Interesting comparison.
Remember that the scanning process used for vhs transfers shows more info at the top and bottom.
From Wiki:
"As a general rule (prior to the adoption of DVD), special effects would be done within the theatrical aspect ratio, but not the full-frame thereof; also the expanded image area can include extraneous objects—such as cables, microphone booms, jet vapor trails, or overhead telephone wires—not intended to be included in the frame."
[edit] well that's maybe a bit confusing,maybe an example to clarify...
Tartan's "open matte" Return of the Living Dead dvd didn't have the boom microphone popping up like it did in the vhs transfer.