If you are looking for the ultimate VCR experience, look into the higher-end units that have built-in TBC (time base correction), picture filters, calibration, high quality tape transports, calibration, 2-4MB (more is better) RAM, dynamic drums....etc.
Units like the JVC-S7900U, S9600U, S9800U, S9900U, SR-V10U (assuming you live in an NTSC territory, the models are different if you're in PAL).
The downside of course is that high-end VCRs command a higher price, but they are much kinder to your tapes (aka longer life), and the picture you can get out of them is incredible.