Digital data bits are stored at storage locations at plural depths within a holographic medium of a holographic storage disk in the form of selective, localized alterations in a format hologram. Micro-localized regions of a reflection format hologram extending throughout the medium are deleted by focusing a high-power laser beam at desired storage locations. The deletion regions have a lower reflectivity than the surrounding parts of the format hologram. Tunable-focus storage and retrieval heads, as well as dynamic aberration compensators, are used for multi-depth access. Storage and retrieval may each be achieved with a single head.