Hold onto those Disney classics! Old VHS tapes fetching jaw-dropping prices online

The Little Mermaid's asking price is an eye-watering $64,000! And that's not all...

Look at this stuff. Isn't it neat? Wouldn't you think my collections complete? If you uncovered a 'Whole New World' in the boxes labelled "90s" in your parent's garage, you would. 

Your hot ticket out of this cost-of-living crisis might just be found in those Disney classics from your childhood. 

For those of you who don't know (aka not old enough), before streaming, there was Blu-Ray and DVDs. And before that, there it was VHS. And we also went to a video store to rent them!

You also had to rewind it when you finished it. Wild, we know. 

Once considered obsolete relics of a bygone era, VHS tapes have resurged in popularity among collectors who seek to relive the magic of their favourite childhood movies.

And when it comes to Disney classics, the demand soars higher than the magic carpet over Agrabah.

Most Disney VHS tapes are likely gathering dust in attics or thrift stores. On the other hand, black diamond editions have become prized possessions on Etsy, coveted by Disney enthusiasts like Abu in the Cave of Wonders.

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Is my Disney VHS valuable? 

The 'Black Diamond Collection' of Disney classics were tapes released between 1984 and 1994.

They feature a black diamond logo on the spine, which includes the words 'The Classics'. 

Another way to determine if your collection is worth selling is to look for the slogan 'A Walt Disney Classic', which is printed on the tape above the movie's title. 

With their original packaging and pristine condition, these tapes can command staggering prices on the secondary market, rivalling the treasures in Prince Ali's parade.

Ok, enough with the Disney puns. There's some serious doh... re-mi to be made. 

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They want how many thing-a-me-bobs? 

The Little Mermaid VHS. Source: Etsy

The Little Mermaid's price tag would have Ursula's tentacles in a twist. Etsy seller Goodgoodtrinkets has it selling for $64,020.49 (every cent counts). 

The description reads: "Disney's The Little Mermaid, on VHS. This vintage 1990 *Black Diamond* original release features controversial cover art that resembles certain male anatomy. Subsequent releases of the film changed this art. The item is in great condition. It is used, well cared for, and has zero damage to the film or case."

Thank goodness the tape is intact! Back in the day, if your tape wasn't working, you'd have to blow into it to remove the dusk and pop it back in the player. *Cue the eye roll from the Gen Xers. 

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Then there's Beauty and the Beast (another favourite of mine).

Its current going rate is a cool $48,015.36.

Don't laugh though. Finding a buyer for this precious gem could happen. After all, the Beast finds Belle as the last petal falls off the enchanted rose.  

Beauty and the Beast on VHS. Source: Etsy

On the plus side, shipping is free!

If you want to own one of these vintage delights, try Aladdin. It's an absolute steal. It won't cost you your hand or a wish (IYKYK), just $9,474.18 from your bank account to make it yours.

However, the big question remains: who is buying them, when you can stream them all on Disney+?

For many, owning a rare Disney VHS tape is a tangible connection to their childhood and a way to preserve cherished moments from years past, much like Ariel cherishes her collection of human treasures.  

Originally published as Hold onto those Disney classics! Old VHS tapes fetching jaw-dropping prices online