19 · 22 min

The Archive gets nostalgic for nukes…

Episode 105. Ben’s Junk: The World of Yesterday (Classic Hollywood Fanzines)
2017-11-02 · 19 min

Ben gets nostalgic for nostalgia—he’s meta like that.

Episode 106. Ben's Junk: Realistic Phono Pre-Amp (Model 42-2109)
2017-11-16 · 6 min

Taking a look at an external preamp for the turntable—largely only because the cool kids are into it.

Episode 107. Ben's Junk: Vidicraft Vidimate Video Enhancer (Model VDM300S)
2017-11-30 · 9 min

An especially dull (or sharp) edition of Ben’s Junk—it’s capable of both.

Episode 108. Ben's Junk: Star Shower Laser Light
2017-12-14 · 9 min

Ben gets ambitious with his Christmas lights—in that, he’s putting any up at all.

Episode 109. Ben's Junk: Sankyo Dualux Dual8 Projector (Model 2000H)
2017-12-27 · 13 min

…or, Telecine redux.

Episode 110. Ben's Junk: Allsop 3 Orbitrac Record Cleaning System
2018-01-11 · 8 min

It’s no secret that the LP’s discussed on Archive were usually (presumably) buried in someone’s backyard. Naturally, we’re open to any new method of cleaning them up.

Episode 111. Ben's Junk: JVC KD-A6 Cassette Deck
2018-01-25 · 12 min

Ben’s second new (to him) cassette deck in a year. What makes this one so special?

Episode 112. Ben's Junk: Discwasher Compact Disc Cleaner
2018-02-08 · 8 min

Taking a look at (possibly) the first-ever CD cleaner/repair thing to ever hit the market. Is it a lost classic?

Episode 113. Ben's Junk: Royal Disc Repair System
2018-02-22 · 6 min

The second installment on CD cleaning/repair devices. Is it Royally good or Royal garbage?

Episode 114. Ben's Junk: The Archive HQ Bookshelf
2018-03-08 · 25 min

What’s that thing with the face in the background? This, and many (well, a few) other questions will be answered at long last!

Episode 115. Ben’s Junk: MP32C64 Adapter (Commodore Datasette Substitute)
2018-03-22 · 7 min

Let’s commit a bit of Luddite blasphemy, shall we?

Episode 116. Archive Thrifting #1: Impromptu Investigations
2018-04-05 · 15 min

Testing out a new, potential subseries—and hitting every conceivable pothole along the way.

Episode 117. Archive Thrifting #2: Arc of a (Dumpster) Diver
2018-04-19 · 13 min

…figured I’d better shoot at least one episode in Beautiful Downtown Aurora before leaving.

Episode 118. Ben's Junk: K-Tel Record Selector
2018-05-03 · 12 min

At last! Ben reviews a K-Tel product!

Episode 119. Ben's Junk: Teac V-770 Cassette Deck
2018-05-17 · 12 min

The MCS deck kinda got fried. Time for another fixer-upper!

Episode 120. Discovision Dead Sides
2018-05-31 · 15 min

Let’s unearth some (unintentional) pre-DVD Easter Eggs…

Episode 121. Ben's Junk: ABC Talking Monday Night Football (Board Game)
2018-06-21 · 11 min

An early, talking board game—whose (nearly) every move is dictated by a tiny record.

Episode 122. Archive Riffs: Selling Your Home?
2018-06-28 · 9 min

Rather serendipitously, just in time to move, we’ve unearthed a promo video for an item that we’ve used on Archive many times—namely, the Talking House Transmitter. Talk about timing!

Episode 123. Archive Thrifting #3: Beautiful Downtown Aurora's Last Stand
2018-07-05 · 24 min

…because I totally needed a bunch more junk to try and pack up.

Episode 124. Ben's Junk: Rocketfish Wireless Rear Speaker Kit
2018-08-02 · 7 min

There were a precious few hallmarks of the old Archive HQ that I did NOT want to carry over. Speaker wire running all over the room was one of them.

Episode 125. Ben's Junk: Audio Technica AT-LP120 Turntable (Early Thoughts)
2018-08-16 · 19 min

Already went over to a direct-drive cassette deck, might as well do the same with vinyl…

Episode 126. Ben's Junk: Ben's Makeshift Bedroom Stereo System
2018-08-30 · 12 min

Looking into the most intimate areas of Ben’s…half-baked stereo system.

Episode 127. Ben's Junk: Ramsey FM Transmitter (Further Experiments)
2018-09-13 · 11 min

Sergei’s Catacomb of Classics in stereo, anyone?

Episode 128. Ask The Archive Live (9/14/2018)
2018-09-17 · 30 min

The Archive’s first livestream since 2014…and just as lo-fi as ever.

Episode 129. Archive Thrifting #4: Elvis Sightings
2018-09-26 · 29 min

Archive Thrifting®: Now in ESTEREO!!!

Episode 130. Archive Thrifting #5: Low Money Hu$tla
2018-10-11 · 25 min

A mere 3½ months in the making!

Episode 131. Sounds of Terror! (Halloween Album Review)
2018-10-25 · 14 min

The return of the Halloween album reviews! Now in screaming, spooktacular stereo!

Episode 132. Ben's Junk: Pac-Man Fever (Pac-Man Mini Arcades)
2018-11-08 · 12 min

I’ve got search-for-a-reissue-of-the-original-Pac-Man-arcade-game fever…it’s driving me crazy.

Episode 133. Archive Riffs: Thanksgiving Commercials
2018-11-22 · 7 min

A (non-filling) seven-course meal of Turkey Day commercialism!

Episode 134. NES Classic Edition (The Last Word?)
2018-12-06 · 12 min

So, what is the Oddity Archive guy doing with a reissue console?

Episode 135. Christmas LaserKaraoke (Deleted Segment)
2018-12-24 · 5 min

A little stocking stuffer of yuletide caterwauling—er, caroling!

Episode 136. Ben's Junk: Nagaoka MP-110H Phono Cartridge
2019-01-03 · 14 min

New year, more audio kit. It’s tradition, ya know?

Episode 137. Ben's Junk: Sega Pico ("Edutainment" Console)
2019-01-10 · 16 min

Time to learn…that edutainment consoles rarely end well.

Episode 138. Ben's Junk: SNES Classic Edition (Belated) First Impressions)
2019-01-24 · 12 min

Wait, didn’t we already cover this? Talk about déjà vu…

Episode 139. Ben’s Junk: Tyco VideoCam (Another Kiddie Camcorder)
2019-01-31 · 18 min

Ben’s recovering from a virus (and middle-ear dysfunction). Sounds like a good time to do a (kiddie) camcorder review.

Episode 140. Archive Riffs: Valentine’s Day Commercials (A Semi-Romantic Tale)
2019-02-14 · 6 min

We’re just a bunch of old softies…with a taste for bent story arcs.

Episode 141. Archive Thrifting #6: Frostbite Falls
2019-02-28 · 21 min

Will our scrappy hero escape the clutches of the snow monster? Find out in our next installment: “Frosty The Slowman, or, Snow Thanks to You”!

Episode 142. Ben's Junk: Ronco Mr. Microphone
2019-03-14 · 12 min

Tagline: Ben: Hey, good lookin’! How ‘bout I pick you up later? Attractive Lady: (smacks Ben so hard his fillings are rearranged) Ben: But it worked for the guy in the commercial…

Episode 143. Ben’s Junk: GAF 3100S Super 8 Film Projector
2019-03-28 · 15 min

Another fixer-upper? In Archiveland? Never!!!

Episode 144. Ben's Junk: The Big Reel (Film Collector’s Magazine)
2019-04-11 · 18 min

While researching the recent VHS Distributors episode, I kept running into references to a publication known as the “Big Reel”. Turns out, it’s most (in)famous of the old film collector publications—and it’s easy to see why.

Episode 145. Discovision/Laserdisc Quirks (An Informal Discussion)
2019-04-25 · 24 min

In a way, Laserdiscs never really outgrew their experimental phase. Here’s an informal, overview of SOME of the more idiosyncratic Laserdiscs out there (and/or their packaging).

Episode 146. Discovision Dead Sides Vol. 2
2019-05-09 · 13 min

DVD Easter Eggs? Nah, way too easy.

Episode 147. Ben’s Junk: VGA Converters/Public Domain CD-ROMs
2019-05-23 · 15 min

A double dose of turn-of-the-millennium PC goodness!

Episode 148. Ben’s Junk: Innovative Technologies ITNS-500 Slide “Scanner”
2019-06-13 · 14 min

After a long delay…well, I’ve got some good news and some bad news.

Episode 149. Archive Riffs: Clutch Cargo (Big “X”, Pts. 4 & 5)
2019-06-20 · 11 min

The Archive finally gets to “see the X”! Spoiler: It’s a rock.

Episode 150. Mystery 8mm Films/The Ballad of Ben & 8mm (Commentary)
2019-06-27 · 24 min

Let’s see if we can’t clear up some misconceptions about this episode…

Episode 151. Archive Thrifting #7: Wii, Wii, All The Way Home
2019-07-04 · 20 min

I was going a little stir crazy at the end of last season. So, naturally, I decided to add a little to my at-home clutter.

Episode 152. Record Ripoffs Commercial Parodies (Vols. 1–9)
2019-07-18 · 20 min

New from K-Smell Records, it’s all those irritating moments that lead off each Record Ripoffs episode in one convenient package! ORDER NOW!!!

Episode 153. Ben's Junk: Video Action Magazine (Issue #1: December, 1980)
2019-08-01 · 15 min

Readin’ and dreamin’ ‘bout those Archivisms that’ll probably never happen.

Episode 154. Bennytronics Guitar Noise Experiment (Analog, Circa 1980-style) (COMPLETE SEGMENT)
2019-08-09 · 8 min

All seven minutes of the Archive’s low-grade, wannabe Frippertronics experiment! Earplugs are highly recommended.

Episode 155. Ben's Junk: Ben's Laserdisc Collection (2019 Edition)
2019-08-15 · 49 min

Uh, oh. Ben’s geeking out again. Get comfy.

Episode 156. Fostex X-14/Ben's Music "Career": The Gear
2019-08-29 · 25 min

…or, how Ben unwittingly jumped on the “lo-fi” bandwagon.

Episode 157. Ben's Junk: Whippany Rhythm Master (Circa 1972 Drum Machine)
2019-09-12 · 19 min

Who says Ben’s got no rhythm? He’s got 10 of them!

Episode 158. Ben's Junk: Burns Theremin
2019-09-26 · 17 min

…or, The Space-Age Sounds of the Oddity Archive! (now available on vinyl and 3¾ips reel)

Episode 159. Archive Thrifting #8: Break IT You Pay For IT
2019-10-10 · 25 min

Featuring our very Special Guest: Zippy The Chimp!

Episode 160. Haunted House (Halloween SFX Album Review)
2019-10-24 · 11 min

Can your heart (or better yet, head) stand a trip through this haunted house? No, seriously, this is our most headache-inducing one yet.

Episode 161. Telesound 13 (Moog/Realistic Concertmate MG-1)
2019-11-06 · 4 min

The first new piece of music I've written and released since 2012. As a challenge to myself, I tasked myself with creating a song using nothing but my old Moog/Realistic Concertmate MG-1 synthesizer--which is a REAL challenge given that…

Episode 162. Ben's Junk: Realistic Concertmate (Moog) MG-1 Synthesizer
2019-11-07 · 24 min

Whatdaya mean you forgot you had a Moog? Also, synth snobs need not apply.

Episode 163. Ben's Junk: Sony DCR-TRV320 Digital8 Handycam (Video8 Addendum)
2019-11-21 · 15 min

Since we were already talkin’ Video8, it only seemed right to cover the Archive’s first camcorder…not to mention, a piece of gear still (as of this episode, at least) in regular use around Archive HQ.

Episode 164. Ben's Junk: Archer Video Processor/Stabilizer (Model 15-1272A)
2019-12-05 · 13 min

Guaranteed to keep this (internet) video from rolling!

Episode 165. Algorithmic Audio Mastering (CloudBounce Review)
2019-12-09 · 7 min

Can online audio mastering render audio mastering engineers obsolete? The short answer: No. Having said that, it’s not as bad as you’d think.

Episode 166. Archive Thrifting #9: Christmas Confidential
2019-12-12 · 26 min

Just your standard, good, old-fashioned, combustible, unnerving, overpriced Country Christmas…

Episode 167. Archive Riffs: Boxing Day Commercials (er, Adverts)
2019-12-26 · 7 min

Celebrating the true meaning of Boxing Day… a whole lotta furniture and carpet sales.

Episode 168. MovieCD
2020-01-09 · 12 min

A would-be full-fledged video format episode…which got curtailed by (amazingly enough) a lack of computer stuff at Archive HQ.

Episode 169. Ben's Junk: Cult VHS (& A Few DVD's) (2020 Edition)
2020-01-23 · 29 min

An informal stroll few some cherry-picked titles from Ben’s (somewhat unintentional) collection of B-Movies and Cult Classics.

Episode 170. Ben's Junk: Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD Audio Interface
2020-02-06 · 18 min

…or, what happens when ol’ Benny-boy decides he needs more than 2 microphone inputs.

Episode 171. Ben's Junk: Behringer neutron (analog, Monophonic) Synthesizer
2020-02-20 · 24 min

Yes, I bought another synth. Yes, I swatted myself on the nose with a rolled-up newspaper over my lack of self-control.

Episode 172. F.D.G. (Oddity Archive Sign-Off Muzak)
2020-03-02 · 3 min

Now you can enjoy a classic OA sign-off without all that pesky talking and technical junk! F.D.G. = Fully Digital Gunk? Faulty Daily Gherkins? Make up your own acronym.

Episode 173. Ben's Junk: Industrial Laserdiscs/ Anderic (Reproduction) Service Remote
2020-03-05 · 17 min

Lookin’ under the hood of Ben’s laserdisc player (quite appropriately) with some General Motors discs.

Episode 174. Ben's Music "Career", Vol. 4.5: Greetings From Elderbush Gulch Multitracks (An Addendum)
2020-03-19 · 32 min

Benny-boy’s (non-accredited) Audio School is now in session!

Episode 175. Enhanced CD's (& other multimedia CD's) (an informal chat)
2020-04-02 · 22 min

Please note that this episode may not run correctly unless your monitor is running at a minimum of 256 colors and your system has at least 12MB of available RAM.

Episode 176. Ben's Junk: The OA (semi-)Supercomputer/OA Recording Studio Redux
2020-04-16 · 18 min

Well, my last attempt at a semi-regular home audio recording rig failed…and my regular laptop is on its last legs. Here’s my attempt at solving both issues at once.

Episode 177. Ben's Junk: Sony SLO-325 Industrial Betamax
2020-04-30 · 19 min

Time to take a bet(t)a look at the Archive’s first Betamax—from before the Archive even existed (in every sense).

Episode 178. Ben's Junk: 1953 & 1956 Hoffman Television Catalogs
2020-05-14 · 26 min

A genuine televisual feast.

Episode 179. Ben's Junk: Tiger Quiz Wiz
2020-05-28 · 13 min

Question #196.5: What is the Quiz Wiz lacking? Multiple Choice: A. An objective B. A reward C. Entertainment value D. All of the above

Episode 180. Ben Minnotte - Switched-On Pavanned (Moog Instrumental)
2020-06-03 · 1 min

In honor of the "Switched-On Archive" episode, I figured I'd make two pieces of music, one to represent both extremes of the trend of late '60's/early '70's Moog Synthesizer albums--the good and the "bad". This rendition of the Archive's…

Episode 181. Ben Minnotte - The Happy Moog (Gets Stuck In Rush Hour) ("Moog" Instrumental)
2020-06-05 · 2 min

My half-salute to/half-parody of those especially tacky late '60's/early '70's Moog Synthesizer albums. The cheese factor goes to 11 here. This was created...without a Moog. Instead, I used a Behringer Neutron monophonic synth (more…

Episode 182. Ben's Junk: First Alert FTR-960R Time-Lapse VCR (+ Time-Lapse Tape)
2020-06-18 · 13 min

The Archive gets secure...or just paranoid.

Episode 183. Archive Riffs: Moving Up To Amateur Radio
2020-06-25 · 15 min

OA calling CQ, hopefully DX, lookin’ for the QT on the DL while TCB.

Episode 184. Archive Thrifting #10: Before We Were SO Rudely Interrupted
2020-07-02 · 19 min

Archive Thrifting is a magical tool of last resort…Why? Because it NEVER fails!

Episode 185. Ben's Junk: Sony U-Matic & Industrial Betamax Wired Remotes
2020-07-09 · 21 min

…or, Ben’s weirdest pet-project to date! (kerchunk)

Episode 186. The Battle At Elderbush Gulch (2020 Redux)
2020-07-20 · 4 min

Initially intended as a full-band "electric" tune, but recorded as a folk piece back in 2004. Sixteen years later, I'm finally getting around to an electric version--albeit with some slightly cinematic modifications.

Episode 187. Archive Thrifting #11: This Can Not Be The Right Price Deal
2020-07-23 · 27 min

No synopsis

Episode 188. Ben's Junk: Pioneer RH-65 8-Track Deck
2020-08-06 · 18 min

Meet the Archive’s new (to us) 8-track deck…

Episode 189. Ben's Junk: Denon UD-M30 CD Receiver
2020-08-13 · 14 min

A rare, intimate, bedroom edition of Ben’s Junk…

Episode 190. Pavanned (Documentary Style) (Vaporwave?)
2020-08-24 · 1 min

I was informed that the regular version was too upbeat and concise for the Episode 200 OA documentary. This was my best attempt at making it as dreary and hazy as possible.

Episode 191. In Your Hands (Violin & "Mellotron" Thing)
2020-08-24 · 2 min

Representing the dry, yet thoughtful end of Episode 200...

Episode 192. Ep. 200 Rebuttal & Deleted Scenes
2020-08-27 · 15 min

Ok, time for my side of the story...

Episode 193. Nitrogené (Synth Instrumental)
2020-09-10 · 2 min

Somehow I started with what I thought was a pretty cool-sounding canned rhythm (running through a guitar delay pedal) and wound up with a Jean-Michel Jarre pastiche. No idea how I got there.

Episode 194. Ben's Junk: JVC HR-S7600U S-VHS ET VCR (REVISITED)
2020-09-24 · 19 min

Since I had S-VHS and VCR’s on the brain already (moreso than usual), it seemed like the right time to revisit one of the early, ultra-wonky Ben’s Junk topics.

Episode 195. Ben's Junk: Buster Keaton Video Collection
2020-10-08 · 41 min

October 4, 2020 marked the 125th anniversary of comedian/filmmaker Buster Keaton’s birth. Consider this the Archive’s (slightly belated and rambling) tribute to one of the greats…

Episode 196. Archive Thrifting #12: (Not-So) Scary Deals
2020-10-22 · 25 min

It’s the first Archive Thrifting Spooktacular! Strangely enough, it’s probably one of the least scary Thrifting episodes to date.

Episode 197. Ben's Junk: (New) Polaroid 600 Film (& old camera(s))
2020-11-05 · 10 min

You can keep your fancy digital cameras, thank you very much.

Episode 198. Ben's Junk: (Some of) Ben's Audiocassette Collection
2020-11-19 · 36 min

A slow-speed ramble for a slow-speed format.

Episode 199. Ben's Junk: (New) Dubreq Stylophone
2020-12-03 · 16 min

We be stylin’…stylus(in’), that is…y’all.

Episode 200. Archive Thrifting #13: Deck The Hauls
2020-12-17 · 26 min

Fillin’ up the ol’ one-horse open sleigh with…some junk.

Episode 201. Ben's Junk: (some of) Ben's Vinyl Collection Vol. 2
2021-01-28 · 47 min

Time to get back in the groove! (dodges tsunami of rotten produce)

Episode 202. Ben's Junk: Sega Genesis Mini (Miniature Game Console)
2021-02-11 · 17 min

Finishing up the trilogy of belatedly-acquired, nostalgically-motivated miniature video game consoles…

Episode 203. Home Video Recording, 1972-Style (or, Ben's Complete U-Matic Rig)
2021-02-25 · 29 min

Only about seven years in the making… With the occasional small liberty, a recreation of the first, commercially-available home videotape recording setup in North America. Depending on your perspective, it’s either hardcore or half-baked.

Episode 204. Ben's Junk: Toshiba 20AF43 CRT TV
2021-03-11 · 12 min

No one should ever get this excited over something this mundane… Or, this CRT is 20 AF…y’all.

Episode 205. Archive Thrifting #14: (Non-)Luck of the (Non-)Irish
2021-03-18 · 21 min

You’ll be green with envy over these finds…or not.

Episode 206. Phonies (Answering Machine Greetings)
2021-04-01 · 12 min

Just when you thought the Archive couldn’t get any more phake…

Episode 207. Archive Riffs: A Taxing Set of Commercials (Tax Day Special)
2021-04-15 · 8 min

It’s time to get down to business in Archiveland!

Episode 208. Ben's Junk: GPX Digital TV Tuner + Recorder
2021-04-29 · 23 min

Can a (relative) cheapie from Menard’s drag the Archive’s off-air recording capabilities (kicking and screaming) into the 21st century? Sort of…

Episode 209. A Geeky Evening With Benny-Boy
2021-05-13 · 32 min

A late-night, low-light, romantic fishing expedition with everybody’s favorite Oddity Archivist…fishing for ArchiveAnnex material, that is.

Episode 210. Ben's Junk: ClonerAlliance Box Pro (Video Capture Device)
2021-05-27 · 23 min

Could it be I’ve finally stumbled onto the rightful heir of the VCR? Looks like it…

Episode 211. Ben's Junk: JVC HM-DH30000U & Mitsubishi HD-HS2000u D-VHS VCR's
2021-06-10 · 16 min

A double-(4)-header of D-VHS (when possible) goodness!

Episode 212. Episode 200 (Behind The Box) (Commentary)
2021-06-17 · 27 min

If ever an OA episode needed a commentary track, it’s this one…

Episode 213. Archive Thrifting #15: Out Of This World Deals
2021-06-24 · 18 min

Featuring deals so far outta sight, they’re outta mind!

Episode 214. Ben's Junk: Akai GX-220 Reel-To-Reel Audiotape Deck
2021-07-08 · 21 min

Of course, I had to pick up a rare and unusual deck for a tape cleaning rig. Also, not to be confused with the Akai GX-220D.

Episode 215. History of VHS (COMPLETE SERIES)
2021-07-15 · 104 min

You wanted a history lesson? You got a history lesson!

Episode 216. Ben's Casino Travelogue (Deleted Segment From How I Spent My Summer VIII)
2021-07-29 · 7 min

The Archive delivers its first real travelogue…granted, it was all of a half-hour away from home, but still.

Episode 217. Archive Thrifting #16: La Cage Aux Thrifting
2021-08-05 · 22 min

Thrifting can be a real drag…but not when Ben’s around!

Episode 218. VCR Cleaning (A Public Service Video)
2021-08-19 · 31 min

A bit of VHSMR for everyone…

Episode 219. Channel Update (9/2021) (Sony AV-3600 Update, Sencore VA62, etc.)
2021-09-02 · 25 min

There’s plenty in the OA oven right now, just none of it is rising.

Episode 220. VCR Rabbit Revisited
2021-09-09 · 26 min

I got things just a hare wrong the first time around, so let’s hop to another round of tests…

Episode 221. Ben's Junk: Video Store Regulars (& Memories)
2021-09-23 · 27 min

Most people would rent a video once…Benny-boy was just insane enough to rent the same tapes over and over…then eventually buy them.

Episode 222. Ben’s Junk: Wolverine Moviemaker Pro 8mm & Super8 Film Scanner
2021-10-07 · 30 min

A half-hour Ben’s Junk? You might say the machine caused it to run reely long.

Episode 223. Archive Thrifting #17: Spooktacular Savings
2021-10-21 · 25 min

Get a witches shawl on and find a broomstick you can crawl on…and go thrifting with Benny-boy! (snap, snap)

Episode 224. Thereminiature/Pavanned (Version 6.66)
2021-10-31 · 6 min

0:01 - Thereminiature (featuring Sty Lo Phone) (A bit of B-Movie cheese) 1:36 - Pavanned (Version 6.66) (A half parody of/half tribute to the Alan Parsons Project)

Episode 225. Ben's Junk: Sony Digital Mavica (Model MVC-FD73) (Floppy Disk Digital Camera from 1999)
2021-11-04 · 18 min

Finally getting into this newfangled digital camera stuff…whatdaya mean you can’t get 3.5” floppies anymore?!?

Episode 226. Ben's Junk: Coolmusic Ring Modulator (& other FX) ("Max Headroom" Hijacker Voice)
2021-11-18 · 22 min

Does Ben really think he’s better than Chuck Swirsky? That freakin’ liberal…

Episode 227. Ben's Junk: Christmas TV VHS & DVD's
2021-12-02 · 25 min

‘Tis the season…for holiday specials. Here’s some of my favorites…

Episode 228. Archive Thrifting #18: Shortwave Santa
2021-12-16 · 26 min

Run, run Rudolph…towards another pile of junk!

Episode 229. Ben’s Music “Career” (The Complete Saga)
2021-12-30 · 202 min

Move over, “History of the Eagles”. There’s a new rock doc opus in town…

Episode 230. Ben's Junk: Keyfax Update/Pioneer GGF1381 Laserdisc Service Remote/Discovision Dead Sides Vol. 3
2022-01-06 · 21 min

Going down a mental rabbit hole…in the most Archivian way possible.

Episode 231. The Wire (via Sony PCM-701ES, Betamax)
2022-01-12 · 2 min

Not so much chosen for musical content, but because of the long spaces between phrases and major volume drops. Shame it isn't more EQ'd, this'd the ultimate stress test for a PCM unit otherwise.

Episode 232. Ben's Junk: VuPoint Digital Video Converter (or, the circa 2010 YouTube video device)
2022-01-20 · 19 min

Feeling nostalgic for those early YouTube potato video captures? I’ve got just the scratch for that itch…

Episode 233. Ben's Junk: The Clapper
2022-02-03 · 17 min

At long last, Ben’s Junk gets the clap…per.

Episode 234. Laserdisc Laser Rot
2022-02-17 · 24 min

A little mythbusting (and philosophizing)…OA style.

Episode 235. Ben's Junk: Magnus Chord Organ
2022-03-03 · 15 min

After last week’s video, I had to seek a 600-second miracle of my own. It seems to involve turning into a less-charming Daniel Johnston.

Episode 236. Ben's Junk: Blonder-Tongue BTX-111 "Ultraverter" (& ONTV Box Update)
2022-03-17 · 14 min

An addendum to the “Prehistoric UHF” episode…and the “ONTV/Pay TV Vol. 2” episode—about three years too late.

Episode 237. Ben's Junk: Prog & Metal VHS, Beta & Laserdiscs
2022-03-31 · 24 min

For those about to rock (in 11/4 time), we salute you…

Episode 238. Ben's Junk: Newtek Calibar (A Pen-Sized Test Pattern Generator)
2022-04-14 · 15 min

Ben recreates the best TV program of all time—the color bars!

Episode 239. A BENefit for a new computer…or a loose Ask The Archive
2022-04-22 · 100 min

Flying by the seat of Benny's ripped (by wear and tear) jeans using only an iPad and his (half-)wit to try and raise money for a new computer.

Episode 240. Ben's Junk: Hotronic AP41 (Frame Synchronizer & Time Base Corrector)
2022-04-28 · 23 min

It takes a lot to keep Ben’s Junk together…‘cause Ben’s Junk ain’t no good when it’s distorted and out-of-sync.

Episode 241. The “Can I Remember It?” stream (or, a smaller BENefit)
2022-05-07 · 142 min

A little (non-alcoholic) wine, a little song...which'll all cease if the price is right. Otherwise, we'll chat and I may pick a techie brain or two.

Episode 242. CD Frustrations & Easter Eggs
2022-05-12 · 20 min

A casual chat…if only because the prospect of the sixth “Ben’s Junk” in a row was too much to bear.

Episode 243. A Tour of the New OA Computer Rig (OA Computer Tour 2022)
2022-05-19 · 22 min

Please note, these are the statements of an analog-brained lunatic and are probably woefully inaccurate. In other words, never give an analog brain a computer.

Episode 244. Ben's Junk: Sony CVM-51UW and Panasonic WV-BM990 CRT Monitors
2022-06-02 · 24 min

CRT’s are for squares…which we proudly are.

Episode 245. The Eraser Laserdisc Experiment
2022-06-23 · 17 min

Tackling one of the great urban legends of the Laserdisc format. Are there any “good” copies of Eraser? And, no, I’m not referring to the film itself.

Episode 246. Archive Thrifting #19: Radios, Radios
2022-06-30 · 26 min

Got a new phone (not by choice)…which means a new camera…which means…test drive time!

Episode 247. Archive Riffs: Hey, Stop That!
2022-07-07 · 7 min

It’s a(n apparent) fine line between deep expressionism and wonky student film.

Episode 248. Ben's Junk: Midland WR400 NOAA Weather Radio (& other Radio Ramblings)
2022-07-14 · 24 min

Mother Nature: (throws flash floods, tornadoes, derechos and blizzards at Archive HQ) Ben: I get the hint already! Geez…

Episode 249. Ben's Junk: Sony SRF-A100 AM/AM Stereo/FM Portable Radio
2022-07-20 · 10 min

A truly nice little radio (especially on the AM front)…and a nice little prelude to the OA 10th Anniversary episode.

Episode 250. Archive Thrifting #20: Fair(mont) (St.) Clouds over Mankato
2022-07-28 · 17 min

Taken while shooting the AM Stereo episode. If nothing else, it was the least sticker-shock-intensive part of the trip.

Episode 251. Ben Repairs: Radio Shack Executive Stress Eliminator
2022-08-04 · 18 min

Testing out a potential, new occasionally recurring thing in which I undertake minor repairs on some item…and, as always, mock it a bit.

Episode 252. Sony Videocorders Update (CV-2100 & AV-3600) (8/2022)
2022-08-18 · 34 min

…and the single most challenging project I’ve ever taken on…continues to kick my butt. Share in the frustration, won’t you?

Episode 253. Ben's Junk: Tyler Portable TV (model TTV701-7)
2022-09-01 · 46 min

Hope you like fussy, fidgety, unintuitive setups…and 45-minute Ben’s Junks.

Episode 254. Ben's Junk: Sears Whisper-Matic IV (& Victorian-Era Theater Slides)
2022-09-15 · 24 min

Hey Buddy, wanna see some early 20th century movie theater slides? Didn’t think so.

Episode 255. Ben's Junk: Ben's Blackhawk Films Collection (minus the videotapes)
2022-09-22 · 24 min

…or, Ben gets nostalgic for other people’s nostalgia.

Episode 256. Ben's Junk: Sony Trinitron PVM-1343MD (Professional Video Monitor)
2022-10-06 · 25 min

A rather unprofessional look at a truly professional piece of gear. Such is the Archive… And, yes, “Junk” is used in the loosest way possible here.

Episode 257. Archive Thrifting #21: We Already Have Halloween At Home
2022-10-20 · 19 min

Mom, can we buy some Halloween? (see title for answer)

Episode 258. Benny M.'s TV Party (Commentary)
2022-10-24 · 22 min

I think I have some ‘splainin’ to do regarding this one. NOTE: I recorded this back in early June (2022) as a fail-safe in case the thrifting episode I was trying to make fell through. Some of the points discussed here are now outdated.

Episode 259. Halloween Special 2022 Blooper Reel
2022-11-03 · 4 min

…or, as some might call it, “Ben’s Final Descent Into Madness”.

Episode 260. Ben's Junk: Telemeter Pay TV Box (Circa 1960)
2022-11-17 · 21 min

It’s (apparently) a fine line between your TV and a taxi meter…

Episode 261. Ben's Junk: Favorite (and/or Notable) Christmas Albums
2022-12-01 · 42 min

Even old scrooge Benny-boy has those Christmas tunes that get his foot (arrhythmically) a-tappin’.

Episode 262. Archive Thrifting #22: Christmas In Elbonia
2022-12-15 · 22 min

The merriest* thrifting video of the year! *FACT CHECK: Mostly false.

Episode 263. Archive Thrifting #23: Holiday Hangover
2022-12-29 · 21 min

Old year, old junk. Poetic, ain’t it?

Episode 264. Magna-Guard (or, Copy-Protection, Vol. 3)
2023-01-05 · 26 min

And the quest for that form of copy protection that’ll make my VCR burst into flames continues…

Episode 265. Ben's Junk: RCA BW003 (1978 Home Video Camera)
2023-01-19 · 26 min

Please inspect Ben’s Junk for damage before use…and let it warm up for awhile…and don’t point it at anything bright for more than a second or two. You know what, forget it.

Episode 266. Ben's Junk: Forbidden KLAK (via the Archer Multiple Video Distribution System)
2023-02-02 · 15 min

You wanted more Oddity Archive…After Dark? Here ya go. Just don’t expect anything too hot.

Episode 267. Ben's Junk: Realistic (Radio Shack) FM Wireless Lavalier Microphone System (Circa 1988)
2023-02-23 · 20 min

For those looking to up their YouTube microphone game…had such a thing existed in 1988.

Episode 268. Ben's Junk: (Some of) Ben's TV-on-DVD Collection
2023-03-09 · 30 min

For how much TV I watched when I was younger, it’s a wonder my brains didn’t completely leak out of my ears. See the beginning of the de-evolution of Benny-boy here…

Episode 269. Ben's Junk: Hitachi Visionbook Pro 7560 Laptop (or, My 1st, failed attempt at a Windows 98 Rig)
2023-03-23 · 21 min

…because I MUST get my Diamond Rio loaded (ideally, with Diamond Rio songs)!

Episode 270. Ben's Junk: Ben's Mad Magazine Stash
2023-04-06 · 27 min

What—Me Ramble?

Episode 271. Noelle's Mystery Tapes (& Channel Update - 4/2023)
2023-04-20 · 24 min

Some like roses on a date, some like candy. Benny-boy likes uncatalogued analog magnetic media.

Episode 272. Ben's Junk: 80's Music Videos (on Laserdisc)
2023-05-04 · 29 min

Oddity Archive and MTV have a momentary cease-fire to appreciate some 80’s tuneage.

Episode 273. Ben's Ugly A/V Rack
2023-05-18 · 11 min

Hey! Nice rack, Benny-boy! (snicker)

Episode 274. Betacam SP (1st Test...From A Newbie's Perspective)
2023-05-22 · 13 min

A ferric-oxide (or metal, depending on the tape) baptism…by fire.

Episode 275. Christmas Morning on a June Evening (or, Mail Day From Tyrone)
2023-06-22 · 20 min

Hope you have your June tree up (ideally, something deciduous), 'cause we're about to celebrate Christmas in June.

Episode 276. Archive Thrifting #24: The Delicate Sound of Thrifting
2023-07-06 · 25 min

Some things don’t come easy…like the first thrifting video of 2023 (more than halfway into the year, no less).

Episode 277. Ben's Junk: X-10 Videosender (another VCR Rabbit-esque device)
2023-07-13 · 19 min

Coming right at the end of the usefulness for something like this. Let’s see if it’s too little, too late…or right on time.

Episode 278. Revenge of the Sony AV-3600 Videocorder (1st Test)
2023-07-20 · 12 min

Some people’s sinuses come back from Arizona…my AV-3600 came back from Arizona—arguably the same headache.

Episode 279. Archive Thrifting #25: 3M (Moderate Minnesota Madness)
2023-08-10 · 30 min

Celebrating the 25th OA Thrifting video by doing one in Minnesohta, doan ‘cha know?

Episode 280. Fix It or Forget It? (NEC S-VHS Deck)
2023-08-10 · 19 min

It’s everybody’s favorite new (not quite) nerdy game show…Fix It or Forget It!!!

Episode 281. Ben's Junk: 1966 (partial) Zenith Phonevision Pay TV Box
2023-08-24 · 16 min

The Archive phones it in…phoneVISION, that is.

Episode 282. Ben's Junk: SelecTV Pay TV Box
2023-09-07 · 15 min

Oddity Archive®: Only for the most SelecTiVe viewers!

Episode 283. Ben's Junk: ClonerAlliance ViewLite AV (Video Capture Device)
2023-09-21 · 37 min

A little device with a lot of potential…but does it live up to it?

Episode 284. Ben's Junk: Sears Du-All Eight (8mm Viewer/Editor)
2023-10-05 · 19 min

Well, it does du all, I’ll give it that…

Episode 285. Archive Thrifting #26: Indian Summer
2023-10-12 · 25 min

Dragging out the Summer a little longer…whether you like it or not.

Episode 286. Ben's Junk: Sharp VL-E47 "Viewcam" (Video8 Camcorder, circa 1995)
2023-11-30 · 21 min

Oddity Archive®: Now in glorious Hi-Fi Mono!

Episode 287. Archive Thrifting #28: Scandalous Santa
2023-12-14 · 24 min

Just hear those cash tills jing-a-ling’—ring-ting-tinga-ling…

Episode 288. Archive Thrifting #29 (Christmas Leftovers)
2023-12-28 · 18 min

From that part of the Archive that’s a bit like that old take-out in the back of your fridge…that you forgot about.

Episode 289. Ben's Junk: Ben's Rifftrax DVD & Blu-Ray Collection
2024-01-04 · 26 min

Looking at the Rifftrax collection…with only minimal snark…which may very well go against the laws of riff comedy.

Episode 290. Ben's Junk: Denon RCD-N10 CD Receiver
2024-01-18 · 37 min

…because Benny-boy apparently goes through mini stereos like (insert absurdly famous pop star) goes through boyfriends.

Episode 291. Ben's Junk: Magnavox H2160MW9 (or, Exploring Someone's Old Personal DVR)
2024-01-25 · 24 min

The tech geek equivalent of rummaging through someone’s medicine cabinet…

Episode 292. Ben's Junk: Wometco Home Theatre (WHT) Pay TV Decoder Box
2024-02-15 · 22 min

Archiveco Home Theatre®: Now serving Lawn Guyland & New Joisey!

Episode 293. Ben’s Junk: ClearClick Video2USB/ A Tour of Ben’s Livestream Setup
2024-02-22 · 27 min

Some livestreamers run PC games…Benny-boy likes to run Betamax tapes.

Episode 294. How To Unstretch Video (via HandBrake)
2024-02-29 · 7 min

For us old fartknockers that haven’t yet warmed up to stretch-o-vision…

Episode 295. Ben's Junk: Laser Video File Laserdisc Catalog (Mid-1992)
2024-03-14 · 35 min

Thumbing through the catalog of the hottest new video format (by OA standards).

Episode 296. Ben's Junk: Some More of Ben's Audiocassette Collection (Mystery Box!)
2024-03-21 · 24 min

Come on down to Crazy Benny’s for…a bunch of audiocassettes that you probably don’t care about.

Episode 297. Magnavox H2160MW9 Personal DVR/DVD Recorder UPDATE (A Failure)
2024-03-28 · 9 min

Trying to bulk dump the contents of the DVR. Here’s how NOT* to do it… *No Hard Drives were harmed in the making of this episode. It was reinstalled and all material is still 100% intact.

Episode 298. Ben's Junk: Videolok (VCR Anti-Theft Device)
2024-04-11 · 21 min

Inconvenience and mildly annoy those evil VCR thieves with the Videolok!

Episode 299. Ben's Junk: Rhoades Teledapter (TV Stereo Simulator)
2024-04-18 · 15 min

Don’t wanna wait for Stereo TV’s to be invented? Here ya go!

Episode 300. Windows 98 Laptop Update (4/2024)
2024-04-25 · 12 min

The saga continues. On and on…and on…and on…

Season 1
Season 1
26 episodes · 2012
Episode 1. The Max Headroom Incident of 1987
2012-07-05 · 12 min

On 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.

Episode 2. Emergency Broadcast Salute
2012-07-19 · 17 min

An informal (not to mention, loose) history of Civil Defense Broadcasting in the U.S.

Episode 3. TV Sign-offs
2012-08-02 · 15 min

Remember when TV stations used to go off the air late at night? Anyone?

Episode 4. Local TV Special
2012-08-16 · 21 min

Interested 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…

Episode 5. American EXXXtacy (and other C-band nastiness)
2012-08-30 · 16 min

The Archive's most infamous episode--for some reason.

Episode 6. Conservative Folk Music
2012-09-13 · 16 min

Meet the artists that made the likes of Joan Baez and Pete Seeger fear for their careers.

Episode 7. Format Wars
2012-09-27 · 21 min

VHS or Beta? Laserdisc or CED? What the hell is a CED anyway? These burning questions (amongst others) answered in this episode!

Episode 8. 1-900-ARCHIVE
2012-10-11 · 21 min

Join Ben as he launches his own 1-900 number. What could possibly go wrong?

Episode 9. Halloween Special 2012 (Strange VHS Endings)
2012-10-25 · 37 min

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.

Episode 10. Captain Midnight / Vrillon
2012-11-08 · 14 min

An Archive double header: The two most famous occurrences of Broadcast Signal Hijacking (well, save for the Max Headroom Incident) are discussed here.

Episode 11. Pay TV (but not Cable or Satellite)
2012-11-15 · 14 min

The Oddity Archive will now be switching to scrambled mode. Please turn on your (preferably, circa 1984) decoder box now.

Episode 12. Top (Thanksgiving) Turkeys of the (19)90's
2012-11-22 · 19 min

Because 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.

Episode 13. Local TV vol. 2 (Kiddie Show Hosts)
2012-12-06 · 32 min

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.

Episode 14. Christmas Special (A Fair Use Christmas)
2012-12-20 · 23 min

All Ben wanted for Christmas was a silent night...

Episode 15. Teletext Heaven (or Hell)
2013-01-03 · 16 min

Ceefax and Keyfax, Nite-Owl and Cable Chuckles, oh my...

Episode 16. Intermission
2013-01-10 · 13 min

It'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!).

Episode 17. Prehistoric Television
2013-01-17 · 16 min

Given how much we discuss TV on the Archive, a history lesson seemed in order.

Episode 18. gniksaM sdrawkcaB (Backwards Masking)
2013-01-31 · 24 min

?segassem lanimilbus tahW ?huH Everyone knows there are no subliminal messages in music...(!slatrom nwod wob ,woN)

Episode 19. Valentine's Day Special (Dating Services)
2013-02-14 · 26 min

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.

Episode 20. Local TV vol. 3 (Public Access)
2013-02-28 · 20 min

Temporarily exiled from the big leagues of Internet TV, Ben (again, temporarily) sets up camp at his local Public Access outlet.

Episode 21. Protect & Survive
2013-03-14 · 16 min

It's the feel-good episode of the year as Ben discusses the (in)famous British Nuclear War preparedness campaign.

Episode 22. Duck & Cover
2013-03-28 · 17 min

Because you can (apparently) never have enough nukes...

Episode 23. Scary Logos (and other Nostalgic Video Terrors)
2013-04-11 · 23 min

What is it about end logos and FBI Warnings that scared so many children of the VHS era?

Episode 24. Hell's Bells (The Dangers of Rock and Roll)
2013-04-25 · 22 min

Can pure rock sound really hard-boil an egg? Of course not. It does make for some wicked "deviled" eggs though.

Episode 25. Employee Training Videos
2013-05-09 · 29 min

Things 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.

Episode 26. VHS Vault vol. 1 (Amvest Video)
2013-05-23 · 22 min

Ever wanted to know the absolute root of the Oddity Archive? Well, it involves a creepy guy in a Hamster costume...

Season 2
26 episodes · 2013
Episode 1. Bicentennial Fever
2013-07-04 · 19 min

Because nothing says "Happy 200th, America" like crappy "collectibles", Up With People and bizarre Government films.

Episode 2. Record Ripoffs
2013-07-18 · 22 min

Featuring such great (non-)hits from the likes of Hairy Nielsen, BAAB, William Turkey and many, many more! Order today!!!

Episode 3. VHS Vault Vol. 2 (Fashion Videos)
2013-08-01 · 26 min

What do you mean Ben is fashion-challenged?

Episode 4. Archive LaserKaraoke Party! (LaserKaraoke)
2013-08-15 · 27 min

Seeing as the Archive somehow managed to hit the 30 episode mark, it seemed like a good time to throw a nice, little (tax-deductible) party. Plus, Ben sings a viewer poll-selected song (a move that was instantly regretted by all who…

Episode 5. Number Stations (And Other Radio Oddities)
2013-08-29 · 20 min

Covert broadcasts...and how to decode them (your results may vary).

Episode 6. The EAS Zombie Hoax of 2013
2013-09-12 · 16 min

Or, as Ben likes to call it, the Max Headroom Incident's annoying, less creative little brother.

Episode 7. 8-Tracks (or, The Care & Feeding Of Your 8-Track)
2013-09-20 · 16 min

And Ben thought it would just be another cool toy for his collection. How naive...

Episode 8. VHS Vault Vol. 3 (Gambling Videos)
2013-09-26 · 27 min

Learn to gamble--Archive style! God help us...

Episode 9. Kiddie Disco Records
2013-10-14 · 28 min

Come visit the Archive Children's Disco before it's condemned!

Episode 10. Halloween Special 2013 (Italian Dance Party/Son of Halloween Riffs)
2013-10-24 · 30 min

Forced to discuss his fourth knockoff Disco record in a row, Ben has a slight meltdown.

Episode 11. Format Wars Vol. 2 (Pre-Betamax)
2013-11-07 · 14 min

VHS vs. Beta? How 1977...

Episode 12. VHS Vault Vol. 4 (VCR Games)
2013-11-21 · 22 min

Ben's still having nightmares about being forced to play charades with Rich Little.

Episode 13. QUBE Interactive TV
2013-12-05 · 22 min

An interesting, but (unsurprisingly) failed, early attempt at multimedia interactivity.

Episode 14. A Bargain Bin Christmas (or, Ben's Holiday Hits!)
2013-12-19 · 25 min

Five forgotten holiday albums that will...more than likely remain forgotten.

Episode 15. Infomercials
2014-01-02 · 20 min

Have you ever wanted to make "melons" in real estate? If so, you've come to the right place!

Episode 16. Industrial Musicals (or, The Archive Sells Out!)
2014-01-16 · 29 min

...because salesmen need the comfort of knowing that their product is truly the answer to all problems (consumerist OR existential).

Episode 17. Educational Film Salute (or, The Stock Footage Special!)
2014-01-23 · 17 min

Don't screw with Jam Handy!

Episode 18. Teknikel Diffikultees (Technical Difficulties)
2014-02-06 · 22 min

The Archive is currently experiencing technical difficulties...LOTS of them...and Ben refuses to take responsibility. So there.

Episode 19. PSA's (or, The More You Know, The Less You Understand)
2014-02-20 · 24 min

If V.D. really is for everybody, why don't I have it?

Episode 20. Interstitials
2014-03-06 · 18 min

...because only Ben would be stupid enough to devote an entire regular Archive episode to between-show filler.

Episode 21. A Tour of the Archive (or, roll up for the Magical, Mysterious Archive Tour)
2014-03-20 · 38 min

Alternate Title: Why Ben should never make a full "behind-the-scenes" episode. Alternate Title #2: Ben stammers for 38 minutes. Alternate Title #3: Why Ben will never get a date.

Episode 22. More Record Rip-Offs
2014-04-03 · 31 min

The Archive gathers together all your favorite '70's hits--then realizes that the major labels, the RIAA, etc. would have our nuts in a sling over it. More ripoff records it is then! All 70's edition!

Episode 23. Test Cards (and Patterns)
2014-04-17 · 14 min

Wait, there's a logic to all this?

Episode 24. Going Analog
2014-05-01 · 24 min

It's time for a few changes in Archiveland.

Episode 25. Weather Warnings
2014-05-08 · 19 min

***THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED A ***SEVERE FALSE NOSTALGIA WARNING*** FOR YOUR AREA UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE***

Episode 26. VHS Vault Vol. 5 (Y2K Apocalypse Party!)
2014-05-29 · 27 min

Alternate Title: How to Survive an Unprovoked Attack From Your Electric Mixer.

Season 3
26 episodes · 2014
Episode 1. U-Matic (or, How I Spent My Summer)
2014-07-10 · 24 min

So much for taking a break...

Episode 2. The Great Archive Treasure Hunt
2014-07-24 · 35 min

Another existential crisis in Archive-land? Get your head out of your ass, Benny boy! NOTE: If viewing this episode on a Pioneer VP-1000 unit (Serial #'s: 12467-21804), please turn your frame display function to the ON position.

Episode 3. Return of the Son of Record Rip-Offs (or, Record Rip-offs, vol. 3)
2014-08-07 · 36 min

We've only just begun...to hurt.

Episode 4. Macrovision (and one other nostalgic copy-protection hassle)
2014-08-21 · 15 min

Copying this video may cause your computer to randomly burst into flames. The Archive assumes no liability.

Episode 5. LaserKaraoke Vol. 2 (Aqua Net Edition)
2014-09-04 · 53 min

Is there really such a thing as too much LaserKaraoke? Let's find out with this special double (if not triple) length episode!

Episode 6. Laserdiscs (and their children)
2014-09-18 · 24 min

For all the time we've spent with this format, a full look at it (and its offshoots) seemed only natural.

Episode 7. Copy-Protection Vol. 2 (Odds and Ends)
2014-10-02 · 19 min

WARNING: This episode is coated in a new, ultra high-tech substance that may cause colorful sparks to emit from your computer. Also, <<

Episode 8. Shortwave DX-ing (or, Shortwave for Rank Amateurs)
2014-10-16 · 20 min

The most headache-inducing Archive episode to date. Guaranteed.

Episode 9. Hallmark Presents: The Sounds of Halloween
2014-10-23 · 15 min

This year's (apparently now requisite) Halloween album review. This was actually meant to be just a minisode, but it ran really long. Consider it a "bonus" Archive episode.

Episode 10. Halloween Special 2014 (Archive Wares: Rejuvenique Facial System)
2014-10-30 · 27 min

Test-driving a new, potential recurring concept, "Archive Wares". The idea is to look at items from the golden age of infomercials ('80's through early 2000's) and their ads and/or tutorial videos. Given that it's Halloween, it seemed…

Episode 11. Local TV Vol. 4 (Local Commercials)
2014-11-13 · 29 min

Well, that only took a year-and-a-half to follow through with another Local TV installment. No, this wasn't painful at all.

Episode 12. Oddity Archive's Greatest Misses
2014-11-27 · 16 min

Ben reviews the Archive (and then the world imploded).

Episode 13. Public Domain VHS Distributors (An Incomplete Overview)
2014-12-11 · 26 min

And welcome to the Oddity Archive, the show that isn't afraid to piss off VHS fetishists.

Episode 14. Christmas Special 2014 (Santa Claus IS Watching You!)
2014-12-23 · 28 min

This episode is dedicated to----you, Amber.

Episode 15. Future Oddities (Benny-boy Predicts)
2014-12-31 · 14 min

After being asked all year about what Ben thinks the next generation of oddities will be, a New Year's special seemed to be in order (somehow).

Episode 16. 1-900 ARCHIVE Vol. 2 (Operators Aren't Standing By!)
2015-01-15 · 25 min

You asked, we gave. $683.43 will now be added to your next phone bill.

Episode 17. VHS Vault Vol. 6: How's Your Sex Life? (Valentine's Day Special 2015)
2015-02-12 · 24 min

Ladies' man that Ben and Ed are, they didn't really need this. This is really for all the lonely folks (especially the guys) that watch the Archive.

Episode 18. The DuMont Network
2015-01-29 · 35 min

Maybe all those DuMont jokes in all the 50's-centric Archive episodes will make sense now. Maybe.

Episode 19. Video Games (A Non-Gamer's Perspective)
2015-02-26 · 46 min

Q: y u no duvide gams? A: Because I'm not that kind of girl--er, wait. Did you mean "Video Games"? I guess...

Episode 20. Audiocassette-Based Board Games
2015-03-12 · 20 min

Because, you know, VIDEOcassette board games went so well...

Episode 21. Electronic Talking Oddity Archive! (Electronic Talking Board Games)
2015-03-26 · 32 min

How many times do I have to tell you, China Cabinet? The money is NOT in the fishtank!

Episode 22. Record Ripoffs Vol. 4 (For Vinyl Fetishists Only)
2015-04-09 · 35 min

Every now and then we get to thinkin' you'd like to hear somethin' from us done nice and easy. Well, lemme tell ya, we don't do NOTHIN' "nice and easy"...

Episode 23. 3DO Interactive Multiplayer
2015-04-23 · 32 min

An (unintentional) almost-three years in the making...

Episode 24. Philips CD-i (Compact Disc Interactive)
2015-05-07 · 37 min

It's a computer! It's a home video unit! It's a video game console! It's...a little underdeveloped.

Episode 25. WebTV (and one other early internet/tv crossover)
2015-05-21 · 15 min

boxes Boxes. BOXES!!!

Episode 26. The Death of Analog TV
2015-06-04 · 24 min

The Archive has been deemed obsolete. Irony noted.

Season 4
24 episodes · 2015
Episode 1. Microbroadcasting (or, Oddity Archive Goes Part 15)
2015-07-16 · 24 min

The Archive is back on YouTube! But, not without (desperately) seeking out some alternatives in the meantime.

Episode 2. Stereo Test Records (or, The Official Archive Stereo Test)
2015-07-30 · 24 min

Today's burning question: Is it pronounced "stare-eo" or "steer-eo"?

Episode 3. Nanny Boxes (TV Content Filters)
2015-08-13 · 19 min

Naughty words WITHOUT Oddity Archive® – 22 Naughty words WITH Oddity Archive® – 21

Episode 4. LaserKaraoke Vol. 3 (& VCD Karaoke Vol. 1)
2015-08-27 · 39 min

The 3rd annual Archive LaserKaraoke Party is on (sort of)!

Episode 5. CB Radio (or, Gonna Blow Your Doors In, Chicken Inspector!)
2015-09-10 · 24 min

Breaker for a short-short. This is the Oddity Archive. What's yer handle, good buddy?

Episode 6. VHS Vault Vol. 7 (It's My Party and I'll Sigh If i Want To)
2015-09-24 · 25 min

Oddity Archive®: Also available for birthday parties, weddings and bar mitzvahs.

Episode 7. Record Rip-offs Vol. 5 (Pickwick: Picked-Over)
2015-10-08 · 27 min

Recently, we came into a small jackpot of Pickwick albums. Given this label's long-standing history with the Archive, it only seemed appropriate to devote an entire episode to the king of all "drugstore" labels.

Episode 8. Fisher-Price PXL 2000 Camcorder (Halloween Special 2015)
2015-10-22 · 20 min

Oddity Archive: Now in high-pile carpetvision!

Episode 9. VCR Ephemera
2015-11-05 · 18 min

VCR Ephemera, or, Oddity Archive for beginners.

Episode 10. Action Max (VHS Video Game Console)
2015-11-19 · 20 min

I got a message from the Action Max. “I’m crappy. Hope you’re crappy, too.”

Episode 11. Prehistoric Pay-Per-View
2015-12-03 · 20 min

You wanted a history lesson, you got a history lesson. Hope you don't mind a really, really long slideshow.

Episode 12. Ben's Holiday Grab Bag (Christmas Special 2015)
2015-12-17 · 26 min

Some of you aren't singing. Don't think I can't tell.

Episode 13. VCR Rabbit (or, Microbroadcasting Vol. 2)
2015-12-31 · 32 min

The donations were multiplying like, well, rabbits. I figured y'all were trying to tell me something. (Did I really just type "y'all"? Heaven help me.)

Episode 14. Capacitance Electronic Discs (or, CED's)
2016-01-07 · 23 min

Movies pressed on records? Should've waited for the 21st century (the hipsters would love it).

Episode 15. VHS Vault Vol. 8 (More VCR Games)
2016-01-21 · 24 min

Lots of effort for little (or no) reward? Sounds about right for the Archive.

Episode 16. Prevue Channel(s)
2016-02-04 · 24 min

The Oddity Archive® keeps you up to date with what’s hot—as long as the system doesn’t crash—again.

Episode 17. Airline Safety Videos
2016-02-18 · 19 min

Dramamine? Check. Airsick bag? Check. My confidence? Nope.

Episode 18. Ham Radio (A Beginner's Perspective)
2016-03-03 · 23 min

...or, Ben vs. Another Expensive Hobby or, Ben cures the hams or, Ben was already a total ham. Why make it worse?

Episode 19. Calibration & Test Laserdiscs
2016-03-17 · 25 min

The Oddity Archive® strives to provide the best and latest in home theater tune-ups. They still make laserdiscs, right?

Episode 20. Adult Party Albums
2016-03-31 · 23 min

The most risque episode of the Archive since...the last one.

Episode 21. Disposable DVD's (DIVX & Flexplay)
2016-04-14 · 29 min

The Archive attempts to preserve some (intentionally) disposable culture. It was inevitable.

Episode 22. Commodore 64
2016-04-28 · 33 min

It’s the 100th episode of the Archive and the expectations are high. Guess we better do something good and commercial.

Episode 23. VHS Vault Vol. 9 (Your New Computer & You)
2016-05-12 · 28 min

Can you really become “techno-hip” all because of a computer chip?

Episode 24. VHS Game Consoles Vol. 2 (Captain Power & Interactive Vision)
2016-05-26 · 29 min

It’s been a long and difficult season. Let’s end it with something fun (if I can figure out how to assemble these toys, that is).

Season 5
24 episodes · 2016
Episode 1. How I Spent My Summer III
2016-07-07 · 29 min

A little success, a little failure, a little intrigue, a little frustration. In other words, your standard between-season break for Ben.

Episode 2. Record Ripoffs Vol. 6 (98% 70's-free!)
2016-07-21 · 34 min

…dragging the Record Ripoff concept kicking and screaming out of the 70’s. What the hell was I thinking?!?

Episode 3. Home Shopping Channels
2016-08-04 · 27 min

Have your credit cards handy because we're about to launch our own Home-Shopping-type channel! What could possibly go wrong?

Episode 4. LaserKaraoke Vol. 4 (+ VHS Karaoke Vol. 1)
2016-08-18 · 50 min

Crank it up and sing along! The madness will naturally follow.

Episode 5. Ben's Random Audiocassette Haul
2016-09-01 · 39 min

Oddity Archive®: Now in ULTRA lo-fi!

Episode 6. Talking House Transmitter Redux (or, Part 15 Microbroadcasting: The Final Chapter?)
2016-09-15 · 30 min

Oddity Archive: Your home for absurd, costly and borderline-useless “broadcast” experiments since 2015!

Episode 7. The Official Oddity Archive Guide To Retro A/V
2016-09-29 · 56 min

…because I haven’t REALLY opened myself up to mass criticism for a long time now.

Episode 8. Betamax
2016-10-13 · 23 min

The Archive takes it to the max--the Betamax, that is.

Episode 9. Conelrad (Halloween Special 2016)
2016-10-27 · 27 min

This is your Civil Defense announcer speaking (er, typing) with a VERY important message. But first, this nearly 27-minute Oddity Archive episode. NOTE: Yes, I’m well aware that the LP’s discussed in the video have nothing to do with…

Episode 10. VHS Vault Vol. 10 (Learning With The Stars)
2016-11-10 · 32 min

…because as we all know, learning is most fun with famous people.

Episode 11. Top 10 Gaming Turkeys (of the 80's and 90's)
2016-11-24 · 26 min

Another Thanksgiving episode? Must be time to unload some more proverbial turkeys (now more cynically than ever)!

Episode 12. The Official Oddity Archive® Idiot’s Guide To A/V Transfer
2016-12-08 · 46 min

The second (and hopefully final) installment in the Archive’s “Idiot’s Guide” how-to series.

Episode 13. Christmas Special 2016 (A Musical Masochist's Christmas)
2016-12-22 · 34 min

The most deep-hurtingest Christmas ever!

Episode 14. VideoGuide (+2 other early Interactive Program Guides)
2017-01-05 · 20 min

Looking at the Interactive Program Guide’s especially awkward adolescence.

Episode 15. Local TV Vol. 5 (More Local Commercials)
2017-01-19 · 25 min

Bargain Bennie is having his all-time biggest sale on local (and regional) TV commercials! Get ‘em before they’re gone!

Episode 16. VHS Vault Vol. 11(D-I-V-O-R-C-E)
2017-02-02 · 28 min

‘Tis the season for love—and love gone down the garbage disposer.

Episode 17. Random Kiddie Records
2017-02-16 · 23 min

Crank up the Fisher-Price turntable!

Episode 18. Minidisc
2017-03-02 · 25 min

It’s (100% showtune-free) Musical March (read: Audio Geek March, “Musical March” is just a lot catchier) in Archiveland! Let’s kick it off with a little reevaluation of a format that I’ve bashed in the past.

Episode 19. Ben Vs. The Reel-To-Reel
2017-03-16 · 37 min

Oddity Archive®: Now with new Superlife® coating!

Episode 20. DBX Noise Reduction System
2017-03-30 · 25 min

And welcome to the Oddity Archive…the show that rapidly contracts and expands—but clearly not rapidly enough.

Episode 21. Ben's Random Reel-To-Reel Haul
2017-04-13 · 44 min

A mere 5 years in the making! You’d never know it though…

Episode 22. Useless VHS Tapes
2017-04-27 · 34 min

No, this isn’t about those 100 million (or more) copies of “Titanic” and “Jerry Maguire”—useless as they are.

Episode 23. Going (Proto-)Mobile! (Sony Data Discman & Apple Newton)
2017-05-11 · 29 min

With all this talk of so-called “mobile devices” these days, it seemed worth taking a look into.

Episode 24. Video Magazines (or, Oddity Archive: Issue #126)
2017-05-25 · 36 min

And welcome to the Oddity Ar-ar-ar-ar-ar-arc-arch-(SLAP)-Archive!

Season 6
25 episodes · 2017
Episode 1. How I Spent My Summer IV (Ben Vs. Laserdisc Audio & Turntable Tune-up)
2017-07-06 · 28 min

12 inches of Archivian goodness!

Episode 2. Record Ripoffs Vol. 7 (Revenge of the 70's!)
2017-07-20 · 36 min

What’cha doin’ on your rump? Hopefully, you’re watching this episode!

Episode 3. Elvis Has(n't) Left The Building (Elvisploitation)
2017-08-03 · 35 min

A King-sized episode for a King-sized anniversary. Of course, we can't play any actual Elvis, so let's look at some of the cash-ins based around the man.

Episode 4. Tape Baking (A Quasi-Documentary on Sticky-Shed Syndrome)
2017-08-17 · 34 min

A cooking show—Archive style.

Episode 5. LaserKaraoke Vol. 5 (+ assorted VHS & VCD Karaoke)
2017-08-31 · 42 min

New from Sing Alone Video!

Episode 6. Playtape & Aroma Disc (or, The Anti-Audiophile Files)
2017-09-14 · 27 min

I was burning incense on not-quite vinyl (while listening to Playtapes) before you were. Take that, hipsters.

Episode 7. As Seen On TV! (Mail-Order & Infomercial-Style Commercials)
2017-09-28 · 27 min

This offer will expire without notice! Order now!

Episode 8. Ben's Palm PDA's (& Camera "Spy" Glasses)
2017-10-12 · 28 min

A double (if not triple) dose of failure.  You know you love it.

Episode 9. "Telecine" Film Transfer (A Nightmare In Celluloid) (Halloween Special 2017)
2017-10-26 · 31 min

The scariest (in the existentialist sense, at least) Archive Halloween to date!

Episode 10. VHS Vault Vol. 12 (Child Safety Videos)
2017-11-09 · 29 min

Let’s reminisce about the great bully/child abductor epidemic of the ‘90’s.

Episode 11. The Max Headroom Incident Revisited (30 Years On)
2017-11-22 · 21 min

The Archive returns to its deepest roots (largely because it was convenient).

Episode 12. Dynagroove & Friends (Vinyl Oddities)
2017-12-07 · 28 min

Oddity Archive® Vinyl: Now 50% lighter and with 50% more foreign debris!

Episode 13. Christmas Special 2017 (Ben's Christmas Clunkers)
2017-12-21 · 38 min

Broken equipment, bad records and loopy videos—in other words, your standard Archive Christmas.

Episode 14. Phoney Nostalgia
2018-01-04 · 21 min

No fees! No contracts! No service! Dial 1-800 ARCHIVE and save 0%!

Episode 15. Ben's Random Audiocassette Haul #2
2018-01-18 · 39 min

More hissy (and at times, indecipherable) goodness from the deepest, darkest depths of the Archive.

Episode 16. Ben's Music "Career", Vol. 1 (The Outsider years, Pt. 1)
2018-02-01 · 39 min

Bring your earplugs! And, no, this isn’t false modesty—these recordings are pretty harsh (in every meaning of the word).

Episode 17. Dolby Noise Reduction (The Hard Way)
2018-02-15 · 19 min

This is what happens when Benny-boy’s control-freak tendencies get the best of him. Honestly, it’s not too terrible. Shame the product is mediocre.

Episode 18. Laserdisc, Vinyl & Cassette Computer Programs
2018-03-01 · 22 min

The Archive sets sail for the United Kingdom in search of some unusual computer storage and sharing methods—we weren’t disappointed.

Episode 19. VHS Vault Vol. 13 (Movin' Out)
2018-03-15 · 27 min

No Billy Joel songs were harmed in the making of this episode.

Episode 20. Silent-Era Talking Pictures
2018-03-29 · 22 min

These talking pictures will never catch on…come to think of it, these didn’t.

Episode 21. Vinyl Potpourri
2018-04-12 · 27 min

Funny how a little kiddie music, a little commercialism and a heaping helping of Easy Listening stewed in someone’s garage for 40+ years equals such a lovely sonic bouquet.

Episode 22. Loudness Wars
2018-04-26 · 23 min

Finally! An Archive episode with true A E S T H E T I C S!

Episode 23. Ben Vs. The Reel-To-Reel (Round 2)
2018-05-10 · 22 min

…because the first reel-to-reel worked so well.

Episode 24. Local Flavor (Part 1: Nostalgia)
2018-05-24 · 30 min

The Archive is getting ready to leave Beautiful Downtown Aurora. Better look at some of our local stuff before we go.

Episode 25. Local Flavor (Part 2: Anti-Nostalgia)
2018-06-07 · 33 min

Let’s close our Beautiful Downtown Aurora years without any tears (maybe).

Season 7
22 episodes · 2018
Episode 1. How I Spent My Summer V: The New Frontier
2018-07-26 · 25 min

Archive HQ Version 2.0. Was it worth it?

Episode 2. Record Ripoffs Vol. 8 (‘80’s & ‘90’s Hits!)
2018-08-09 · 32 min

No synopsis

Episode 3. Ben’s Music “Career” Vol. 2 (The Outsider Years, Pt. 2)
2018-08-23 · 36 min

By (inexplicably) popular demand, the Rock N’ Roll equivalent to “American Movie” rolls on.

Episode 4. The Archive Drive-In Movie Theater (or, more fun with Part 15 microbroadcasting)
2018-09-06 · 30 min

Attempting to realize a viewer’s vision of an old-school, drive-in theater—at home.

Episode 5. VHS Vault Vol. 14 (Be Cruel About Fire Safety)
2018-09-20 · 28 min

We haven't had a good roast in awhile, have we?

Episode 6. LaserKaraoke Vol. 6 (Repeat Offenders)
2018-10-04 · 45 min

More 8 frames-per-second at 1,800 revolutions-per-minute goodness from the darkest pits of the Archive!

Episode 7. Pioneer CLD-D605 (or, Laserdiscs, Vol. 2)
2018-10-18 · 29 min

Well, I kinda killed the Archive’s old LaserKaraoke machine…and I’d been threatening to upgrade the main Laserdisc player. Upgrade time!

Episode 8. Emergency Broadcast Salute, Vol. 2 (Halloween Special 2018)
2018-10-31 · 28 min

IT’S BA-ACK!

Episode 9. Philips DCC (Digital Compact Cassette)
2018-11-15 · 26 min

The future of the common audiocassette is (er, was) here!

Episode 10. Vinyl Potpourri Vol. 2 (Deeper Cuts)
2018-11-29 · 26 min

Another fragrant bouquet of dusty, musty, moldy slabs of wax!

Episode 11. Ben Vs. The Mo(u)ldy Mystery PAL VHS Tapes
2018-12-13 · 35 min

The Archive finally acquires some genuine off-air U.K. tapes…complete with some genuine U.K. mold (er, mould).

Episode 12. Christmas Special 2018 (Ben's Christmas Crackers)
2018-12-20 · 32 min

Some Christmas oddities (and one not-so-oddity) with a real bang to them!

Episode 13. DBX Noise Reduction Revisited
2019-01-17 · 29 min

New year, old hindrances…

Episode 14. Local TV Vol. 6 (More Public Access)
2019-02-07 · 30 min

Let us take another dip into the well of televised municipal culture…

Episode 15. Ben's ONTV Box/ Non-Cable Pay TV Vol. 2
2019-02-21 · 25 min

Our trucks are currently scouring your neighborhood with sophisticated equipment to detect anyone watching our show illegally. Don’t you dare question how we do it. Punks.

Episode 16. The Care & Feeding of Audiocassettes
2019-03-07 · 35 min

A massive dose of hissy, sticky goodness that should never be degaussed after midnight!

Episode 17. Cult VHS Distributors Vol. 1 (Something Weird & Rhino)
2019-03-21 · 21 min

A genuine(ly twisted) labor of love from your friends at the Oddity Archive®.

Episode 18. Laserdisc Games (but not LaserActive or Arcade)
2019-04-04 · 21 min

Search Frame 30609. Then, add in 29,000. Then, multiply by .84. Then, write down your findings (in order). You are now ready to begin watching this episode of Oddity Archive.

Episode 19. Ben's Music "Career", Vol. 3 (The Transitional Years)
2019-04-18

Like in sports, sometimes musicians need a rebuilding season. I promise, it starts resembling "real" music this time…

Episode 20. Mystery 8mm Films/The Ballad of Ben & 8mm
2019-05-02 · 32 min

About a year ago, I came across a pair of unmarked, somewhat damaged 8mm films. Since they both needed some repair, it seemed like a good time for an educational OA episode.

Episode 21. VHS Vault Vol. 15 (Potty All The Time)
2019-05-16 · 26 min

In the name of commercial appeal, the Archive cheapens itself to toilet humor.

Episode 22. The Branson Tapes
2019-05-30 · 38 min

Recorded not-live at the fabulous Archive Theatre!

Season 8
24 episodes · 2019
Episode 1. How I Spent My Summer VI (The Great A/V Overhaul of 2019)
2019-07-11 · 35 min

Ben gets far more than he bargained for…and it was hardly a bargain.

Episode 2. Record Ripoffs Vol. 9 (HITS on the '60's!)
2019-07-25 · 32 min

A special limited addition—because we don’t think this’ll sell too well.

Episode 3. The Right Way To Tape Record (1965-Style)
2019-08-08 · 36 min

Oddity Archive®: On the cutting edge of amateur, home recording (as of 1965).

Episode 4. Scanimate
2019-08-22 · 19 min

A banquet of oversaturated and generation-lossy goodness from the Archive! Fill-in-the-blankwave fans will love it.

Episode 5. Local TV Vol. 7: Dialing For Dollars (& other Franchised Game Shows)
2019-09-05 · 21 min

…and the jackpot goes up to 178…episodes, that is!

Episode 6. LaserKaraoke Vol. 7 (Golden Moldies)
2019-09-19 · 37 min

Our seventh annual marathon of soft rock and mullets…lots and lots of mullets.

Episode 7. Employee Training Videos Vol. 2 (Loss Prevention)
2019-10-03 · 28 min

…or, Ben enters the Loss Prevention Protection Program.

Episode 8. Random Reel-To-Reel Tapes Vol. 2 (featuring "The Ballad of Tom")
2019-10-17 · 39 min

Another batch of (no more than) 7.5ips goodness…straight from the hea-a-a-arrt.

Episode 9. After Hours (Transmitter Maintenance) (Halloween Special 2019)
2019-10-31 · 21 min

It takes a LOT of sacrifice to maintain the Archive…

Episode 10. Video8 (8mm Video) (and its children)
2019-11-14 · 23 min

Getting the History of Home Video train back on track with the first great (albeit rather dull) camcorder format.

Episode 11. Top 10 Earworms (to date)
2019-11-28 · 26 min

Guaranteed to get stuck in your head for days…er, weeks…er, months…er, years after viewing!

Episode 12. Christmas Special 2019 (Ben's Christmas Kookies)
2019-12-19 · 42 min

Would you please make welcome to the Archive…tap-dancing Christmas trees, teddy bears that can wipe out entire armies and…Dennis.

Episode 13. Future Oddities 2: A Kissoff To The 2010's
2020-01-01 · 19 min

Saying goodbye to the decade that brought us selfies, Alexa, and fidget spinners…and not a minute too soon.

Episode 14. History of VHS, Vol. 1 (the '70's)
2020-01-16 · 22 min

A history lesson so big, it’s gonna have to be its own subseries.

Episode 15. Theatrical Policy Trailers
2020-01-30 · 24 min

Please silence your phones, mobile devices and other electronics…actually don’t. You won’t be able to hear this episode otherwise.

Episode 16. VHS (& Beta) Vault Vol. 16 (A (cautious) Romantic Tale)
2020-02-13 · 32 min

It’s a love obsession at the Archive!

Episode 17. Special Bulletins (or, we Interrupt This Archive...)
2020-02-27 · 40 min

We interrupt this episode of Oddity Archive to bring you…a bunch of other interruptions.

Episode 18. Ben's Music "Career" Vol. 4: Greetings From Elderbush Gulch
2020-03-12 · 42 min

Time to leave the ol’ cassette 4-tracker behind…

Episode 19. Jukebox Network (& other UHF Music Video Channels)
2020-03-26 · 31 min

No synopsis

Episode 20. Ben's Random Audiocassette Haul #3
2020-04-09 · 28 min

A springtime-fresh bouquet of ferric (or chrome) goodness!

Episode 21. History of VHS, Vol. 2 (Format Wars & VHS-C)
2020-04-23 · 26 min

Oddity Archive®: Now in our exclusive EP (Endless Play) Mode!

Episode 22. Local TV Vol. 8 (Even More Local Commercials)
2020-05-07 · 23 min

…or, the Archive’s idea of nocturnal delight.

Episode 23. (Semi-)Lost TV Series (Personal Favorites)
2020-05-21 · 20 min

Some shows were pre-destined to land in the dumpster or collide with the ol’ bulk eraser…here are five of them that have (at least) somewhat cheated fate.

Episode 24. Switched-On Archive (Carlosploitation)
2020-06-04 · 31 min

…or, how an unlikely hit album launched an even more unlikely tidal wave of cash-ins and imitators. In a way, it’s the perfect Archivism.

Season 9
23 episodes · 2020
Episode 1. How I Spent My Summer VII (A Change of Plans)
2020-07-16 · 34 min

Well, my (working) Summer Vacation turned into a (working) Summer Staycation…

Episode 2. Record Ripoffs Vol. 10 (A Tribute To...)
2020-07-30 · 32 min

Featuring some of the genuine leg ends of Rock N’ Roll!

Episode 3. Oddity Archive: Behind The Box (A Documentary)
2020-08-20 · 35 min

A film made especially for the occasion by Swedish documentarian Hans Krullitzer.

Episode 4. Early Color Film (but not Technicolor)
2020-09-03 · 22 min

Either the all-time most beautiful or most psychedelic episode of the Archive…we’re not sure.

Episode 5. History of VHS, Vol. 3 (S-VHS)
2020-09-17 · 26 min

It’s not just VHS…it’s SUPER VHS!

Episode 6. Cheesy Logos
2020-10-01 · 26 min

Just when you thought the Archive couldn’t possibly get any more tacky…

Episode 7. Pioneer Promotional Laserdiscs
2020-10-15 · 30 min

Looking at a trio of (slightly misguided) discs touting Pioneer Laserdiscs and Home Theater gear…

Episode 8. VHS Vault Vol. 17 (Vampires & Pumpkins) (Halloween Special 2020)
2020-10-29 · 33 min

Life has gotten so tangled lately. As such, let’s roll things back to the absolute (commercial) basics of Halloween…

Episode 9. Benny's Birthday Bash
2020-11-12 · 26 min

You’re not getting older. Just crazier…

Episode 10. OA Lost Classics (or, The Ones That Got OA)
2020-11-26 · 26 min

Spending Thanksgiving with some prime, succulent, deep cuts of…the Archive.

Episode 11. The Ballad of Raymond Rohauer
2020-12-10 · 19 min

With (backhanded, insincere) apologies to Hunter S. Thompson: Film Preservation is a cruel and shallow nitrate ditch, a long celluloid hallway where good films rot. That’s just the negative side.

Episode 12. Christmas Special 2020 (Chunks of Christmas Coal)
2020-12-24 · 36 min

It’s a Vinyl and VHS Christmas! It’s not anywhere near as cool as it sounds…

Episode 13. PSA's Vol. 2 (or, Only You Can Prevent PSA's)
2021-01-07 · 30 min

Myasthenia is better than Yourasthenia. So there.

Episode 14. Prehistoric Videotape (The Road To Quadruplex)
2021-01-21 · 22 min

…or, how Bing Crosby’s golf game launched a technological revolution.

Episode 15. Ben's Music "Career", Vol. 5 (Minn-Knot/The End?)
2021-02-04 · 48 min

Benny-boy’s unintentional swan song…or is it?

Episode 16. Ben Vs. The Space-Race Tapes
2021-02-18 · 40 min

Uh-oh. Benny-boy's playing preservationist again...

Episode 17. Ben Vs. The Wheel Of Fortune TV Play-Along
2021-03-04 · 35 min

No synopsis

Episode 18. Cheap Radio Thrills
2021-03-25 · 27 min

Oddity Archive®: Where the thrills are cheap as radio, and radio is cheap as thrills…

Episode 19. Weather Warnings Vol. 2 (Looks Like We're In For Nasty Weather)
2021-04-08 · 35 min

The Oddity Archiveland Service (OAS) has issued a WEATHER WARNING…warning.

Episode 20. KeyFax Rides Again (Teletext in the U.S.)
2021-04-22 · 29 min

Teletext: Not just for Europeans anymore! Well, not really…

Episode 21. VHS Vault Vol. 18 (So You wanna Be A Rock N' Roll Star)
2021-05-06 · 34 min

…well, listen now to what the Archive says!* *Apologies to The Byrds

Episode 22. Gag Reels
2021-05-20 · 26 min

A serious dissertation on the dangers of workplace stress and how to cope with it…using pure silliness.

Episode 23. History of VHS, Vol. 4 (D-VHS/Demise & Resurrection)
2021-06-03 · 29 min

All good things must come to an end…or must they?

Season 10
22 episodes · 2021
Episode 1. How I Spent My Summer VIII (Ben Vs. The Sony AV-3600 Videocorder)
2021-07-22 · 45 min

...because cassettes are for poseurs.

Episode 2. Record Ripoffs Vol. 11 ('80's Hits: Woodgrain & Neon)
2021-08-12 · 34 min

Some of the most grody tunes we’ve ever covered fer sure, fer sure.

Episode 3. USA Networkisms (A Willfully Premature Eulogy)
2021-08-26 · 26 min

Let us take an all-night flight to remember why USA once was “America’s Favorite Cable Network”…

Episode 4. Random CD's
2021-09-16 · 35 min

Whatdaya do when you’ve had your fill of analog media? Start hittin’ the ones and zeros…

Episode 5. Silent Treatment (A Celebration of Silent Movie Day)
2021-09-29 · 41 min

Benny-boy celebrates the first annual Silent Movie Day by…talking at great length about the silents. Nobody ever accused him of being sharp…

Episode 6. Dodgy Demo DVD's
2021-10-14 · 26 min

As of this posting, we’re right on the edge of the 25th anniversary of the introduction of the DVD. Guess it’s finally ripe for Archivedom…

Episode 7. Benny M.'s TV Party (Halloween Special 2021)
2021-10-28 · 22 min

“Benny & The Bot”…coming this fall to KLAK…whether Ben likes it or not. NOTE: Just consider this a 20-minute art film.

Episode 8. Bad '80's Syndicated Sitcoms
2021-11-11 · 19 min

Benny the Script Doctor makes a housecall regarding some bad sitcoms.

Episode 9. OA's Greatest Commercials
2021-11-25 · 32 min

10 ads (or series thereof) selected by viewers. Any turkeys in this Thanksgiving episode are purely coincidental.

Episode 10. FBI Film Raids & Betamax Blues
2021-12-09 · 24 min

Ah, the good, old days. Back when owning a 16mm film or recording something off the TV could get you a visit from the Feds. Good times…

Episode 11. Christmas Special 2021 (A Good Ol' Archive Christmas)
2021-12-23 · 42 min

Archivisms roasting on an open fire…

Episode 12. PCM Audio on Videotape (Betamax, VHS & U-Matic)
2022-01-13 · 26 min

Hey buddy, wanna hear my (horribly impractical) mixtape?

Episode 13. Overplayed Commercials (1960's - 2001)
2022-01-27 · 31 min

100% pure, shameless, unfettered nostalgia, courtesy of the Oddity Archive®

Episode 14. Valentine's Day Special 2022 (It's A Love Thing)
2022-02-10 · 34 min

Learn all about the fine art of meeting Ben!

Episode 15. Vinyl Potpourri Vol. 3 (Gimmick Records)
2022-02-24 · 31 min

Vinyl Potpourri is back! It’s a (1,885 second) miracle!

Episode 16. Prehistoric UHF (Early UHF TV in the U.S.)
2022-03-10 · 24 min

A solid-state tuner is recommended for the viewing of this OA episode…in some way we haven’t figured out yet.

Episode 17. Cult VHS Distributors Vol. 2 (Sinister Cinema & Vestron Video)
2022-03-24 · 27 min

Another (belated) salute to the bottom of the Mom-and-Pop video rental store barrel!

Episode 18. VHS Vault Vol. 19 (Business Scams)
2022-04-07 · 26 min

It’s time for the New $25,000 Pyramid…scheme.

Episode 19. Radio Stunting
2022-04-21 · 34 min

Times are changing and KLAK-AM needs to keep up. As such, let’s look at some gimmicks (stunts) used by other radio stations to plug their new formats…

Episode 20. Ben Vs. The Massey-Ferguson Tapes
2022-05-05 · 35 min

Taking a leisurely, country stroll through the (cowpie-laden) great audiovisual pasture…

Episode 21. Early MP3 Players (Diamond Rio & RCA Lyra 2)
2022-05-26 · 35 min

Oddity Archive®: Now available in 64kbps mp3!

Episode 22. CX Audio Noise Reduction (The Hard Way)
2022-06-09 · 30 min

Four months, three countries, two-hundred-plus dollars all in the name of…meh. Or, what Dolby was to cassette, CX was (supposed to be) for vinyl.

Season 11
23 episodes · 2022
Episode 1. In Search of AM Stereo (or, How I Spent My Summer IX)
2022-07-21 · 34 min

…or, the OA’s (slightly-belated) 10th Anniversary Special.

Episode 2. Record Ripoffs Vol. 12 (Gon' Country)
2022-08-11 · 30 min

The Archive finally presents some 100%-pure, down-home musical manure!

Episode 3. Bad(?) '90's Syndicated Sitcoms
2022-08-25 · 23 min

This episode is dedicated to those that say we don’t do TV stuff anymore. Maybe we shouldn’t…

Episode 4. The Ballad of Peter Lemongello
2022-09-08 · 32 min

Slim Whitman? Blech. Boxcar Willie? Poseur. Only the original TV album guru will do.

Episode 5. The Warped Afterlives of Metropolis & Phantom of the Opera (Silent Movie Day 2022)
2022-09-29 · 33 min

Just how close are we to seeing what moviegoers saw in the 1920’s? In these two cases, as it turns out, not very.

Episode 6. 8mm (& Super 8) Souvenir Films
2022-10-13 · 37 min

We’re all goin’ on a…(quiet, mellow) Autumn Holiday…

Episode 7. The Phantom of the Archive (Halloween Special 2022)
2022-10-27 · 27 min

Watch horror films, keep Archiveland strong, keep Benny-boy (in)sane.

Episode 8. VHS Vault Vol. 20 (High-Concept Videos)
2022-11-10 · 29 min

It’s a friend! It’s a companion! It’s a lifestyle! It’s…supremely annoying…

Episode 9. Oddity Archive's Greatest Hits (according to YouTube)
2022-11-24 · 29 min

After 10 years, I guess it’s time for the inevitable “Greatest Hits” package…

Episode 10. Ben Vs. The Elmo Super 8 Camera (or, Super 8 Film in 2022)
2022-12-08 · 41 min

Super Oddity Archive®: Now with 50% MORE image than Standard Oddity Archive®! Which is 95% LESS image than HD Oddity Archive®…

Episode 11. Christmas (C)Rapping (Christmas Special 2022)
2022-12-22 · 48 min

Christmas wrapping is so lame—we’re into Christmas Rapping around here!

Episode 12. (Bad) Movie-Based Sitcoms
2023-01-12 · 20 min

…because (as we know) what works for 90 minutes once will ALWAYS work for 30 minutes on a regular basis.

Episode 13. Weather Warnings Vol. 3 (Winter Edition)
2023-01-26 · 36 min

Snowbound. Let’s sleep in today…and tomorrow…and the day after…and the day after that…

Episode 14. Pointless Products (or, As Seen On TV Commercials, Vol. 2)
2023-02-16 · 32 min

The new & improved Oddity Archive®! Now cracks those pesky filberts!

Episode 15. Laserdisc Video Magazines (or, Video Magazines, Vol. 2)
2023-03-02 · 38 min

A true horror show—just not in the way you’d expect.

Episode 16. Disco Beaver From Outer Space (& other Early Cable TV-isms)
2023-03-16 · 25 min

Finally (partially) fulfilling that long wished-for Archivism—beavers—specifically, disco beavers.

Episode 17. Philips CD-I Vol. 2 (More Revelations)
2023-03-30 · 38 min

You won’t believe your CD-I’s!!!

Episode 18. Mad Magazine...'s Forays Into Other Media
2023-04-13 · 27 min

The Archive drops some MAD flava in your ear…

Episode 19. VHS Vault Vol. 21 (How To Outwit THE MAN)
2023-04-27 · 28 min

Don’t let THE MAN bring you down. That’s what Oddity Archive® is for…

Episode 20. The Early Betamax (& others) Subculture
2023-05-11 · 22 min

Pourin’ one out (er, unraveling a tape) for our vidiot homies…

Episode 21. American Forces Network (AFN) TV Ephemera
2023-05-25 · 30 min

The OA celebrates Memorial Day with some genuine WTF from the AFN (AFRTS). Presented on the DL of course, ‘cause we gotta think OPSEC.

Episode 22. Ben Vs. The Quasar Great Time Machine
2023-06-08 · 94 min

Ever wonder what it would’ve been like if Rube Goldberg designed a VCR? Neither did I.

Episode 23. The Quasar Great Time Machine (VX Video Format)
2023-06-15 · 33 min

You’re in for a “great” time! Would you believe “good” time? How ‘bout “adequate” time?

Season 12
16 episodes · 2023
Episode 1. In Search of AM Stereo REDUX (or, How I Spent My Summer X)
2023-07-27 · 43 min

Quite possibly the ultimate “headphone” episode of OA…for realsies this time.

Episode 2. Record Ripoffs Vol. 13 (At The Movies)
2023-08-17 · 31 min

The Archive finds itself caught in a celluloid jam…

Episode 3. Random (Video) Reel-To-Reel
2023-08-31 · 33 min

The Archive does a little home video archaeology…

Episode 4. Odditytoberfest (A Smorgasbord of Musical Meatballs)
2023-09-14 · 29 min

Time to fill up on bratwurst and get down to that fonky, fonky, meut-sick!

Episode 5. VHS (& Betamax) Public Domain Oddities (Silent Movie Day 2023)
2023-09-28 · 23 min

Public Domain stuff, VHS, weird music, surrealist humor--your Oddity Archive® bingo card should be 80% full from this one episode alone!

Episode 6. Season of the Wince (Halloween Special 2023)
2023-10-31 · 21 min

Everybody loves a trilogy…and here’s the last piece of it.

Episode 7. Great Comedians (Not-So-Great Sitcoms)
2023-11-16 · 21 min

Even the comedy gods (and goddesses) have their off days…

Episode 8. Ben's Favorite OA Episodes
2023-11-23 · 31 min

You’ve heard of turkey coma, right? This one’ll give you Archive coma.

Episode 9. VHS (& Beta) Vault Vol. 22 (Meet Your New VCR)
2023-12-07 · 27 min

Learn all about the ins and out of SCMPF (Simply Can’t Muster Proper Functionality) for your newfangled VCR thing!

Episode 10. Cruel Yule (Christmas Special 2023)
2023-12-21 · 39 min

‘Twas a few days before Christmas and all through the Archive/A Benny-boy was stirring, to madness he’ll drive…

Episode 11. TBS Networkisms
2024-01-11 · 34 min

An episode that’ll make you want to yell “TB-Yes”!

Episode 12. Cable In The Classroom/Channel One News
2024-02-08 · 29 min

Today’s Oddity Archive® may be taped (analog only) for classroom use until December 31, 2024. After December 31, 2024, all copies must be wiped or destroyed…and don’t think we don’t have the means of finding out if you didn’t.

Episode 13. Local TV Vol. 9 (Commercials, Go Fourth)
2024-03-07 · 25 min

Oddity Archive® lights up your TV’s* with the ads that please!** *A computer screen will also suffice. **As long as your expectations are suitably low.

Episode 14. Random Audiocassettes Vol. 4 (Cheese N' Sleaze)
2024-04-04 · 30 min

The chocolate and peanut butter of the Archive, together at last in the same episode!

Episode 15. TV Record Offer Greats (Slim Whitman & Boxcar Willie)
2024-05-02 · 26 min

The episode where cardboard boxes and BoxCars collide…at last!

Episode 16. TV Sign-Offs Vol. 2 (Nocturnal Emissions)
2024-06-06 · 38 min

Hey, you said you wanted more Oddity Archive…After Dark. Be careful what you wish for.

Season 13
9 episodes · 2024
Episode 1. How I Spent My Summer XI (Sold(i)ering On...)
2024-07-25 · 36 min

“Fun” Project. “Fun” Time.* *According to the uber-cheap DIY FM transmitter I bought.

Episode 2. Record Ripoffs Vol. 14 (The 70's Strike Back)
2024-08-29 · 32 min

Record Ripoffs gets back to its roots…man.

Episode 3. Surréalist Sinéma (Silent Movie Day 2024)
2024-09-29 · 22 min

Let’s get real! Surreal, that is… (er, sur-reel?)

Episode 4. Halloween Special 2023 (Season of the Wince) ("In-House" Feed)
2024-10-31 · 21 min

When this episode was first released, it was an (actual) off-air copy. Thing is, a lot of detail was lost in the microbroadcast. As such, here’s what an “in-house feed” of the proceedings looked like.

Episode 5. OA’s Greatest VHS Tapes
2024-11-28 · 32 min

A 8-course feast of Vertical Helical Schlock for your Thanksgiving!

Episode 6. Stocking Stinkers (Christmas Special 2024)
2024-12-19 · 35 min

Four stereotypically inedible fruitcakes…and one semi-digestible one for your holiday.

Episode 7. Prehistoric Comedy Central (The Comedy Channel/Ha!/CTV: The Comedy Network)
2025-02-13 · 32 min

Let’s celebrate comedy on cable TV…with only the barest minimum of humor.

Episode 8. The All-New “Bad” 80's Syndicated Sitcoms
2025-04-18 · 24 min

It’s new! It’s today! It’s now! It’s…recycled.

Episode 9. VideoSmarts (Ben’s 1st “Video Game” Console)
2025-07-10 · 28 min

This is it. My own personal “ground zero” for Archivedom…

Season 14
14 episodes · 2025
Episode 1. Archive Thrifting #34: Getting Back On The Horse
2025-10-09 · 18 min

Consider this a “soft-launch” of Season 14 of OA. I’m finally off the sidelines and…things are as dusty as ever.

Episode 2. KLAK Goes Commercial (Halloween Special 2025)
2025-10-30 · 21 min

KLAK has had to take on a few advertisers*. Tough times, ya know… *Yes, YouTube, this is a joke. This is NOT a sponsored video.

Episode 3. Random (Video) Reel-To-Reel Vol. 2 (Leftover Turkeys)
2025-11-27 · 38 min

The OA equivalent of popcorn, pretzel sticks and jellybeans as a Thanksgiving feast…

Episode 4. Christmas Hams (Christmas Special 2025)
2025-12-23 · 36 min

The Archive serves up some true Christmas Hams…with a side of Duck A La Wronge.

Episode 5. Prehistoric A&E
2026-01-22 · 25 min

The Archive takes the high road…to a dead-end.

Episode 6. The "Checkerboard" Sitcoms of 1987
2026-02-05 · 34 min

…because three hours a night of late 80’s primetime TV lameness just wasn’t enough!

Episode 7. United Artists Theatre Laserdiscs (1991-94)
2026-02-19 · 39 min

Well, it’s Oscar season. Let’s pretend current Hollywood doesn’t exist.

Episode 8. Local TV Vol. 10 (A Fifth of Commercials)
2026-03-05 · 23 min

Another round of classic local TV bliss delivered in easy-to-digest 30-second bites…

Episode 9. Ben Vs. Digital Music (Vol. 1: 1999-2001)
2026-03-26 · 22 min

Yes, teenaged Benny-boy managed to blindly stumble into the “digital music revolution” circa Y2K. No, he did NOT turn into a cyberpunk warrior—he just became a prematurely grouchy old man.

Episode 10. Emergency Broadcast Salute Vol. 3 (Changes)
2026-04-16 · 49 min

It’s the 300th “regular” OA episode. Let’s make some noise…albeit not necessarily PLEASANT noise.

Episode 11. Local TV Vol. 11 (Lottery Game Shows)
2026-04-30 · 32 min

Time to get lucky! In the financial sense, that is…

Episode 12. Building the Perfect Home Theater (for the 1990's, that is)
2026-05-14 · 29 min

The first OA episode to be THX-certified! Ten Hungry Xylophones, that is.

Episode 13. The All-Diamond Rio…Diamond Rio (+ RCA Lyra 2 Redux)
2026-05-28 · 26 min

When one more day…turns into four years.

Episode 14. TV Affiliate Switchovers (& some other switchovers)
2026-06-11 · 29 min

Corporate shuffling at its most entertaining!* *Your mileage may vary.

Cast by season
?
Ben Minnotte
Self - Host
Comments

Sign in to comment and discuss this title.

…
Keywords
technologybroadcastingcardboard boxhidden face
Related links
Explore catalog
Cinestia publishes lists, reviews, a collection and soundtracks for movie and series discovery.