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Are Disney Black Diamond VHS Tapes Worth $$?
Hey everyone, it's been a while since I wrote the article "How To Check eBay Sold Listings (Sorry Your Corningware Isn't Worth Thousands!)" and I am back at it today with teaching you about Black Diamond Disney VHS Tapes.
This comes around the internet in all of my vintage and antique groups about every so often. Someone will be looking at buying or selling a collection of VHS tapes hoarded in the 90's. They have seen crazy prices both on ebay and in some false.
So, what are Disney Black Diamond VHS tapes?
Certain clamshell Disney tapes have a diamond shape that says 'The Classics'. These are a special release called the "Black Diamond' editions. They were a collection of 18 tapes that were released from the late 80's ending in 94. Some people think that means that these are more sought after than others, which is why the term 'Black Diamond' comes up in search engines frequently. People try to claim that they are new in shrink wrap, in protective coverings, never been watched...the list goes on. People try to justify asking astronomical prices for tapes that most people don't even have a player (or a tv!) to watch anymore.
Which ones are in the Black Diamond Collection?
"Robin Hood" (1984, 1991)
"Pinocchio" (1985, 1993)
"Dumbo" (1985, 1991)
"Sword in the Stone" (1986, 1991)
"Alice in Wonderland" (1986, 1991)
"Sleeping Beauty" (1986)
"Lady and the Tramp" (1987)
"Cinderella" (1988)
"Bambi" (1989)
"The Little Mermaid" (1990)
"Peter Pan" (1990)
"The Jungle Book" (1991)
"The Rescuers Down Under" (1991)
"Fantasia" (1991)
"101 Dalmatians" (1992)
"The Great Mouse Detective" (1992)
"The Rescuers" (1992)
"Beauty and the Beast" (1992)
"Aladdin" (1993)
"The Fox and the Hound" (1994)
"People don't seriously think these tapes are going to help them retire do they?"
Well, as you can see in the Facebook posts above and below, there still seems to be confusion about how much they can get for these tapes.
I see the same posts almost about once a month in various thrifting and antique groups. Usually, these groups are an excellent resource for helping with the values and prices of items found while hunting, but this question just won't seem to go away no matter how much information gets posted about it! Sometimes there will be articles written tabloid-style that show people how much the asking price of an item is
(I'm looking at you Vice!), and then people will think that's how much they are selling for. (Again, check eBay sold listings!) But people are thrown off because sometimes there are such things as 'sold' listings that aren't actually paid for. This is when people can put in a bid or an offer, and it seem 'accepted/sold' BUT they usually never end up paying. I don't know why it's Disney VHS listings. I don't even understand why it's funny. The best guess out there is that it's a front for something nefarious, and no one would actually spend that kind of money on a VHS tapes. It's also worth noting here that if an eBay account fails to make payment, there are steps that the buyer and eBay can collect payment, or even close the account. Do NOT make fake bids. You jeopardize getting blacklisted by ebay and you may never be able to create an account again if you have too many strikes against you.
With the advent of streaming systems, especially the new Disney+, people just don't have a need for VHS or DVDs anymore. Most people don't even have a VHS player anymore. According to TechTimes, "VHS tapes stopped being produced in 2008, and Panasonic stopping selling VCRs in 2012, [and the last ever VHS player was sold in 2016]." I think I have a dusty one somewhere because I refuse to let go of some of my favorite movies, but it is not the mainstream way of home video anymore.
There have been a few that may fetch money just for fun, such as the infamous Little Mermaid Disney VHS cover. The other exception is ones that are no longer available, or special versions of the movie you cannot find online or on DVD. There was controversy with the 'Song of the South" Disney movie for example, so people will have to turn to eBay if they wanted to find that title now.
The Little Mermaid one is listed for varying prices online, and I just have to assume this one in particular, sells for the price someone is willing to pay. On bid, one sold for $4.... but then some sold for over $100, so it seems just to be a random chance! There's a whole story about that cover, with theories about a disgruntled employee or just an overworked animator, but I will leave you with this photo that links to the story from someone else!
But in reality, do people really spend thousands on Disney Tapes, Black Diamond or otherwise?
The answer is:
Happy hunting! And remember, if it's too good to be true, it usually is!
Can't bear to get rid of your old tapes? Try these VHS storage bags!
Need a VHS player to rewatch the classics? Here's a renewed one from Amazon
Want to see what items I think are worth picking up? Check out my Etsy store!