Ethan Clarke
VHS tapes were typically packaged in plastic cases known as clamshell cases, owing to their hinged design that allows them to open and close like a clamshell. These cases were usually made of silver or light grey plastic and were commonly used for VHS tapes aimed at children, as the plastic cases were generic and could be swapped out if damaged. Clamshell cases were also available in a “soft clamshell variant, differing from the “hard clamshells used by major film studios and rental stores.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Variety of packaging options | Clamshell cases, library cases, flat stock slipcases, big boxes, cardboard standards, cardboard slide boxes |
| Clamshell case colours | Silver/light grey |
| Clamshell case features | Soft and hard varieties; the video cassette sleeve is removable |
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What You'll Learn
Clamshell cases
VHS tapes were typically packaged in plastic clamshell cases. These cases were so-called because they flip open and closed like a clam. The clamshell case was one of several packaging options for VHS tapes, including the classic big box, the cardboard standard, and the cardboard slide box.
Some people have a sentimental attachment to clamshell cases, particularly those who grew up with VHS tapes. For example, one person on Reddit commented that they missed the feeling of opening a clamshell case, and that Monster's Inc had the best one, with a clear case and a blue tape.
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Hard and soft clamshells
VHS tapes were often stored in plastic cases known as clamshells. The name clamshell refers to the way these cases open and close, resembling the motion of a clam. Clamshells were used by many studios, including Disney, Anchor Bay, Fox, Artisan, Universal, DreamWorks, and Warner Bros.
There are two main types of clamshells: hard clamshells and soft clamshells. Hard clamshells were used by several major studios, as well as rental stores. They are known for their durability and protection. Soft clamshells, on the other hand, are more commonly associated with Disney. These cases were often cheaply made, prone to breaking, and difficult to store due to their bulkiness. They also tend to crack, yellow, and rip over time.
The preference for hard or soft clamshells varies among collectors. Some prefer hard clamshells for their sturdiness, while others find them awkward and prefer the smoother edges of soft clamshells or slip covers. Soft clamshells were also favoured by some collectors for their nostalgic value, reminding them of the era when renting a VCR was common.
Clamshells often featured colourful designs, with some collectors expressing dislike for certain colour choices, such as bright green or white. Additionally, clamshells were known to have sharp edges and close in a peculiar manner. Despite their protective benefits, some collectors opt for slip covers due to their aesthetic appeal and smoother appearance on shelves.
Overall, while clamshells may evoke mixed feelings among VHS enthusiasts, they remain a memorable aspect of VHS tape storage, with some collectors displaying their favourite clamshells alongside their tapes.
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Library cases
VHS tapes were typically packaged in plastic cases, which were available in a variety of styles. One common type of case was the clamshell, which opened and closed like a clam, with the video cassette resting inside. Clamshell cases could be made of either hard or soft plastic and came in different sizes. Some companies, like Disney, used oversized clamshell cases for their VHS tapes, while other companies like Anchor Bay, Fox, Artisan, Universal, and DreamWorks used a differently designed version of the hard clamshell case.
Another type of VHS case was the "
The "library case" was another form of VHS packaging. This type of case was typically made of plastic and was designed to hold a single VHS tape. It often had a clear plastic window on the front to display the cover art of the tape.
The "cardboard standard" was a simple packaging style where the VHS tape slides out from the bottom of the cardboard box. This style did not have any flaps, and the sleeve could be loose, causing the tape to fall out if not handled carefully. A similar style, the "cardboard standard twin," was used for releases that included two video cassettes.
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Flat stock slipcases
VHS tapes can be packaged in clamshell cases, library cases, and flat stock slipcases. Flat stock slipcases are also used for CDs, DVDs, books, vinyl, and other media. They are designed to protect their contents while improving the product's status.
Slipcases are available in a variety of materials, including paper, cardboard, and chipboard. They can be customised with special effects such as die cuts, foil, spot gloss, embossing, and tube side loading. The most common type of slipcase is made of 310gsm or thicker art card paper stock and is collapsible. Chipboard slipcases, on the other hand, are more rigid and are considered a deluxe option. They require a certain width and are often wrapped in 4C print or special materials like leather, linen, or fabric paper.
Slipcases can be designed to hold multiple items, such as disc or vinyl LP jackets, digipaks, paper books, or cases. They can also be used to dress up a single special volume. The minimum order quantity for slipcases is typically 300 to 500 units for CD/DVD size and 200 units for vinyl size. Manufacturing slipcases with media (such as discs or books) is more cost-effective than manufacturing slipcases separately.
When it comes to packaging, slipcase boxes offer a premium look and feel while providing durable construction. They often feature rigid outer shells and custom-fit inner trays for secure storage. Slipcase boxes are commonly used for high-end products and gifts, as they elevate the perception of the product's value. The smooth sliding cover of a slipcase box adds a deliberate touch to the unboxing experience, enhancing the overall presentation.
Additionally, slipcases can be customised with various packaging paper thicknesses and finishing options like lamination, foiling, and coatings. These add-ons further enhance the elegance and style of the packaging, making them ideal for retailers and collectors who want to protect their products while improving their status.
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Cardboard standard
VHS tapes were packaged in a variety of cases, including clamshell cases, library cases, and flat-stock slipcases. One of the most popular types of VHS packaging was the ""big box", which was made of cardboard with a top and bottom flap. The inside of the box contained a plastic shell that held the VHS tape. This design was not very durable, and the tape would often fall out if the sleeve was loose.
The "cardboard standard" was another VHS packaging format that had no flaps. The bottom was open-ended, allowing the cassette to slide out. This design was quite tricky as the tape would fall out if the sleeve was loose and one didn't have a firm grip on the box. This format was rarely used, mostly for video cassettes that came in twin sets, such as the Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea television epics, and Short Cuts.
The "cardboard standard" provided a simple and cost-effective solution for VHS packaging, with the open-ended design allowing for easy access to the tape. However, it lacked the durability and protection offered by other packaging formats, making it less suitable for frequent use or storage in environments with young children, as the tapes could easily fall out and be damaged.
While the "cardboard standard" packaging format may not have been as robust as other options, it showcased the creativity and diversity of VHS packaging designs during the format's heyday. It is a testament to the industry's exploration of different materials and structures to meet consumer needs and preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic lightbox VHS refers to the packaging of the VHS tape. There are a variety of packaging options for VHS tapes, and the plastic lightbox style is also known as a clamshell case.
Clamshell cases are a style of VHS packaging that opens and closes like a clamshell. They are usually made of plastic and can be soft or hard.
Many companies used clamshell cases for VHS packaging, including Disney, Anchor Bay, Fox, Artisan, Universal, DreamWorks, and Warner Bros.
Yes, there are several other types of VHS packaging, including the classic big box, the cardboard standard, the cardboard slide box, and the flat stock slipcase.
