This list covers all the Walt Disney Classics (or "Black Diamond") titles released from 1984 to 1994 and strangely, 1996.
Walt Disney Home Video - The Classics (1984-1988)
The original logo from the series was nicknamed the Cheesy Black Diamond.
December 1984
Disney was initially reluctant to release any of their animated classics that had only seen theatrical release on video, as it might put them at risk of losing reissue revenue. Robin Hood was picked as the first Classics release because the film itself was considered weaker in terms of story and animation compared to the other titles. Its disappointing performance in its 1982 reissue was also cited.
Catalog number |
Title |
Country of origin |
Original year |
Length |
Version |
MPAA rating |
Film format |
Tape count |
Tape break placement (if applicable) |
Color |
Released |
Note(s)
|
228VS/BS |
Robin Hood |
USA |
1973 |
83 min |
Standard version |
G |
Matted 1.75 |
1 |
N/A |
Color |
December 3, 1984 |
- The very first print run, mastered to copies printed between July-September 1984, started with a preview for The Sword in the Stone, which was meant to be the next title released in the Classics line.
- The second print run, mastered to copies printed between September-December 1984 and after June 1986, had no previews at all.
- The third print run, mastered to copies printed between December 1984-June 1986, ended with the "Walt Disney and You" promo.
|
July 1985
Catalog number |
Title |
Country of origin |
Original year |
Length |
Version |
MPAA rating |
Film format |
Tape count |
Tape break placement (if applicable) |
Color |
Released |
Note(s)
|
239 V/B |
Pinocchio |
USA |
1940 |
87 min |
1984 theatrical version |
G |
Academy |
1 |
N/A |
Color |
July 16, 1985 |
- The earliest copies started with a trailer for The Black Cauldron which contains rare footage not seen in the final cut.
- Re-issued on October 14, 1986 to coincide with the video release of Sleeping Beauty; this issue uses the dark red warning screens and the video dealer announcement.
- Went into moratorium on April 30, 1987.
|
November 1985
Catalog number |
Title |
Country of origin |
Original year |
Length |
Version |
MPAA rating |
Film format |
Tape count |
Tape break placement (if applicable) |
Color |
Released |
Note(s)
|
24 V/B |
Dumbo |
USA |
1941 |
63 min |
1972 or 1976 theatrical version |
G |
Academy |
1 |
N/A |
Color |
November 5, 1985 |
- This release uses the 1984 (1981 internationally) "Neon Mickey" WDHV logo.
- On early pressings, right before the start of the film, it begins with the MPAA rating card and the 1960 Buena Vista logo (apparently sourced from the original 1981 master); later copies omit those two screens.
|
March 1986
Catalog number |
Title |
Country of origin |
Original year |
Length |
Version |
MPAA rating |
Film format |
Tape count |
Tape break placement (if applicable) |
Color |
Released |
Note(s)
|
229 V/B |
The Sword in the Stone |
USA |
1963 |
79 min |
Original or 1983 theatrical version |
G |
Matted 1.75 |
1 |
N/A |
Color |
March 25, 1986 |
- Early printings start with the 1984 (1981 internationally) "Neon Mickey" WDHV logo
- Original copies start with a trailer for The Journey of Natty Gann, and end with the "Walt Disney and You" promo.
|
May 1986
Catalog number |
Title |
Country of origin |
Original year |
Length |
Version |
MPAA rating |
Film format |
Tape count |
Tape break placement (if applicable) |
Color |
Released |
Note(s)
|
36 V/B |
Alice in Wonderland |
USA |
1951 |
75 min |
1974 theatrical version |
G |
Academy |
1 |
N/A |
Color |
May 28, 1986 |
- Earliest printings start with the 1984 (1981 internationally) "Neon Mickey" WDHV logo.
- This is the only Classics title to come in a cardboard slipcover; all subsequent re-issues use the standard clamshell packaging.
|
June 1986
Catalog number |
Title |
Country of origin |
Original year |
Length |
Version |
MPAA rating |
Film format |
Tape count |
Tape break placement (if applicable) |
Color |
Released |
Note(s)
|
36 V/B |
Alice in Wonderland |
USA |
1951 |
75 min |
1974 theatrical version |
G |
Academy |
1 |
N/A |
Color |
June 14, 1986 |
- A clamshell variant that was released on this date exists.
- This is the only Classics title to come in a cardboard slipcover; all subsequent re-issues use the standard clamshell packaging.
- This issue is bracket no. 036-2 and has the Cheesy Black Diamond Classics logo.
- The earliest copies of this issue were printed a day after the original issue was released.
|
October 1986
Every pre-May 1986 title in the series was re-issued to coincide with the video release of “Sleeping Beauty”. However, the only Oct. 1986 re-issue titles that had additional changes to their print masters were titles originally released before July 1985.
Catalog number |
Title |
Country of origin |
Original year |
Length |
Version |
MPAA rating |
Film format |
Tape count |
Tape break placement (if applicable) |
Color |
Released |
Note(s)
|
228 V/B |
Robin Hood |
USA |
1973 |
83 min |
Standard version |
G |
Matted 1.75 |
1 |
N/A |
Color |
October 14, 1986 |
- This issue's print master is from the second print-run of the original 1984 release.
- This issue is bracket no. 228-2.
- Went into moratorium on April 30, 1987.
|
239 V/B |
Pinocchio |
USA |
1940 |
87 min |
1984 theatrical version |
G |
Academy |
1 |
N/A |
Color |
October 14, 1986 |
- This issue uses the dark red warning screens and the video dealer announcement bumper.
- This issue is bracket no. 228-2.
- Went into moratorium on April 30, 1987.
|
476 V/B |
Sleeping Beauty |
USA |
1959 |
75 min |
TBD |
G |
Technirama |
1 |
N/A |
Color |
October 14, 1986 |
- Uses the dark red warning screens and the video dealer announcement bumper.
- Went into moratorium on March 31, 1988.
- Technically the first title in the series to use the UPC barcode on the top right of the back cover.
|
October 1987
Catalog number |
Title |
Country of origin |
Original year |
Length |
Version |
MPAA rating |
Film format |
Tape count |
Tape break placement (if applicable) |
Color |
Released |
Note(s)
|
582 |
Lady and the Tramp |
USA |
1955 |
75 min |
TBD |
G |
CinemaScope |
1 |
N/A |
Color |
October 6, 1987 |
- Went into moratorium on March 31, 1988.
|
Walt Disney Classics (1988-1994, 1996)
When Disney updated the logo from this series in 1988, starting with “Cinderella”, the logo was basically Sorcerer Mickey at the beginning and then the Shiny Black Diamond with the yellow text saying “Walt Disney” on the top and “CLASSICS” on the bottom. The prototype shiny black-blue background variation appeared on the 1988 release of “Cinderella”, and later, select September 1992 titles, including the demo VHS and regular laserdisc versions of “The Rescuers”.
In 1989, starting with “Bambi”, an official variation of the new logo was created, only with the background being plain normal blue. Then in 1992, starting with “101 Dalmatians”, a third variation of the logo was created, with the color slightly tinted to blue and clean audio.
Starting with “The Rescuers”, a fourth variation of the logo was created, with enhanced bass heavy audio.
October 1988
Catalog number |
Title |
Country of origin |
Original year |
Length |
Version |
MPAA rating |
Film format |
Tape count |
Tape break placement (if applicable) |
Color |
Released |
Note(s)
|
410 |
Cinderella |
USA |
1950 |
76 min |
1987 theatrical version |
G |
Academy |
1 |
N/A |
Color |
October 4, 1988 |
- Opens with a theatrical trailer for Oliver & Company.
- Went into moratorium on April 30, 1989.
- Copies of the demo version have the 1984 logo, while regular copies have the prototype 1988 logo variation.
|
September 1989
Catalog number |
Title |
Country of origin |
Original year |
Length |
Version |
MPAA rating |
Film format |
Tape count |
Tape break placement (if applicable) |
Color |
Released |
Note(s)
|
942 |
Bambi |
USA |
1942 |
69 min |
TBD |
G |
Academy |
1 |
N/A |
Color |
September 28, 1989 |
- Opens with a theatrical trailer for The Little Mermaid.
- Went into moratorium on March 30, 1990.
|
May 1990
Catalog number |
Title |
Country of origin |
Original year |
Length |
Version |
MPAA rating |
Film format |
Tape count |
Tape break placement (if applicable) |
Color |
Released |
Note(s)
|
913 |
The Little Mermaid |
USA |
1989 |
83 min |
Original theatrical version |
G |
Matted 1.66 |
1 |
N/A |
Color |
May 18, 1990 |
- This was the only time the film's original end credits were intact. All subsequent video releases since 1998 use the end credits from the 1997 version.
- This release went on moratorium on April 30, 1991; as advertised on the video release of Peter Pan, the film was only available for a limited time.
|
September 1990
Catalog number |
Title |
Country of origin |
Original year |
Length |
Version |
MPAA rating |
Film format |
Tape count |
Tape break placement (if applicable) |
Color |
Released |
Note(s)
|
960 |
Peter Pan |
USA |
1953 |
76 min |
1989 theatrical version |
G |
Academy |
1 |
N/A |
Color |
September 21, 1990 |
- Opens with a behind-the-scenes trailer for The Rescuers Down Under, and a video trailer for The Little Mermaid.
- Canadian copies of the VHS counterpart use the oversized Betamax-style horizontal sticker label on the cassettes, which is also found on US Betamax copies.
- Went into moratorium on April 30, 1991.
|
May 1991
Catalog number |
Title |
Country of origin |
Original year |
Length |
Version |
MPAA rating |
Film format |
Tape count |
Tape break placement (if applicable) |
Color |
Released |
Note(s)
|
1122 |
The Jungle Book |
USA |
1967 |
78 min |
TBD |
G |
Matted 1.75 |
1 |
N/A |
Color |
May 3, 1991 |
- Opens with a behind-the-scenes trailer for Beauty and the Beast, and a video trailer for The Rescuers Down Under.
- Released only 9 months after its last theatrical re-release on July 13, 1991.
- The earliest copies of this release were printed in early December 1990.
- Copies of this release printed between January-March 1991 and June-July 1991 may have a vertical sticker-label.
|
July 1991
Catalog number |
Title |
Country of origin |
Original year |
Length |
Version |
MPAA rating |
Film format |
Tape count |
Tape break placement (if applicable) |
Color |
Released |
Note(s)
|
1189 |
Robin Hood |
USA |
1973 |
83 min |
Standard version |
G |
Matted 1.75 |
1 |
N/A |
Color |
July 12, 1991 |
- Opens with video trailers for The Jungle Book and The Rescuers Down Under.
- Reissued to ride on the coattails of Warner Bros' version of the Robin Hood legend, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.
|
September 1991
Catalog number |
Title |
Country of origin |
Original year |
Length |
Version |
MPAA rating |
Film format |
Tape count |
Tape break placement (if applicable) |
Color |
Released |
Note(s)
|
1122 |
The Jungle Book |
USA |
1967 |
78 min |
TBD |
G |
Matted 1.75 |
1 |
N/A |
Color |
September 11, 1991 |
- Same master as the original release from May 1991, except the red-orange FBI warning screens were replaced with the green FBI warning screens.
- Entered moratorium on April 30, 1993.
- Copies printed between July 1991-August 1992 and after January 1993 may have a horizontal ink-label.
- Copies printed between August-September 1992 may have a horizontal sticker-label.
- Copies printed between September 1992-January 1993 may have a vertical sticker-label.
|
1142 |
The Rescuers Down Under |
USA |
1990 |
77 min |
Standard version |
G |
Matted 1.85 |
1 |
N/A |
Color |
September 20, 1991 |
- Opens with a video trailer for The Jungle Book.
- The earliest copies of this release of the title were printed in April 1991.
- The first print run, mastered to copies printed between April-June 1991, has the shadowed variant of the red-orange FBI warning screens.
- The second print-run, mastered to copies printed between June-July 1991, has the cut-in/fade-out variant of the red-orange FBI warning screens.
|
November 1991
Catalog number |
Title |
Country of origin |
Original year |
Length |
Version |
MPAA rating |
Film format |
Tape count |
Tape break placement (if applicable) |
Color |
Released |
Note(s)
|
1132 |
Fantasia |
USA |
1940 |
120 min |
1990 theatrical version |
G |
Academy |
1 |
N/A |
Color |
November 1, 1991 |
- This release is rumored to have went on moratorium on December 21, 1991, however, its verification status is currently unknown.
- Copies of this release that came in Deluxe Collector's Edition boxsets do not come in any casings and have a gold yellow horizontal sticker-label, while standalone copies come in black clamshells and have either a horizontal ink-label, or a gold yellow vertical sticker-label.
|
April 1992
Catalog number |
Title |
Country of origin |
Original year |
Length |
Version |
MPAA rating |
Film format |
Tape count |
Tape break placement (if applicable) |
Color |
Released |
Note(s)
|
1263 |
101 Dalmatians |
USA |
1961 |
79 min |
1991 theatrical version |
G |
Matted 1.75 |
1 |
N/A |
Color |
April 10, 1992 |
- Opens with a theatrical trailer for Aladdin, and closes with video trailers for The Great Mouse Detective and Beauty and the Beast.
- The Buena Vista logo is intact at the end of the film, and transitions into the closing trailers and bumpers.
- First Disney release to use the lilac bumpers, including the "Feature Presentation" screen.
- The earliest copies of this release were printed in late December 1991, mostly with a vertical sticker-label, and lacked previews at the beginning or end.
- Shortly after most copies of this release went on moratorium on April 30, 1993, select copies were being produced and released to video stores that didn't have enough copies of the release. The actual moratorium date was in late 1994.
|
July 1992
Catalog number |
Title |
Country of origin |
Original year |
Length |
Version |
MPAA rating |
Film format |
Tape count |
Tape break placement (if applicable) |
Color |
Released |
Note(s)
|
1360 |
The Great Mouse Detective |
USA |
1986 |
74 min |
1992 theatrical version |
G |
Matted 1.85 |
1 |
N/A |
Color |
July 17, 1992 |
- Opens with a theatrical trailer for Aladdin, and closes with video trailers for The Rescuers and Beauty and the Beast.
|
September 1992
Catalog number |
Title |
Country of origin |
Original year |
Length |
Version |
MPAA rating |
Film format |
Tape count |
Tape break placement (if applicable) |
Color |
Released |
Note(s)
|
1142 |
The Rescuers Down Under |
USA |
1990 |
77 min |
Standard version |
G |
Matted 1.85 |
1 |
N/A |
Color |
September 18, 1992 |
- This issue of the title has the 1991 green FBI warning screens and the prototype 1988/1989 Walt Disney Classics logo variation, with no previews whatsoever.
|
1399 |
The Rescuers |
USA |
1977 |
76 min |
1977 theatrical version |
G |
Matted 1.85 |
1 |
N/A |
Color |
September 18, 1992 |
- Opens with video trailers for Beauty and the Beast and The Great Mouse Detective.
- The "Feature Presentation" screen is navy blue on this release.
- This release was transferred off a pan-and-scan version of the original 1977 theatrical release negative.
- The earliest copies of this release were printed in April 1992.
|
October 1992
This batch of titles was released with prototype variations of the Proof of Purchase tab labels.
Catalog number |
Title |
Country of origin |
Original year |
Length |
Version |
MPAA rating |
Film format |
Tape count |
Tape break placement (if applicable) |
Color |
Released |
Note(s)
|
1325 |
Beauty and the Beast |
USA |
1991 |
84 min |
Standard version |
G |
Matted 1.66 |
1 |
N/A |
Color |
October 30, 1992 |
- Opens with theatrical previews for Aladdin and a scrapped Sleeping Beauty reissue, and a video preview for Pinocchio. Closes with a video trailer for 101 Dalmatians.
- The earliest copies of this release were printed in May 1992.
- Copies printed between late May-early June 1992 have the Pinocchio preview at the end, before the 101 Dalmatians preview.
- The first title in the series to include a Proof of Purchase tab label printed above the back cover on the clamshell case.
- Copies printed between early June-early July 1992 do not have the Pinocchio preview at all.
- Copies that came in Deluxe Collector's Edition boxsets were packaged in black clamshell cases, while standalone copies were packaged in white clamshell cases.
|
1360 |
The Great Mouse Detective |
USA |
1986 |
74 min |
1992 theatrical version |
G |
Matted 1.85 |
1 |
N/A |
Color |
October 30, 1992 |
- This issue still uses the original July 1992 print master.
- This issue has the same Proof of Purchase tab label variation as on “Beauty and the Beast”.
|
November 1992
July-October 1992 titles, as well as a September 1991 title, in the series were re-issued in this month of 1992 with official-type Proof of Purchase tab labels printed above the back covers.
Catalog number |
Title |
Country of origin |
Original year |
Length |
Version |
MPAA rating |
Film format |
Tape count |
Tape break placement (if applicable) |
Color |
Released |
Note(s)
|
1142 |
The Rescuers Down Under |
USA |
1990 |
77 min |
Standard version |
G |
Matted 1.85 |
1 |
N/A |
Color |
November 20, 1992 |
- Copies of this issue printed before April 1993 use the September 1992 print master.
- Copies of this issue printed after April 1993 use the original September 1991 version C print master.
- Possibly went on moratorium in late 1994.
|
1325 |
Beauty and the Beast |
USA |
1991 |
84 min |
Standard version |
G |
Matted 1.66 |
1 |
N/A |
Color |
November 20, 1992 |
- This issue still uses the original October 1992 version C print master.
|
1360 |
The Great Mouse Detective |
USA |
1986 |
74 min |
1992 theatrical version |
G |
Matted 1.85 |
1 |
N/A |
Color |
November 20, 1992 |
- This issue still uses the original July 1992 print master.
|
1399 |
The Rescuers |
USA |
1977 |
76 min |
1977 theatrical version |
G |
Matted 1.85 |
1 |
N/A |
Color |
November 20, 1992 |
- This issue still uses the original September 1992 print master.
|
March 1993
Catalog number |
Title |
Country of origin |
Original year |
Length |
Version |
MPAA rating |
Film format |
Tape count |
Tape break placement (if applicable) |
Color |
Released |
Note(s)
|
239 |
Pinocchio |
USA |
1940 |
87 min |
1992 theatrical version |
G |
Academy |
1 |
N/A |
Color |
March 26, 1993 |
- Opens with a theatrical preview for The Nightmare Before Christmas and a video preview for Aladdin.
- Very early copies, printed in late December 1992, solely open with the Aladdin preview.
- "Restored version" re-release of the original 1985 version seen above, hence the re-use of the 239 stock number used for the 1985 version.
- Possibly went on moratorium in late 1994.
|
September 1993
Catalog number |
Title |
Country of origin |
Original year |
Length |
Version |
MPAA rating |
Film format |
Tape count |
Tape break placement (if applicable) |
Color |
Released |
Note(s)
|
1662 |
Aladdin |
USA |
1992 |
90 min |
Standard version |
G |
Matted 1.78 |
1 |
N/A |
Color |
September 29, 1993 |
- Opens with a theatrical preview for The Lion King and a video preview for Pinocchio.
- Copies prior to June 1993 have the "The Original Animated Classic!" flap on the bottom right of the front cover artwork, while copies printed after June 1993 do not.
|
March 1994
Catalog number |
Title |
Country of origin |
Original year |
Length |
Version |
MPAA rating |
Film format |
Tape count |
Tape break placement (if applicable) |
Color |
Released |
Note(s)
|
2041 |
The Fox and the Hound |
USA |
1981 |
83 min |
Standard version |
G |
Matted 1.75 |
1 |
N/A |
Color |
March 4, 1994 |
- Opens with a theatrical trailer for The Lion King and a video trailer for The Return of Jafar.
- Copies prior to February 1994 open with only the trailer for The Lion King.
- The final installment in the Classics line.
- The earliest copies of this release were printed in November 1993.
- A month after this release's moratorium on April 30, 1995, select copies were being produced and released to video stores that didn't have enough copies of the release, with the actual moratorium date being in mid 1996.
|
February 1996
Strangely enough, the earliest copies of the 1996 VHS release of “Pocahontas” that were printed between late November-mid December 1995 started with the fourth variation of the 1988/1989 Walt Disney Classics logo. On copies printed after mid December 1995, this logo was later replaced with the correct logo, which is the 1994 Masterpiece Collection logo.
Catalog number |
Title |
Country of origin |
Original year |
Length |
Version |
MPAA rating |
Film format |
Tape count |
Tape break placement (if applicable) |
Color |
Released |
Note(s)
|
5741 |
Pocahontas |
USA |
1995 |
81 min |
Standard version |
G |
Matted 1.85 |
1 |
N/A |
Color |
February 28, 1996 |
- Part of the Masterpiece Collection line.
|