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.
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.
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.
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 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.