Black Diamond Vhs Appraisal

Disney The Little Mermaid Black Diamond Edition VHS (Error Print Castle)

This item is a VHS cassette of the Walt Disney Classic film 'The Little Mermaid,' specifically identified as a 'Black Diamond Edition.' The cassette is housed in its original clamshell case, which features the iconic artwork of Ariel, Prince Eric, Flounder, King Triton, and Ursula, with King Triton's castle depicted in the background. The overall color scheme of the cover is aquatic, dominated by blues and greens. The case is made of a standard plastic material, with the artwork printed on a paper insert encased within the plastic. Key distinguishing features include the 'Walt Disney Classic' branding at the top, a hallmark of the Black Diamond releases (1984-1994). The primary identifying characteristic, as noted in the context, is a 'error print on the castle.' While difficult to discern precisely from the provided images due to lighting and minor glare, this detail refers to a known manufacturing flaw on some early Black Diamond releases of 'The Little Mermaid' where a phallic-shaped spire appears on the castle artwork. This particular error elevates its collectibility significantly. Visible condition issues include some creasing and wear on the top edge of the VHS slipcover, indicating handling and storage over time. There are minor scuffs and surface irregularities on the plastic case, consistent with a vintage item. The colors on the cover appear vibrant, suggesting good preservation of the artwork despite minor wear. The craftsmanship is typical of mass-produced VHS releases of its era, emphasizing clear printing and durable plastic casing to protect the cassette inside. The estimated age places this item in the late 1980s or early 1990s, corresponding to the initial release of The Little Mermaid on home video and the Black Diamond collection period.