New Release! CCG Presses Play on CGC Home Video

Grab your popcorn… The Certified Collectibles Group® (CCG®) is thrilled to announce that its newest grading service — CGC Home Video™ — is now accepting submissions! At launch, CGC Home Video will offer expert and impartial authentication, grading and encapsulation of most VHS and Betamax videocassettes, with plans to expand to other types of home media. Submit now to fast-forward your home video collection’s value, liquidity and security.

As preparations were made to launch CGC Home Video, the nostalgia inherent to this collecting category was strong. It’s almost like you’re on the verge of time travel! Having the clunky-cool videocassettes in hand, you remember getting ready for movie night, the thrill of grabbing the last available copy of a favorite title off the shelf at the rental store, the satisfaction of finally pressing play.

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Indeed, well-preserved VHS and Betamax tapes are becoming increasingly collectible as children of the 1980s and 90s wax on about the media that revolutionized at-home movie watching. They are now collectors, and the videocassette stands out as an icon of the last analog era, before cellphones, social media and streaming. Many sought-after titles, such as Star Wars, Rocky, Back to the Future and classic Disney movies, are selling for eye-popping prices, demonstrating their value to collectors.

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However, the home video market has been rife with counterfeits since its inception. CGC Home Video’s lead expert, Paul Zamarelli, says: “It’s important for collectors to have a means to know their cassettes are authentic. With the depth of expertise CGC has on hand, we’ll be able to do just that, while spreading the love for home media shared by everyone here.”

“Getting to know Paul and our other CGC Home Video experts, I’ve been continually impressed by their passion for celebrating and preserving home media,” comments Steven R. Eichenbaum, CEO of CCG. “Now that CGC is grading home video, I’m looking forward to seeing the hobby grow exponentially as a result of the confidence and trust that our services provide.”

The Empire strikes now

CGC Home Video is the latest division of Certified Guaranty Company® (CGC®), the world leader in the certification of pop culture collectibles, including comic books, trading cards, video games, magazines, concert posters and more. Since 2000, CGC has certified more than 10 million collectibles, among which are some of the most valuable pop culture collectibles ever sold. The record for the most expensive comic book is held by a CGC-certified Superman #1 — it sold for a soaring $5.3 million — and multiple six- and seven-figure results are achieved year after year.

CCG also includes global grading services for coins (NGC®), paper money (PMG®), sports cards (CSG®), stamps (ASG®) and memorabilia and estate items (CAG®). Since 1987, the CCG companies have certified more than 75 million collectibles, adding immeasurable value and liquidity to the collectibles markets.

Today, in a galaxy not so far, far away...

CGC Home Video will grade VHS and Betamax videocassettes, including cassettes that are complete in box, on a highly accurate and nuanced 10-point numeric scale, with letter grades for seals. Check out the grading scale here. To ensure impartiality, CGC Home Video graders do not know the identity of a video's submitter and are prohibited from buying and selling collectibles commercially. Certification is backed by the industry-leading CGC Guarantee.

Authentication and grading will be assisted by a comprehensive database of taxonomic information and images. The CGC Home Video graders will also be equipped with forensic devices and X-ray equipment to evaluate sealed cassettes and their components, including cases, boxes, sleeves and inserts, for hidden details and alterations.

After a cassette has been authenticated and graded by CGC Home Video, it is encapsulated in a holder that is sleek, crystal clear and more protective than any other option on the market. The CGC Home Video holder not only boasts specially designed corners that prevent damage to sealed cassettes, but it also comes in a range of holder sizes to accommodate the many differences in home video packaging over the years. As an added benefit, holders of the same size lock and stack together seamlessly, making it easy to store and display your collection. For more on the stellar holder, go here.

The Force is with you!

It’s easy to submit to CGC Home Video. Simply become a CGC Home Video member (memberships start at just $25 per year), complete the user-friendly CGC Home Video submission form and send in your VHS and Betamax videocassettes. Dealers are encouraged to apply to become a CCG Authorized Dealer by emailing CGC Home Video Customer Service at Service@CGChomevideo.com.

For questions about CGC Home Video, call 855-GRADE10 or email Service@CGChomevideo.com.

At launch, turnaround times for CGC Home Video submissions may be up to two months, which will improve shortly after launch.