Knowledge

Book Box

An old classic of the WCI era. This box displays like a presentation case for your VHS or Beta. The box opens from the front like a book showcasing the tape recessed into the box with a cardboard insert. These WCI boxes would have a distinctive design surrounding the tape as well as additional information about that movie on the inside flap. Due to the large size of the boxes they tend to take up a lot of space especially when displaying larger collections. 
 

MGM/UA Big Box

At the time MGM/UA came out with a box that was the same style as the WCI box, but with slightly different dimensions. Much like the WCI book box you open it like a book and the tape is resting in an insert. However, MGM/UA made a plastic insert that the tape is cradled in. These boxes would also come in silver with 2 lines running across the body of the box. They were used in the early days of MGM/UA VHS and Beta. A side note, the beta box was resized to be more proportional to the actual Beta tape.  
 

Clamshell 

The clamshell is a classic look for those Thorn EMI tapes along with some late 90s tapes that didn't come in a slipcase. They are made of a rigid plastic that folds on the left spine and clips together. Inside the tape as set on pegs or holders for the reels to keep the tape securely in place.  
 

Drawer Box 

These are a true relic of the past from when VHS and home media was still in its infancy. CBS FOX released the drawer box style case for 1 year only! The tape was contained in a drawer or tray and it would slide in from the side. The overall box was the same size for both VHS and Beta, however the drawer or tray was sized smaller to accommodate Beta tapes. It's easy to see why CBS FOX moved away from this design but it will always be a collector's favorite. 

Full Box 

These boxes are closed on all sides. They are very similar in outward appearance to the side loader box however they will usually open from the top or bottom with folding flaps, all other sides would be glued shut.  
 

Gatefold 

Paramount decided it would go down the road of the gatefold style in the early days of VHS and Beta packaging. This box would open like a book and from the front where there was a cutout window to see the label on the tape. The tape would load and unload from the left side of the box. As in most burgeoning industries movie companies were trying many new and innovative ways to display and market their taps . The gatefold is a personal favorite of one of the Rewind Grading authenticators.  
 

Magnetic Box 

In 1977 Magnetic video Corporation started selling VHS to the public prior to that they were licensed to use Fox movies before 1973. As these tapes tended to be very heavy early on they kept the box design constant during its tenure. Key features of the Magnetic box include the window in the front and the fact that the tape is slightly bigger than the box itself (often seen hanging just past the box at the bottom). This style box is very similar to a slip sleeve with the major difference being the viewing window on the front of the box that allows you to view the tape on a reel. 
 

Oversized Clamshell 

Often seen on Disney films, the oversized clam shell is made from a thinner plastic and features a hollow blow-mold construction with a sleeve or pocket around the case for art to be inserted into. While they still fold and snap shut like a standard clamshell they offer a much less audible click. You will find them in a variety of colors from many different studios. 
 

Sideloader

Early RCA tapes are some of the more common side loader cases. These boxes were closed upon all sides. One side would have a folding flap where the tape would be loaded and unloaded from.  Ghostbusters is a crowd favorite when this case style comes to mind. 
 

Slip Sleeve 

The most common style of case for VHS and Beta tapes is the slip sleeve. The tape is loaded and unloaded through a bottom cutout in the box. Due to the open nature of these boxes some studios utilized a proof of purchase flap or a security sticker across the bottom to for enhanced security. This style of case gives us a better view of the bottom of the tape inside, some studios would also etch the bottom of the tape which can be seen. The box is usually glued on the sides and a folding flap across the top. Most tapes will also have finger or semi-circle cutouts on the bottom sides to more easily grasp the tape inside.