A lightweight solid-core video cassette cartridge includes a cartridge shell and a solid-core structural member. The cartridge shell includes spaced apart top and bottom panels which define an interior hollow chamber therebetween. A pair of video tape reels are positioned within this hollow chamber for winding video tape. The solid core structural member is provided for maintaining the spaced relationship of the top and bottom panels. The solid core structural member is formed of lightweight materials such as styrofoam, cardboard or synthetic resin. The solid core structural member and the video tape reels fill substantially the entire volume of the cartridge shell hollow chamber.