VHS was never a particularly good format for collectibles. With an even shorter lifespan than DVDs, they are impossible to both use and keep in good condition. They are also extremely vulnerable to moisture, magnetism, and heat. Although there are some exceptions, the majority of VHS are completely worthless. It may be worth calling a junk removal company if you have other stuff you want to get rid of.
The Digital Revolution
Disney did a pretty good job preserving their original film cans. This means that no matter how well-kept your VHS is, a much better version of the film is locked in a vault somewhere. It is only a matter of time before Disney, hoping to capitalize on nostalgia, transfers all of its best films to a digital format. DVDs, Blue Rays, and downloads will always have a sharper image and sound, and longer lifespan, than poor analog VHS.
However, there is still value in some incredibly rare Disney VHS.
The Ones Worth Keeping
- Holiday specials. We’ve all seen Mickey’s Christmas Carol. But how many people have seen Disney’s Halloween Treat or Christmas at Pooh Corner? Holidays are a great time to watch movies as a family and people are always on the lookout for new ones to watch. Online, holiday specials on VHS sometimes go for over a $100 on eBay.
- Forgotten classics. Many live-action Disney movies from the 40s, 50s, and 60s were released in the late 70s on VHS, as Disney tried to capitalize on the nostalgia of then-middle-aged people. These movies were soon forgotten, and will likely never be put in digital formats.
What to Do with the Ones not Worth Keeping
If you have all the original packaging and every tape is in its proper case, your collection might still be useful to someone. Some charities in Toronto, like the Salvation Army, will still take and use VHS tapes. Unfortunately, many other charities will just throw them out. If you want to cut out the middle man, call a junk removal service.