Florida Man on a Mission to Collect 1 Million VHS Copies of Titanic
Meet JD, aka TitanicFan97, a Florida man with an insatiable passion for Titanic. His quirky quest to amass 1 million VHS copies has turned into a global phenomenon, blending nostalgia, humor, and an unsinkable love for James Cameron’s iconic film.
By Richard Cole · November 30, 2023
Welcome to the sun-soaked state of Florida, where eccentricities are not exactly in short supply. But one man has taken his passion for a cinematic masterpiece to an unprecedented level. JD, also known as TitanicFan97 on YouTube, is a Largo-area resident who has become the unlikely curator of a staggering collection of 2,467 VHS copies of the 1997 film Titanic. And believe it or not, he’s on a mission to amass a mind-boggling one million copies.
I go to sleep thinking about Titanic, and I wake up thinking about Titanic
JD’s obsession with James Cameron’s 1997 epic love story has turned him into a local legend. His pursuit of Titanic VHS tapes takes him on a treasure hunt through thrift stores, flea markets, and garage sales, the haunts where the ghosts of discarded VHS tapes still linger. The community, both local and global, has joined him in his quest, with social media followers from around the world mailing him tapes to contribute to his growing archive.
“You can’t escape this movie. Everyone had it, your grandma had it, your mom, your dad, whoever, someone in your family had this movie,” JD enthusiastically shared with WFTS-TV. His contagious passion for Titanic seems to resonate with many who fondly remember the film that swept hearts and awards in the late 90s.
But JD’s ambition doesn’t stop at 2,467 copies. He envisions securing an unsinkable world record for amassing the largest collection of Titanic VHS tapes. “I go to sleep thinking about Titanic, and I wake up thinking about Titanic,” he admitted, highlighting the depth of his dedication.
Beyond the realm of VHS tapes, JD’s Titanic collection reaches new heights. “We also have the world’s largest collection of Titanic the soundtrack on CD,” he proudly proclaimed. In an unexpected turn of events, Ripley’s Believe It or Not recognized JD’s commitment to his Titanic obsession and decided to immortalize him in their next book.
In an effort to fulfill his audacious goal, JD has extended an open invitation to Titanic enthusiasts worldwide. Anyone with spare VHS copies of the film is encouraged to contribute to his growing trove by mailing them to P.O. Box 5355 Largo, Fla., 33779. This call to action has transformed JD’s quest into a collective endeavor, where individuals far and wide can play a role in shaping his unparalleled Titanic haven.
As JD’s collection continues to grow, it becomes a testament to the enduring impact of Titanic on popular culture. Beyond the sheer number of VHS tapes, JD’s venture captures the nostalgia and sentimentality tied to a film that left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide.