Disney VHS Tapes: Are They Worth a Fortune?
Did you find a stack of Disney VHS tapes in your parent’s attic? Well, you might be very lucky because they could be worth a fortune. Only certain collectors and enthusiasts are interested in old VHS tapes these days, but Disney tapes have some extra value. VHS tapes are no longer in production, so they have value for collectors. The combination of Disney’s nostalgia factor and limited runs can cause prices to fluctuate wildly.
The series of 20 films released between 1984 and 1994, known as the “Black Diamond” collection, have earned their nickname due to the black diamond-shaped logo on the VHS covers. These tapes have been debated in terms of their true value, but reports of some selling for thousands have resulted in ridiculous prices. Antique, unopened, and out-of-print tapes can sell for breathtaking fortunes.
Most Valuable Disney VHS Tapes
1. “The Fox and the Hound” - A great but tragic story that ends with a good moral lesson, voiced by a young Kurt Russell.
Antique price: $3,000
Current price: $10
2. “Bambi” - Known for one of the saddest character deaths in Disney history.
Antique price: $4,000
Current price: $100
3. “The One And Only, Genuine, Original, Family Band” - A 1968 Disney musical inspired by The Music Man, this is one of the rarest tapes around due to its rarity, being brand new and still in its original factory-sealed plastic wrap.
Antique price: $3,000
Current price: $3000
4. “Fantasia” - Mickey Mouse in his iconic sorcerer’s outfit, along with dancing animals and a rising demon named Chernabog.
Antique price: $6,000
Current price: $100
“Fantasia” is unique but rare and new tapes from back in the day barely break the $100 mark in terms of value.
5. “Cinderella” - Tells the classic fairy tale of a young woman forced to cook and clean, who then goes to the ball and falls in love with Prince Charming.
Copies of “Cinderella” can range from over $3000 to less than $10, depending on condition and year of release.
6. “Lady and the Tramp” - A canine version of “My Fair Lady” combined with “Oliver Twist” and is a fan favorite.
An unopened limited-edition version of “Lady and the Tramp” can be worth a few thousand dollars or less, depending on condition.
7. “Aladdin” - Beloved for Robin Williams’ turn as the delightful genie and the rags-to-riches love story of Aladdin and Princess Jasmine.
The Black Diamond edition of “Aladdin” can be listed for over $3000, but there are cheaper options available.
8. “Dumbo” - The classic tale of an elephant who learns to fly and is still well known today.
Prices for “Dumbo” VHS tapes range from just a few dollars to a staggering $11,000, depending on condition and cover art.
9. “The Rescuers Down Under” - Follows the adventures of mice Bernard and Bianca as they rescue a young boy kidnapped by poachers.
The VHS tape of “The Rescuers Down Under” can be listed for a high price or just a few dollars, depending on condition and popularity.
10. “The Jungle Book” - Tells the story of Mowgli, a boy raised by wolves, who ends up under the care of a panther and a bear after being threatened by a tiger.
“The Jungle Book” VHS tapes can range from a few thousand dollars to just a few dollars, depending on condition and special editions.
The rarest and most valuable VHS tape is “The Little Mermaid” from the year 2000, which had a limited release and was only available for purchase at Epcot Center.
11. “Beauty and the Beast” - Breaks away from stereotypical romance and features a strong female protagonist in Belle.
The list price for “Beauty and the Beast” VHS tapes reflects its popularity, but prices like $35,000 for a twenty-year-old tape without the original wrap are a bad joke.
12. “101 Dalmatians” - One of Disney’s most well-known classics, and the popularity of the Cruella-based remakes has increased its value.
Prices for “101 Dalmatians” VHS tapes can range from as much as $2000 to less than the shipping price, depending on condition and rarity.
13. “Peter Pan” - The 1953 animated film has never been released on VHS or DVD.
