The way I finally sorted out following ralph.m comments is as follow:
.video-js .vjs-tech {
/* make the video larger so it can hide*/
width: 102%;
height: 102%;
/* displace video to hide*/
left: -5px;
/* allow space for hiding*/
margin: -10px;
position: absolute;
top: 0;
}
.video-js {
/* make sure overflow is hidden*/
overflow: hidden;
}