Cases

• Quickly accessing a movie can be a challenge for DVD and VHS tapes. The spine of both is relatively small, but the VHS tapes are about an inch long, making them a lot easier to read than DVD cases. VHS cases are easier to store because almost every VHS case is in the small packaging. DVD cases feature a variety of packaging including the standard plastic case, the cardboard snapping case, slim cases and special edition cases that come in all shapes and sizes.
  
  

Size

• VHS tapes take up a lot more space than DVDs. With the case, two to three DVDs could fit in nearly the same area as one VHS tape. DVDs are also adaptable to multi-disc cases. The discs can be removed and added to a DVD booklet to save space. This means that 500 DVDs could fit into the same location as 25 to 50 VHS tapes.
  
  

Considerations

• Heat plays a big part in the storage of both cases. While heat can damage DVD and VHS tapes, high heat could easily damage disc data before it reaches through a VHS case. Storage of DVDs in high-heated areas like an attic needs to be watched over and properly taken care of.
  
  

Time Frame

• If properly taken care of, DVD discs can last forever. VHS tapes are another story. Unless maintained in a temperature controlled room and in airlock cases, VHS tapes slowly wear out over time. Every viewing of a VHS tape slowly degrades the picture until it is no longer watchable. Even a brand new VHS tape could be fuzzy after years of storage, making the DVD superior over long periods of time.
  
  

Stacking

• Stacking the cases for storage presents pros and cons for both medias. The sturdy VHS tapes can stack higher and hold up for a long time, but if a case snaps, it is hard to repair and fix. Stacking DVD cases could cause damage to cases and DVDs to be scratched if they are loosened.