No longer did we have to wait for the movies to appear once a year on TV, or to be re-released in theaters. We could watch them any time we wanted. Crazy!
And it wasn’t just the big hits that were on VHS tapes — you could also find the lesser-known films, cartoon shorts, sing-along videos and more on videocassettes.
Here’s a look back at some of the magic that was released in last two decades of the 20th century — many of which, as Disney often said, were on video for the last time this century!
Disney Home Video cartoons on VHS (1982)
Walt Disney Home Video: Enter a world of pure magic. (1980)
Let yourself escape to a realm of imagination and enchantment that’s as near as your television set. Now your whole family can enjoy Disney’s happiest movies on home videocassettes.
Voyage aboard Captain Nemo’s submarine,”20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.” Blaze a wilderness trail with “Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier.” Experience the farthest reaches of space amid the awesome mystery of “The Black Hole.”
And, for a special treat, be sure to catch Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy in their most memorable animated adventures.
Disney’s Pinocchio for videocassette (1985)
When you wish upon a star, your dream comes true.
It’s the original “Pinocchio”, Walt Disney’s masterpiece of animation and music. A classic you never dreamed you’d see on videocassette.
A tradition no one should miss. Now you can relive your memories of “Pinocchio” again and again. And cherish its magic forever.
This blonde has more fun. (1985)
She’s sugar and spice and everything nice… the delightful Hayley Mills!
These family films come Hayley recommended: In “Summer Magic,” Miss Mills is joined by Burl Ives and Dorothy McGuire in a tuneful tale of young love and starry New England nights.
Then, paws for refreshment as “That Darn Cat” helps Hayley, Dean Jones, Dorothy Provine and Roddy McDowall solve the purrr-fect crime. Both “Summer Magic” and “That Darn Cat” are now available for the first time ever on videocassette.
But don’t forget Hayley’s other all-time favorites… “Pollyanna,” where she proves that things are always better than they seem.
“The Parent Trap!” where Hayley plays two sisters engaged in a hilarious campaign to reunite their estranged parents.
And “In Search of Castaways,” where Hayley battles cannibals and a hostile land, searching for her lost father. All these hits are Hayley entertaining. Now on videocassette from Walt Disney Home Video.
Opportunity rarely knocks twice. (1985)
Introducing Limited Gold Edition II…
Opportunity’s at your door, right now, with Limited Gold Edition II. Seven videocassettes in a collector’s edition. Each packed with classic Disney cartoons never before released on video! Featuring rare screen appearances by Mickey, Donald, Goofy, Pluto and the gang.
Your family will have the time of its life enjoying “Life With Mickey!” — Seeing your favorite duck dodge bees and buzzbombs in Donald’s “Bee Pictures” and “An Officer And A Duck.” Getting a dog’s eye view in “The World According To Goofy.” And falling in puppy love, watching “From Pluto With Love.”
You’ll discover “How The Best Was Won,” with Disney’s award winners, from 1933 to 1960. And thrill to the genius of “The Disney Dream Factory,” landmark musical shorts made between 1933 and 1938.
As a special bonus, each tile has its own introduction, produced exclusively for this edition. You’ll visit “behind the scenes” with some of Disney’s foremost directors and animators. And get the inside story on your favorite Disney characters.
Here’s the opportunity you’ve been waiting for; classic Disney cartoons, at the incredibly low price of $29.95 per videocassette. You’ll want to collect all seven. But remember, Limited Gold Edition II really is limited.
When they’re gone… They’re gone.
Dumbo on Walt Disney Home Video (1985)
This holiday, give your child the wonder of Dumbo. The magic of the one and only Pinocchio. And the splendor of Mary Poppins. Give the joy of a Disney Home Videocassette.
SuperTed on Walt Disney Home Video (1985)
He’s got the stuffing heroes are made of… The Premiere Adventures of SuperTed, the animated video series about an ordinary Teddy Bear who was rescued from the rubbish and given magic powers. This ordinary teddy bear became… SUPERTED. The super-powered teddy who can’t bear crime. He and Spottyman, his friend from outer space, fly all over the world combatting evil.
The magic lives on… Walt Disney Home Video collection (1985)
Give your children a library that giggles. Tapdances. And flies.
Give them the library that overflows with music. Color. And laughter. And your most wonderful, most precious memories.
Introduce them to your oldest friends. The ones who gave you wings. And helped you soar. To Donald Duck, who made you laugh yourself silly. To Old Yeller, who broke your heart.
And to Mary Poppins, who let you know, once upon a childhood, that dreams really do come true. When you give your Disney fantasies to your children, you give them something timeless.
Something unforgettable. So cuddle them through Dumbo’s hurts. Laugh with them through Mickey’s antics. And marvel with them over Tron’s hi-tech curves.
Give them the gift of your childhood. With Walt Disney Home Video. A lifetime of memories. And magic.
Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty… Now on videocassette (1986)
Announcing the Classic you’ve been waiting for… Sleeping Beauty, a timeless story of romance, action, and adventure, enriched by the music of Tchaikovsky, one of the world’s greatest composers.
It’s a crowning achievement in Disney animation to be treasured forever.
ALSO SEE: “Sleeping Beauty” – the classic animated movie – deemed a top Disney triumph (1959)
Bring home the Wonder of Disney this Summer. (1986)
Own the magic of Disney on videocassette… The original animated classic, “Alice in Wonderland“, can be yours for the truly wondrous price of $29.95!
Or choose from seven other all-time Disney favorites, including “20,000 Leagues Under The Sea,” “The Absent-Minded Professor” (Now in color!), “Bedknobs and Broomsticks,” and more…
Plus you can own any of five newly released, all-animated cartoons starring Winnie the Pooh, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck… So bring home the wonder of Disney. But hurry, because something this wonderful isn’t going to last for long. Available at video stores everywhere.
Walt Disney Video-A-Long video cassettes: Mickey’s Discovery Series (1986)
You can own the magic of Disney! Enchanting videocassettes to watch again and again!
Wonderous tales. Masterful storytelling. Books that come to life. Your kids will thrill to these fun-filled adventures that capture their hearts and imaginations. And, they’ll want to re-live the magic over and over again!
Includes Mickey’s Discovery series, Winnie the Pooh series, The Disney Classic series, and volumes one and two of Disney’s Greatest Lullabies.
Classic Walt Disney Home Video VHS: Cinderella movie (1987)
Now, you can make a dream come true! Remember when the world was new and everything was possible?
It was the time when you first believed in magic. When all your dreams came true. It was the time of Cinderella.
Now, that time can be shared by your whole family. Cinderella, the world’s favorite fairy tale is on videocassette. But like all good things, it’s available for a limited time only.
Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance for your family to have this magical experience. You’ve kept the memories in your heart, now you can take them home forever.
Classic Disney at a Goofy price! (1987)
A face kids love… at a price that will make you smile!
You and your kids can discover, all over again, the fun and fantasy of the Disney experience. Start your collection of cartoon classics, available for the first time on videocassette.
Bring Disney home and see your kids smile. That alone is priceless!
ALSO SEE: These vintage Disney book/record combos from the ’70s will take you back
The one film you’ve been waiting for can finally be yours (1987)
Only one film this year has the magic to capture your heart forever — Walt Disney’s Lady and the Tramp.
Brimming with romance, music and adventure, this timeless film will rekindle magical memories… memories that you can share with your family.
Don’t miss this opportunity to own the most coveted animated Classic…
It’s been well worth the wait.
Walt Disney Mini-Classics on videotape (1988)
Fill your home with magic! New! Walt Disney Mini-Classics at a mini-price!
Now, your favorite classic tales are on videocassette at the mini-price of $14.95! This new series is filled with enchanting music and brilliant Disney animation, including a special Commemorative Edition celebrating Mickey’s 60th birthday.
Plus your other all-time favorites:
- Mickey and the Beanstalk
- The Reluctant Dragon
- Donald in Mathmagic Land
ALSO SEE: Vintage Disneyland tickets: The A B C D E rides and attractions at the Magic Kingdom (1959-1982)
No one should grow up without Bambi. (1989)
Bambi on VHS videotape — The perfect holiday gift!
Bambi. The single most asked-for gift this season is also the perfect video gift for the holidays. To give, to own, to cherish.
And no matter how young or old they may be, they will treasure this Timeless Masterpiece forever.
SEE MORE: Why Walt Disney’s classic movie ‘Bambi’ took 5 years to make (1942)
Classic Walt Disney Home Video VHS: Peter Pan (1990)
A Walt Disney Classic is the magic childhood memories are made of. And when your little ones unwrap Walt Disney’s Classic Peter Pan this holiday season, their faces will light up with surprise!
Full of breathtaking animation, memorable characters and unforgettable music, Disney’s Peter Pan is the perfect holiday gift. Available for a limited time.
Disney’s Sing-Along Songs – The Little Mermaid (1990)
The Little Mermaid: Put a song in their hearts! Your kids and Disney’s Sing-Along Songs videos… A perfect duet.
They won’t just watch, they’ll join in with their favorite Disney friends, following the lyrics on the screen, learning their favorite Disney songs.
From “Under the Sea” to “You Can Fly!” — your kids will love singing with all eight unique Sing-Along Songs videos.
Give your kids the magic of music… and Disney!
Go bananas with The Jungle Book! (1991)
It’s party time — jungle style!
It’s a swingin’, singin’, jungle adventure! Walt Disney’s Classic, The Jungle Book!
DuckTales the Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp & many more (1991)
Give your kids the next great Disney collectible.
Your kids’ favorite Disney characters — Huey, Dewey and Louie — hit the big screen in their first full-length action-packed movie!
It’s a thrilling animated Disney adventure that’s a must for every kid’s video collection! And guess what… you’ll love it too! Bring home the next great Disney collectible today!
Walt Disney Studio Film Collection (1992)
Some films are so special, they capture your heart forever!
Introducing Walt Disney’s Studio Film Collection. Disney films that you hold close to your heart. Films that excite you. Films that touch you. Films that are unforgettable.
And now, you can own this unique collection of films. Featuring such titles as “The Parent Trap,” “The Love Bug,” “Old Yeller,” “20,000 Leagues Under The Sea” and more from Walt Disney’s Studio Film Collection.
Because you never forget a good feeling.
Pinocchio on home video (1993)
Make a wish come true… while you still can! On video for the last time this century!
ALSO SEE: Vintage ’80s tech: See 1987’s hottest TVs, VCRs, stereos, cellular phones & more at The Good Guys
One Response
In the late 80s and early 90s, it was a big event when a classic Disney movie was released on home video. When she was little, my daughter had the VHS videotape of “Cinderella.” She would watch it as part of her nightly bedtime routine, usually falling asleep within the first 10 minutes. She also had a collection of the Sing-A-Long tapes.