These cases came out during the same time as the big boxes. As like the big boxes, they were intended for video rental stores. These clamshells provided a hard or padded casing to protect the VHS during its transit. Many times, when a VHS was rented, the original cardboard case would remain in the store, while the VHS was placed in a clamshell only bearing its name when it was dispensed to the customer. With the introduction of artworks being encased in clamshells, VHS's were able to be rented along with their box art, while being protected during the transit between customers. Only later, would the selling of clamshells be aimed to the general public for purposes of making a "keepsake item" such as with Disney films.

Check out the clamshells currently in our archive here.

Types of Clamshells: