A timeless animated classic from Reader's Digest, featuring two beloved Hans Christian Andersen tales brought to vibrant life: The Emperor's New Clothes and The Tinderbox. This PAL-format VHS is in good condition and offers a complete, watchable copy of these enchanting children's stories, perfect for families and collectors of vintage children's animation.
The animation style captures the whimsy and moral wisdom of Andersen's original tales. The Emperor's New Clothes tells the story of vanity, deception and the innocent honesty of a child who sees the truth. The Tinderbox follows a brave soldier who, with the aid of three magical dogs, wins fortune and the hand of a beautiful princess. Both stories have enchanted audiences for generations and remain as charming now as when first published.
Rated U for universal audiences, this VHS is suitable for all ages and makes an excellent addition to any family video collection or for those who collect classic children's animation from the 1990s–2000s era.
Every item is photographed individually. The gallery above shows the exact VHS for sale — front cover, back cover, the cassette itself, and spine detail. You can see the Reader's Digest branding, the vibrant blue cover art featuring the Emperor and the Tinderbox soldier, the U certificate, and the condition of both the box and the tape. Please refer to these images to judge the item's condition for yourself.
| Title | The Animated Tales of Hans Christian Andersen: The Emperor's New Clothes & The Tinderbox |
| Format | VHS Videocassette |
| Publisher / Studio | Reader's Digest Presents |
| Signal Standard | PAL |
| Certificate (UK) | U (Universal) |
| Genre | Children's Animation |
| Language | English |
| Number of Stories | 2 |
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom |
| Condition | Used – Good |
Used – Good. The VHS box shows age-appropriate wear to the cover, with minor creasing and light marks to the blue card stock consistent with a videotape that has been enjoyed and stored. The spine is legible and intact. The cassette itself is secure within the box and plays without visible damage to the tape reels or housing. The cover art remains colourful and clear, and all text and labelling are readable. This is a solid, watchable copy in everyday good condition — well-suited to play or display on a collector's shelf. Please examine the photo gallery for a complete picture of the item's condition.
Q: Will this play on a UK VHS player?
A: Yes. This is a PAL-format VHS, the standard used in the UK and much of Europe. It will play on any UK VHS video recorder or player without issue.
Q: Are both stories complete and uncut?
A: Yes. Both The Emperor's New Clothes and The Tinderbox are included on this single VHS in full, providing roughly 45 minutes of animation.
Q: Is this suitable for young children?
A: Absolutely. The U certificate confirms that this VHS is approved for all ages, including young children. There is no violence, strong language or adult content — it is a family-friendly adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's classic tales.
Q: How does the tape condition look?
A: The cassette is in good order with no visible damage to the reels or housing. The tape itself appears clean and intact. It should play without issue on a well-maintained VHS player.
Q: Is this the original 1990s Reader's Digest release, or a later reissue?
A: Based on the packaging, cover design and branding, this is consistent with Reader's Digest's VHS releases from that era. It is an original release from the classic period of home video, not a modern reissue or reproduction.
Shipped promptly from the UK with FREE UK postage; carefully protected in transit; dispatched within one working day of cleared payment. International buyers welcome via eBay's Global Shipping Programme — international postage costs and any applicable import duties are calculated automatically at checkout.
Questions? We're happy to help. Send a message and we'll get back to you promptly. If you'd like additional photos — such as a closer look at the cassette, the back cover, or any other detail — just ask and we'll provide them. We want you to buy with complete confidence.