PolyGram Video/USA Home Entertainment (Warning Screens)
North American Warnings
1st Warning (1982-1990)
Visuals: On a black background, there is a blue bar with "WARNING" (with a black drop shadow) in white and italics. The following white text is below the bar:
LICENSED THE CINEMATOGRAPH FILM
AND SOUND RECORDINGS CONTAINED
IN THIS PROGRAM FOR PRIVATE HOME
USE ONLY. ALL OTHER RIGHTS RESERVED.
ANY UNAUTHORIZED USE INCLUDING
COPYING, EDITING, EXCHANGING,
EXHIBITING, RENTING, LENDING, HIRING,
PUBLIC PERFORMANCE, RADIO OR TELE-
VISION BROADCASTING OR OTHERWISE
DEALING WITH THIS PROGRAM OR ANY
PART THEREOF IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
Technique: A still, computerized graphic.
Audio: None.
Availability:
- Seen on PolyGram Video releases of the era. [Examples?]
- On PolyGram Music Video releases, it appears at the end rather than the beginning.
2nd Warning (1990-1997)
Visuals: On a black background, there is a red rectangle with the standard white FBI letters and logo. At the right of the screen is white text with the red text "WARNING" at the top.
Technique: A still, computerized graphic.
Audio: None.
Availability: Mostly appeared on releases with the "VHS Assembly" logo. One release with this warning is NFL CrunchCourse. Also appeared on the first tapes with the 1993 logo. Canadian copies of PolyGram releases from this time have this too, and a good example is the 1992 VHS of Essential Opera. It still appeared on some tapes with the "Red Line of Doom" logo, mostly NFL releases and early Mighty Morphin Power Rangers releases, used in tandem with the 4th warning.
3rd Warning (Canada, 1992-2003)
-
Both languages -
Both languages -
Both languages -
English -
English -
English -
French -
French -
French
Visuals: Over a blue background is the warning text scrolling up. The word "WARNING" is above a red line. It is then followed by its French translation with the word "ATTENTION" above a red line.
Variants:
- Most releases use only the English or French version of this warning, depending on the language.
- On some VHS tapes it uses both languages.
- From 1992 to 1993, the warning was spaced.
Technique: A still, computerized graphic.
Audio: None.
Availability: Seen on all Canadian PolyGram Video releases from 1992-1999, such as Mr. Bean, and on English VHS releases by Malofilm from 1992-1997. Can also be found on some Périodica Vidéo releases, on a Koch International VHS of Backlash: Oblivion 2, and on certain Seville Pictures DVD and VHS releases from 1997-2003. It's also seen on the Canadian VHS of Air Bud and TVA International videos.
4th Warning (1994-2002)
Visuals: On a black background, there are the words "FBI WARNING" in Futura Bold. The "G" is slightly lowered compared to the rest of the phrase. Below is the white warning text in Helvetica. This is almost the same as the enhanced variant of Universal Pictures warning.
Technique: A still, computerized graphic.
Audio: None.
Availability: Seen on all USA Home Entertainment releases, as well as PolyGram Video releases from 1994 to 1999. Also seen on several Sterling Home Entertainment releases and some WarnerVision/KidVision releases. It is unknown whether this was translated into Spanish for their Spanish-dubbed tape of The Borrowers. Tapes from their subsidiary Manga Entertainment, at least in the United States, had their own warning screens, detailed below, though this does appear on their initial DVD of Ghost in the Shell, which PolyGram released directly.
5th Warning (February 28, 1995-2005)
Visuals: On a black background, there is a red bar with the silver words "FBI WARNING". Below is the following white text:
| Federal law provides severe civil and criminal penalties for the unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or exhibition of copyrighted motion pictures and videotapes. (Title 17, United States Code. Sections 501 & 506) The Federal Bureau of Investigations investigates allegations of criminal copyright infringement. (Title 17, United States Code, Section 506) |
Variant: Starting in 1997, the warning is completely 2D and includes the following changes:
- "FBI WARNING" is now white with a black border.
- The bar at the top is now a solid red without a border.
- The warning text is also in a different font and arranged differently.
- "FBI WARNING" is also smaller.
Technique: A still, computerized graphic.
Audio: None.
Availability: Seen on most Manga tapes distributed by PolyGram Video in the United States, including Black Magic M-66, the Patlabor movies, and Psychic Wars. It was also seen on all tapes distributed by Palm Pictures, including X, The Castle of Cagliostro, and Rayearth.
6th Warning (June 20, 1995)
Visuals: On a grey background, video-generated light blue Spanish warning text in a Handel Gothic font scrolls up.
Technique: 2D computer animation.
Audio: None.
Availability: Confirmed to appear on their Spanish-dubbed release of Ninja Scroll.
7th Warning (1995-1997)
Visuals: On a white background, there is a black rectangle with the standard FBI letters and logo. To its left is the word "WARNING" in red, and below that, the following black text:
| Federal law provides severe civil and criminal penalties for the unauthorized repro- duction, distribution, or exihibition of copyrighted motion pictures and video- tapes. (Title 17, United States Code. Sections 501 & 506). The Federal Bureau of Investigations investigates allegations of criminal copyright infringement. (Title 17, United States Code, Section 506). |
Technique: A still, computerized graphic.
Audio: None.
Availability: Seen on many PolyGram-era tapes from Manga Entertainment, including Macross II, Ghost in the Shell, and Dangaioh.
International Warnings
United Kingdom and Australia
1st Warning (1981-1986)
Visuals: On a black background, this text is shown in white:
producer and of the owner
of the work reproduced
reserved. Unauthorised
copying, hiring, lending
public performance, radio
or TV broadcasting of this
video recording prohibited.
Technique: A still, computerized graphic.
Audio: None.
Availability:
- Seen at the end of the first PolyGram Video releases in the UK, such as Rankin/Bass' The Flight of Dragons and The Wind in the Willows, among others.
- It can also be found on many PolyGram rental releases of Spectrum Video material, such as Endless Love, Sounder, An American Werewolf in London, King of the Mountain, McVicar and Quadrophenia, among others.
2nd Warning (1983-1992)
Visuals: Over a black background is the word "WARNING" in red. Below it is the following text in white:
use only. All unauthorised uses,
including copying, public performance,
broadcast or transmission by diffusion
service of the whole or part of this
Videogram are prohibited.
Unauthorised use may incur damages
for breach of copyright and criminal
penalties of up to six months
imprisonment and fines of up to $10,000
After a few seconds, it fades out.
Variant: On Hoyts-PolyGram Video releases, the background is white and the warning text is black.
Technique: A still, computerized graphic.
Audio: None.
Availability:
- It's usually seen on Hoyts-PolyGram Video VHS releases in Australia.
- Strangely, it appears on the 1995 US Video Treasures VHS of Raw Deal, as this appears after the 1987-1998 Video Treasures logo and before the Hoyts-PolyGram Video logo, which would indicate that the print used was sourced from an Australian master.
3rd Warning (1984-1998)
Visuals: Over a black background is the word "WARNING" in orange, and below is the following text in orange:
and of the owner of the
work reproduced reserved.
Unauthorised copying,
hiring, lending, public
performance, radio or TV
broadcasting of this
video recording prohibited.
duplicated by Rank
Video Duplication on behalf
of PolyGram Video
and with their approval.
Variant: Sometimes, the duplication notice is absent. This appears on all UK 4Front Video and Channel 5 Video VHS releases.
Technique: A still, computerized graphic.
Audio: None.
Availability:
- Seen on all UK PolyGram Video releases from 1984 to 1998. [Examples?]
- It can also be found on releases from UK companies PolyGram acquired, such as Vision Video and Channel 5 Video releases.
- Starting in May 1991, coinciding with the PolyGram Video "VHS Assembly" logo's debut, the warning appears at the start and end of PolyGram Video releases.
- It is also preserved at the end of the 1986 Marks & Spencer UK VHS release of The Adventures of Noddy.
4th Warning (1990-1999)
Visuals: On a black background is the following text scrolling up, and in capitals:
WARNING
THIS VIDEOGRAM IS FOR PRIVATE
DOMESTIC USE ONLY.
ALL UNAUTHORISED USES INCLUDING
COPYING, PUBLIC PERFORMANCE,
BROADCAST OR TRANSMISSION BY
DIFFUSION SERVICE OF THE WHOLE
OR PART OF THIS VIDEOGRAM
ARE PROHIBITED.
UNAUTHORISED USE MAY INCUR
DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF
COPYRIGHT AND CRIMINAL
PENALTIES OF UP TO FIVE YEARS
IMPRISONMENT AND FINES OF UP
TO $50,000 PER OFFENCE FOR
INDIVIDUALS AND $250,000 PER
OFFENCE FOR CORPORATIONS.
Variants:
- In later years, a different font, similar to Helvetica, was used.
- On later releases and some certain tapes, the text is replaced by the following:
The Copyright Proprietor Has Licensed
The Picture And Soundtrack Contained In
This Video Cassette For Private Home
Use Only.
It Is An Infringement Of Australian
Copyright Laws To Copy, Reproduce,
Show In Public Including Hotels And
Motels In Whole Or In Part.
Violators Are Subject To Criminal And Or
Civil Prosecution.
Technique: 2D computer animation.
Audio: None.
Availability: Seen on PolyGram releases in Australia, such as It's Fun to Learn with Spot: Colours and Shapes, Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels, Out of Africa (Universal) and Hard Target (Universal).
5th Warning (1992-1997)
Visuals: Over a black background is the word "WARNING" in the same font as the 1992 PolyGram logo in white, and below is the following text (also in white):
the cinematograph film and sound
recording contained in this videogram
for private home use only.
All other rights reserved. Any
unauthorised use including copying,
editing, exhibiting, renting, lending,
diffusion, hiring, public performance,
radio or television broadcasting
or otherwise dealing with this
videogram or any part thereof is
strictly prohibited.
Technique: Fading effects.
Audio: None.
Availability:
- Seen on British PolyGram Video releases from 1992-1997, as well as some American releases. [Examples?]
- Sometimes, at the end of UK VHS tapes, the warning screen is shown after the PolyGram Video logo.
6th Warning (1997-1999)
Visuals: Over a black background is the word "WARNING" in white, and below is the white warning text from the previous warning, and after 20 seconds it fades out, sometimes slower.
Technique: Fading effects.
Audio: None.
Availability:
- Seen on British PolyGram Video releases from 1997-1999. [Examples?]
- Sometimes, at the end of UK VHS tapes, the warning screen is shown after the PolyGram Video logo.
7th Warning (1998-2001)
Visuals: Over a black background is the following text:
COPYRIGHT NOTICE.
The copyright proprietors have licensed the
material contained in this DVD / videogramme
for private and domestic use only and any other
use or reproduction in whole or part including
the making of copies of the material or causing
it to be transmitted to subscribers to a diffusion
service or selling, letting or hire or otherwise
dealing with it in a whole or in part is
strictly prohibited.
Technique: A still, computerized graphic.
Audio: None.
Availability:
- Seen on British PolyGram Video DVD releases, such as The Game.
- It's also seen on Australian Polygram/Universal DVD releases of the time, and was also seen on early Australian DreamWorks Home Entertainment DVDs such as Chicken Run, American Beauty and Antz.
Germany
Screen (1993?-1999)
Visuals: On a black background, the 1993 PolyGram Video logo animates as normal, however, once it's done, the following text in blue begins scrolling up as the logo fades out:
das Programm auf dieser
Videocassette ausschließlich
zur privaten Nutzung
freigegeben. Er verbietet die
vollständige und teilweise
anderweitige Nutzung,
insbesondere die Kopierung,
Vervielfältigung, Überspielung,
die Öffentliche Vorführung
und den kommerziellen Verleih.
Following the scroll, publish info scrolls up and settles on the center of the screen.
Trivia: "PolyGram GmbH" and the publish symbol are noticably spaced so far apart.
Variant: Some releases have the text in a more plain blue color and in a slightly different font. The publishing info also varies depending on the release.
Technique: Computer animation.
Audio: For the first few seconds, just the sounds of the logo. Afterwards, it's silent.
Availability: Seen on German PolyGram releases including Barney's Insel der Fantasien (Barney's Imagination Island).
Spain
Screen (1993-Late 1990's)
Visuals: On a black background is the following text, all scrolling up:
licenciado el film (incluyéndo su
banda sonora) contenido en este
videocassette sólo para su uso
doméstico. Todos los demás
derechos quedan reservados.
Cualquier copia, edición, adición,
reducción, corrección, exhibición,
alquiler, intercambio, contrato,
préstamo, difusión, proyección
simultanea en videos comunitarios
u otras actividades y/o emisión
de exhibiciones públicas de este
videocassette o de alguna parte
del mismo, sin autorización
expresa, están terminantemente
prohibidos y la realización de
cualquiera de estas actividades
haría incurrir en responsabili-
dades legales y podría dar lugar
a actuaciones penales.
Technique: 2D computer animation.
Audio: None.
Availability: Seen on Spanish PolyGram Video releases such as the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers TV series.
France
1st Warning (Mid 1980's-1997?)
-
Mid 1980's-1991 variant -
1991-1993 variant -
Standard variant
Visuals: Over a black background is the following text flipping in:
et du propriétaire de l‘oeuvre
enregistrée réservés.
Sauf autorisation,
la duplication, la location, le prêt,
et l'utilisation de cette vidéo
cassette pour l'exécution publique
et la radiodiffusion sont interdits.
Variant: Pre-1993 tapes had the warning text in all-caps. On pre-1991 tapes, the background is blue. It also fades in and out.
Technique: Computer animation.
Audio: None.
Availability: Seen on French PolyGram Video releases such as Cabaret and Rai.
2nd Warning (1997-1999)
Visuals: On the same background as the 1997 PolyGram Filmed Entertainment logo (and other PolyGram logos at the time) is same warning text in white from the previous warning. After 15 seconds, the warning text fades out, and the word "EDV 764" fades in.
Technique: Fading effects.
Audio: None.
Availability: Seen on later European French PolyGram releases. [Examples?]
Brazil
(1990s)
Visuals: Over a black background is the following text scrolling upward:
O proprietário dos direitos
autorais licenciou o filme contido
neste videocassete unicamente
para uso doméstico. Fica proibido
qualquer outro uso, copiagem,
reprodução ou execução em
público, seja integral ou parcial,
locação ou empréstimo.
Os infratores estáo sujetos
ás penalidades previstas na lei
autoral, civil e codigo penal.
Technique: 2D computer animation.
Audio: None.
Availability: This has appeared on a VHS of a dub of a special centered on the 1994 World Cup titled Brazil: The Road to Victory (Brasil: O Caminho para a Glória). It may appear on other Brazilian PolyGram releases, which were mainly of music and special-interest titles; the company licensed its film output to other Brazilian video companies, with rental releases of that output being handled by Top Tape; expect that company's warning screen to be at the beginning of tapes of rental tapes of PolyGram's films.
