Before you decide to toss out your old VHS tapes, you might want to take a second glance. With the resurgence in popularity of all things vintage, VHS tapes have started to regain value. As a result, some tapes are becoming rare collectibles and can fetch a pretty penny on the resale market.
Our list is based on research of real-world trends, expert interviews, and recent auction results. We have not used any invented statistics. This article will provide you with a list of 11 VHS tapes that are worth checking before you decide to throw them away. Each item on the list will include a detailed description and why it is valuable in today’s market.
The Little Mermaid (Original Cover)
The infamous first-issue clamshell shows King Triton’s castle with a controversial spire on the front insert. Disney quickly replaced this art, so the earlier sleeve is the one collectors talk about.
- How to identify: Look for the Walt Disney Classics “Black Diamond” logo on the spine and the castle artwork with the questionable spire. The tape and case should match (no rental swap-ins).
- Reality check: Most open/ungraded copies sell modestly; sealed, graded, or unusual variants can bring premiums. Read the background on the cover controversy on Snopes.
- Market check: See active listings on eBay.
Beauty and the Beast (Black Diamond Edition)
Part of Disney’s Black Diamond Classics line (roughly 1984–1994). Collectors look for clean clamshells, original inserts, and—when possible—factory seals with correct watermarks.
- How to identify: Spine “diamond” logo and 1992 home-video release details. Beware of common clamshell cracks/yellowing.
- Reality check: Viral claims about routine “thousands of dollars” are exaggerated; read the myth-busting overview on Snopes.
- Market check: Browse copies on eBay.
Star Wars Trilogy (Original Unaltered Trilogy)
Collectors chase the unaltered theatrical versions on VHS, notably the 1995 THX “Faces” set and the scarcer 1988 slipcase three-pack. Sealed, graded examples can be standout performers at auction.
- What to look for: THX “Faces” art (Luke/Vader/Yoda) or the early late-’80s CBS/Fox slipcase. Widescreen variants are a plus.
- Market check: See past sales and title pages in the Heritage Auctions archive (VHS & Home Entertainment) here, or a specific Star Wars 1988 trilogy lot here.
Aladdin (Black Diamond Edition)
A cornerstone ’90s title in the Black Diamond line. Condition and completeness drive price: look for a crisp insert, intact hinges, and the original case (not a rental swap).
- How to identify: Black Diamond spine logo; typical U.S. clamshell with catalog #1662 on many editions.
- Market check: Current listings on eBay.
The Fox and The Hound (Black Diamond Edition)
Often cited among stronger Black Diamond titles. Clean, original clamshells and any factory seals matter; foreign-market variants can add interest.
- How to identify: Black Diamond spine and 1994 home video details for the U.S. issue.
- Market check: See active listings on eBay.
101 Dalmatians (Black Diamond Edition)
Another staple Black Diamond title. As with others, average, opened copies tend to be affordable; sealed and graded examples can do better.
- How to identify: Black Diamond spine logo; 1992 U.S. clamshell release is common—condition is the differentiator.
- Market check: Browse eBay.
Bambi (Black Diamond Edition)
A classic title frequently seen in the wild. Value hinges on superb condition, correct matching case/insert, and any factory seal attributes.
- How to identify: Black Diamond spine and typical U.S. clamshell (often with catalog #942).
- Market check: See options on eBay.
The Lion King (Black Diamond Edition)
Note: The Lion King’s widely distributed VHS is typically the Masterpiece Collection (not Black Diamond). Common copies sell modestly; sealed/graded or unusual variants can be exceptions.
- How to identify: Look for “Masterpiece Collection” branding on most 1995 U.S. issues.
- Reality check: Claims of routine four-figure sales for common copies are misleading; see this Snopes rundown.
- Market check: Browse eBay.
Sleeping Beauty (Black Diamond Edition)
A desirable early Black Diamond reissue when found in excellent condition. Watch for case yellowing and insert fading.
- How to identify: Black Diamond spine with catalog references such as 476V/4760 on many U.S. editions.
- Market check: See listings on eBay.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Black Diamond Edition)
Early Disney classic with multiple home-video iterations across the decades. As always, quality of the case/insert and any factory seal details matter more than hype.
- How to identify: Black Diamond spine on earlier reissues; later runs shift to the Masterpiece Collection.
- Market check: Explore options on eBay.
General VHS collecting tips: Values swing with condition (sealed > near-mint > rental-worn), completeness (original clamshell, insert, hype stickers), scarcity (early issues, country variants), and grading (sealed tapes graded by third parties can command premiums). For perspective on realized prices beyond list hype, check sold archives like Heritage Auctions’ VHS/Home Entertainment results. Also see myth-busting on Disney Black Diamond pricing claims via Snopes.
