The Impact of The Blair Witch Project: The Right Film at the Right Time

Join me as I discuss the impact of The Blair Witch Project on the motion picture industry, how it brought viral marketing to the mainstream, and how its directors fooled the world into believing that three students had disappeared deep in the woods of Maryland.

[@Marcus616]

The Blair Witch Project is my all-time favorite found footage film. I love the mythology and the viral marketing. Although I already knew it wasn't real when I watched it as a teen, I still found it scary. I still find it scary as an adult since it feels authentic, and the fear comes from what you don't see.

[@georgerolandallen]

it's amazing the amount of mythology they created and how little of it was actually present in the movie. Likely my favorite horror movie. Great video

[@spineappletea]

A KZbinr named Goose Boose did a video like this during their series called Traumathon, although it was only ~17 minutes since they were releasing a video every day of October. It's always great to see you go this in depth with a subject you're clearly passionate about.

[@NEScRETRO]

GooseBoose was actually one of the biggest influences in regards to me starting my channel, and that video itself was why. This video is sort of my take on that!

[@JAY-bg2mv]

🎉 I 🎉 a lot of q to do with my family family and friends q 😂 I q 😂 I love you all 😂😂 I love you 😂both of you are my favorite 😂😂 I love you both qq the only thing I can think of is that the first time you see a cat in a picture picture 😂😢i🎉😂 7:04 😂 7:04 years😢🎉 7:08 🎉🎉🎉😂🎉 7:13 years 🎉 🎉 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 so i😢🎉🎉🎉🎉 7:28 🎉🎉🎉🎉 I 🎉 so 7:34 years 😂 🎉I 🎉🎉🎉 7:37 is 🎉 I am so proud of you all for being a great person 🎉🎉 🎉🎉😂🎉🎉🎉🎉😂🎉🎉🎉🎉😂🎉🎉

[@thatonechick1318]

I had the ability to see Blair Witch Project in the theaters opening night with a pact theater at the age of 14. I thought it was terrifying because at the time...internet was still so new. There was no real way to know if it was real or not. I love it and still do to this day. I always tell people that the Blair Witch Project was an experience and not just a movie.

[@jasongallman2032]

Packed

[@ringer1324]

This movie traumatized me when I was younger. But it’s since become a favorite of mine. It’s crazy how big the found footage genre became and how influential this film was. Plus A lot of internet media such as the Mandela catalogue or Marbel Hornets and others wouldn’t exist at least not in the same form without this movie. All the years later it’s still as effective as when it first came out. Love it

[@gg-dv9vd]

Hell House LLC is a lot of fun if you like found footage

[@chumorgan443]

The fact anyone thought this was real ( I did as a kid) is a testament to the quality of the actors and editors.

[@benjaminwolak4996]

Hi, i got into your vids from your SM64 Iceburg and fell in love, i put your videos on and listen to them nonstop while working, please keep creating these gems

[@TheRadical0ne]

The sudden mention of Marble Hornets really got me, especially with so much of it being influenced by Blair Witch and then the trend of the "Slenderverse" args that were not only inspired by MH but also inspired directly by Blair Witch. I actually found out about the movie through EverymanHYBRID, another ARG series that came after Marble Hornets that repeatedly references Blair Witch and draws direct inspiration. Thank you for the video, just genuinely surprised at the mention

[@Colddirector]

Had a pretty crap month - managed to get food poisoning, a foot sprain and a really nasty cold all in the span of like 3 weeks. These videos kept me from going completely insane during those long hours in bed. You're doing God's work fren. o7

[@NEScRETRO]

Food poisoning is the absolute worst! Hope you're feeling a lot better, and I'm very happy to hear my videos have kept you company!

[@FluffRainbowDash]

I hope you're feeling much better.

[@derbydriver]

The inclusion of the web site sfx for each segment title card hit me with MASSIVE nostalgia.

[@TheTheninjagummybear]

Oh, hell yeah, this is going in my warm season horrors playlist!!

[@specialk5812]

YES! You're back

[@user-eb7fp5cg9x]

i found your channel today and have now binged all of it keep up the good work all of your videos are really good.

[@SharlaBlades]

Man, do I love this! I'm happy someone recointed all the build-up and production of one of my favorite movies! You even caught just how special it was! While I never saw the movie during it's heyday. (I was like, 1.) But I did see it with my grandmother. She thought it was real even into the mid-2000s. So we were scared to death watching it together! Sure, I know now it's all fake. But seeing it with that context, late at night in a room that didn't even have proper flooring yet, it was special.

[@electrotricity]

pin for i sub

[@infjgirl3850]

I remember my grandmother also believing the movie was real. I was 8 when this movie came out and was already terrified of watching the movie 😂 my gran would ask me “did you hear about those students who went missing in the woods??”. That just made me avoid the movie more 😂 I did watch Blair witch when I was 15 and ended up loving it. It’s my favourite horror movie of all time!

[@tyzilla358]

Usually I couldn't care less about how many subscribers somebody has.....but for the amount of work and love this dude puts into his videos, 39k subscribers seems criminally underrated in my opinion. I NEVER subscribe to anybody's channels for some reason....but this one is a no brainer......

[@NEScRETRO]

Aw, thank you! That really means a lot! I still have a lot to learn in regards to structuring my scripts and writing them in a way that's engaging, but comments like this certainly motivate me in a way that I can't put into words, and it really means a lot! Thank you again, your words have really made my night!

[@UFereSanyo]

Eyy, getting close to 50k! Glad to see that partnering channels suck as yours and Sunflower are back to back reaching these milestones, really excited for future content and collaborations with other people!! Early congrats on 50k and hope to be here at 100k and beyond!!

[@NEScRETRO]

Thank you!! I know this video wasn't much like my more popular ones, but my next one is going to be very similar to my Nintendo iceberg video, and is looking to be about 5 hours long!

[@UFereSanyo]

​@@NEScRETROHoly, so I have something to watch in my free time after colege, also, I just noticed how I wrote "suck" instead of "such" on the original comment, I feel bad now, it looks like a mean comment at first aaaa

[@LiquidJes]

Always a good day whenever NescRetro uploads! Looking forward to see what I missed when I saw this movie

[@michellebrianna4280]

Even if this isnt as popular as your icebergs, I love the way you very cleanly delve into topics you enjoy. I watched this while closing where I work, and it made it a lot easier. Thanks Nes!

[@NEScRETRO]

My next video will be a more traditional iceberg, similar to my nintendo one! Thank you so much for enjoying it, I knew it wouldn't do as well as any of my other videos, but I really wanted to try doing an essay style video lol

[@johnnybrookesmusic8220]

this deserves way more views man

[@bing2869]

Blessed saturday, thank you so much ❤💕

[@tyzilla358]

I remember being 9 years old when this film came out. My mother and grandmother went to the movies to see it. I stayed at my grandmother's house playing Nintendo 64. When they got back, I stayed up til 4 am playing Mario Kart with my grandmother. Which actually happened all of the time. But I clearly remember them getting back and talking about how great the movie was.

[@carlitocartel8797]

Me and my friends snuck into the movie theaters when we were kids and watched this for the first time i remembered that i couldn't sleep for a week this was by far the scariest movie ive ever saw

[@ReconZealot]

Hi NEScRETRO. Just want you to know that even though this video has gotten less attention than your iceberg videos, it really does come through as a passion project and it's one of my favorite videos on your channel. Looking forward to the next upload, whatever it may be. Keep it up!

[@Xeemix]

OH MY GOD THE MCPHEARSON TAPES! Man that takes me back! Waaay way back when the internet was much younger that thing was super rare, trying to find it, just to watch it was such a challenge! We use to think it was a real deal recorded alien abduction! We chalked up its difficulty to find with it being obscured by the government, god it was such a different time back then. People would say that the "movie" was a coverup and some would mention that the ended was different where there was a shootout and the father(I think) was carrying out the an alien body at the end with a close up!

[@venom8771]

Let's go!! New upload! I've actually never seen the blaire witch before but I'm excited to learn

[@biterface03]

“at the age of 8, there was really no way to watch it…” man, tell that to my mom. Lol I saw it in theaters as a child. Terrified my little mind I still remember the specific nightmare I had that night.

[@P1Volvo850R]

I just recently found your channel via your LoZ/SM64 icebergs and I absolutely love your long form content, you're extremely detailed while still being entertaining. Keep the amazing videos coming.

[@sayonara_elegy]

Banger video, your style of creation really lended well to the retelling of the Blair Witch "universe" being laid out in the first half.

[@angusaya1740]

You're back!!

[@alexandermckay9521]

I’ve analyzed this movie to death but I’m happy to see your perspective on it, love your channel so much. Hope you’re doing well 😊❤️

[@NoahClevinger]

Always a great day when NEScRETRO posts a new video!

[@Achromatic_0]

true true

[@E-102a]

One of my favorite movies of all time. Goes hard, man

[@ozmarichardson6524]

i was born in 92 so this was the same experience I had. Me and my sister watched it secretly while mom was out of town and when we went on the website that's when I reeeeeally got scared

[@cyberstark6483]

Great video as always, I saw the blair witch project earlier this year. Another deep dive into a horror film would be interesting 👍

[@MARKYUS-]

It’s a good day when you upload

[@josesaurin]

Happy to see you're still at it, great content!

[@pikitunch]

Recently got into your channel cause of the iceberg videos but honestly, i looove this style of videos as well! can't wait to see more!

[@ThePortjumper]

YEEEESSSS! I love seeing a new upload from this channel. All of your videos are top-tier, bro.

[@four_am]

This was a really interesting video, I had no idea there was so much behind The Blair Witch Project. Also, thank you for introducing me to 2:30am at a 7-11. It was a very cool watch and I really love stuff like it.

[@danicataylor493]

I really loved this video! You went into so much more detail than other media covering the film, which was so cool to see! Getting to learn about the whole timeline of events leading up to and after the film itself was a great way to show this info - I appreciate getting to learn more about the "ARG"-esque elements like the website, other documentaries, and lore-building All the information was presented in a fantastic manner, too, your pacing and editing style is wonderful! You can tell there is passion behind this work, and it makes the video even better. Keep it up! :D

[@Bub64xp]

Yo, blessed with a video! Today is gonna be a good day.

[@user-us5pv8zw3z]

This is so well done. Thank you for your insight and clarification.

[@hhhazel]

loved the video! i've adored the blair witch project for years but i learned so much from watching this. excited for more editorial videos from you, your channel is one of my favs.

[@vegan4theanimals]

Again, I truly appreciate the effort you put into your videos and that first bit was nostalgia overload for me... I was a child in the 90s and the Blair witch project was HUGE when it came out. Great movie to research(and you did your research well, I might add!) and great video. ✌💚

[@ShyGuyWithTheLazyEye]

You have no idea how happy seeing your video in my sub box made me! Thank you so much! Less then an hour? Dang it lol. You are amazing!

[@qs-ii1872]

Thanks for giving me countless hours of interesting stuff to learn about while playing power wash sim. it's a relaxing game, I just can't stand silence.

[@evanreid7400]

Your commentary is so good dude, I'm serious. I'll always be looking forward to your next video!

[@kaisaramirez2688]

I don't understand why youtube didn't notify me about this video, but I'm sure this is going to be another banger!

[@aqualitymagentachickenmask3298]

Phenomenal time capsule, very thorough

[@DanCreaMundos]

Great video! I've always found this film fascinating, it gave me the chills when I was indeed to young to be watching it lol loved your analysis, you're really good at this kind of content!

[@spin6828]

Please do more of these kinda videos man this was so peak

[@Achromatic_0]

this video literally made my day, thank you so much

[@radbuffman3487]

Loved seeing Grave Encounters here! One of my faves.

[@NEScRETRO]

I personally really loved Grave Encounters, and its sequel is very unique. If you haven't seen it, check it out!

[@radbuffman3487]

@@NEScRETRO I liked Grave Encounters 2 quite a bit, but the original is an absolute classic ^^

[@afreyinthesnow9015]

Great video ! Thanks for adding more information about the movie,very insightful

[@SnackCakes]

Awesome documentary. Good script, good editing, and perfect level of detail.

[@Kovac22]

I was just thinking about your videos. Cannot wait to watch this later today!!

[@Kovac22]

Glad you like the the Poughkeepsie tapes. That movie was really hopeless feeling, showing how (somehow) unstoppable and intelligent the murderer was. And when you see ALL the tapes, that just makes your heart sink. Interesting movie.

[@TheRistarBoi]

Being a person that loves to watch movies, I would personally love to see you talk about more popular horror movies or other scary things like an abandoned theme park iceberg or something. Once again awesome work and can't wait for the next video! :)

[@NEScRETRO]

I am very much a theme park nerd, so that would definitely be up my alley!

[@traviswreynolds]

I can't wait until my kids are older so I can pretend it's real all over again just to scare them

[@ProGremlinPlayer]

Another gem from NEScRETRO. You basically nailed the editorial format. If you're OK with telling us, are you willing to give any hints as to what the next iceberg video you mentioned will be about?

[@NEScRETRO]

It'll be another video game one for sure, since I've now gone two videos without talking about any games lol.

[@xEPICxNESS]

Awesome analysis! This is the video I needed all along!

[@itmanager1449]

Well done! Nice info piece on Blair Witch Project! Such a great film...! Will always be a classic!

[@NEScRETRO]

Thank you! I really enjoyed making this video!

[@Rainu3279]

Really glad to hear more videos like this are a possibility. It was super interesting and I'm interested to see what others you have in mind!

[@NEScRETRO]

I'm really happy to hear that people are liking it and are open to the idea of videos outside icebergs! I do still very much love icebergs though and will most likely always do them, because even if the format dies, it's still an efficient way to talk about facts in a long-format video. Come to think of it, they're kind of like the "did you know gaming" videos, just with the iceberg as a structure.

[@NS-nq3ki]

Ur one of my favorite KZbinrs! ❤

[@milenabyrum6258]

Thank you for your informative video. I'm using it as a reference for my film history paper, and you'll be credited on my works cited page. My film class is studying the impact of found footage films and how they were groundbreaking at the right time. Your video explains this well. Thanks!

[@NEScRETRO]

Oh thank you! That sounds like a very entertaining paper to write! Good luck!

[@RubUOutC]

One of my favourite video makers talking about one of my favourite films! Great!

[@krush454]

I listen to your videos since i found them earlier this week, I have them on when Im gaming and trying to sleep :D love it all keep doing it my friend!

[@NEScRETRO]

I'm, at this moment, finishing up a script to my next video! It should be up in August!

[@ozmarichardson6524]

I really liked this one! thanks for the content :)

[@MartyMcFly88]

I love the Blair Witch Project! It was definitely ground breaking, and being 13 years old when this came out it was THE MOVIE TO SEE! Nice video, and I love the use of the Resident Evil music in the background.

[@Chynasyndrome83]

Good job! This is very thorough and impressive 😊

[@IsntItAaronicVideos]

Great use of the Silent Hill music!

[@bubba1937]

I like essay videos keep them and your icebergs coming

[@stephenpytak6275]

18:15 I saw this film at this theater, one of the Ritz theaters in Philadelphia. Cool to see some video of the place here.

[@phyllojoe5346]

Been rewatching your icebergs for a while now, stoked to see a new video to ruin by watching 10 times!

[@NEScRETRO]

It's much shorter than my other videos, and the content is different, but I'll be doing another iceberg next, so look forward to that!

[@SixArmedSweater]

I listened to it while building a Gundam model kit. 💕

[@hotmatto]

came here after seeing a tweet someone asking what was the best marketing campaign for a movie and everyone was replying the blair witch project. I've always known this movie had people fooled at release but i never knew the producers went to the extreme to make it seem like it was real. makes me wish i was a teen during those years instead of a toddler

[@balamkinich7968]

When the world needed him most, he returns

[@lojybtdty]

Fantastic video!!

[@ryanriffs_1349]

In my opinion I really like the Blair witch 2 book of shadows. I still watch it every once and awhile.

[@Vaille32]

I was 24 or 25 when I saw this film in 1999. I left the theater thinking “Wtf did I just watch?”

[@steelcurtain187]

Great job 👏

[@IWasLikeEmilio]

Damn, I haven’t seen that original Blair Witch trailer since I was a kid. I too read In a Dark Dark Room and that’s where I fell in love with horror. So much that I buy the book for the wife’s first grade class every year so kids can discover it too. 👻

[@mellmurder]

Great video of one of my favorite movies

[@isaacdeyoung7399]

I love the history of this movie it’s so so interesting. I watched both docs that go with the main film and loved them just as much.

[@smokagaming]

You keep hitting me with these silent hill soundtracks, Ive noticed since at least the back-half of the video. Nice choice in music, man! Ive also found you through your nintendo iceberg, and since then have subscribed :) Maybe do a silent hill / horror video game video in the future aswell? :o

[@NEScRETRO]

They're just the perfect mix of atmospheric, creepy, and comfy. It's hard to find songs that really hit all three of those notes for videos discussing something horror related

[@evaa-w5399]

I never saw all this, cos I was busy working, however my colleagues went to watch the film and the night before deciding to watch the film, I dreamed that I was running in the woods with screams all around me. I woke myself up. My friends didn't tell me anything about the film

[@radbuffman3487]

WOOOO! New NEScRETRO video!!

[@fuzzysocks5193]

im 43 or something and in a dark dark room haunts me to this day. i had the book with the tape.

[@DexysTakumi]

Nice vid!

[@ProudlyIraqi]

Great movie and great video discussing it?

[@YungFoulPlayuh]

I literally live 20 minutes from Burkitsville lol.. 301 babyyyyyyyyy 🖤💛❤️

[@NEScRETRO]

Nice!! When I traveled to Maryland, I stayed in Baltimore, and the drive out there was really pretty. I absolutely loved it!

[@GambitHaven]

Hot damn I could have sworn this video would have a Million views by now. Hopefully the algorithm gets its act together n.n”

[@drpeppaerdrpeppaer5434]

Re2 music....love it

[@uainjansun]

Interesting fact is that in Portugal sometime in 2001 a group of boys recreated it....tho as expected ended horribly and the guy who had the idea to play the blair witch game survived. Some say its a hoax while people from there claim there was news reports of it

[@rileyverse7774]

i genuinely love your videos so much. would u happen to have any other socials or even a patreon? your about section doesnt list any links

[@NEScRETRO]

Thank you! I don't currently have any social accounts, but I may eventually open one up!

[@younglovedamian]

I love your videos bro

[@Xeemix]

AWWW YEAH ITS TIME FOR A NEW ERA OF RETRO!

[@L_Zant]

Found this due to the game iceburgs. Not into blair witch but this is great, hoping to see more gaming iceburgs as well!

[@justinlaboy6837]

these directors are freaking LEGENDARY!!

[@acidkyledaLSDj]

love this movie and this video m8! kkeep em coimg

[@CorIsFire]

I’ve never seen this before! I’ll add it to my list of 150+ movies to watch 😂