If you’re like many people, you might have a collection of old VHS tapes gathering dust on a shelf or in an attic. But before you consider getting rid of them, you might want to think twice. It turns out that some of these old tapes could be worth a significant amount of money.
The reason for this lies in the way movies are released and re-released. Modern directorial practice often involves making changes to the film, adding or editing scenes from the original theatrical version. While some people might not mind these changes, others are willing to pay a premium for the original cut.
This is where old VHS tapes come in. Certain tapes, particularly those of Disney movies, can fetch high prices on online marketplaces like eBay. For example, a rare Beauty and the Beast tape recently listed for a staggering $9,999. The reason for this high price tag? The original Beauty and the Beast VHS release did not include the song “Human Again,” which was added to the 2002 special edition.
But what makes Disney tapes, in particular, so valuable to collectors? According to one Reddit user, it’s all about the branding. “On the spines of some VHS (and BetaMax) tapes is a black diamond with Walt’s signature on it,” the user explains. “This specific branding makes these tapes highly sought after by collectors.”
So, if you’re rummaging through your old VHS collection, keep an eye out for those Disney tapes. You never know, you might just stumble upon a rare gem that’s worth a small fortune.
