Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (Warning Screens)

USA/Canadian Warnings

NOTE: During the DiscoVision days and going into the MCA Videodisc era, there was no real warning screen.

1st Warning (1977-1981)

Universal Studios Home Entertainment Warning Screen - CLG Wiki

Warning: On a blue background, we see the generic warning text in white.

Trivia: The entire warning text was used in the end credits of Universal's films during this era, and is still used currently (albeit with "THE" placed in between "UNDER" and "LAWS").

Variants: Sometimes the text was chyroned. Other times, it appeared as a card. It also existed as a filmed variant. A black and white variant was used on B&W films.

FX/SFX: None.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Ultra rare, seen only on Universal laserdisc/DiscoVision releases of the time. This was also seen on non-DiscoVision releases pressed at the DiscoVision plant such as the 1981 Magnetic Video laserdisc of Alien, the 1981 Columbia Pictures Home Entertainment laserdisc of Close Encounters of the Third Kind: The Special Edition and the 1981 Paramount Home Video laserdisc of Charlotte's Web. These were put after the movie. It was also seen on some MCA Home Video/Videocassette releases such as the 1981 MCA Videocassette release of The Andromeda Strain, the 1982 MCA Videocassette release of The Eiger Sanction, and the 1984 MCA Home Video release of Rear Window. This was also located on the Fotomat Betamax rental release of Saturday Night Fever from 1979, which used the master print created for MCA DiscoVision. The Blu-ray release of The Sting preserves the black and white variant.

Editor's Note: None.

2nd Warning (1978-1981)

MCA DiscoVision Copyright Warning (1978)

Warning: On a black background, we see a small warning in white Impact font.

FX/SFX: None.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Seen on a handful of DiscoVision releases. Most DiscoVision releases went from the opening straight to the opening logo.

Editor's Note: "Exhibition" is misspelled.

3rd Warning (1980-1991; 1993)

Universal Studios Home Entertainment Warning Screen - CLG WikiMCA Home Video Videodisc Warning (1984)

Warning: On a black background, we see the word "WARNING" at the top of the screen, in red and in Helvetica font. Below it we see the standard warning text, in smaller print and in white.

Variants:

• Some MCA Home Video releases have a screen freeze of this warning.
• On classic movies, the whole thing is in black and white.
• Starting in 1983, the warning screen began use on MCA Home Video laserdiscs. The wording was altered for laserdiscs and was created by a character generator. This was used until around 1988 or 1989 when the next warning was used.
• On most French Canadian releases from MCA/Universal and Alliance, the warning is white and scrolls up.
• The next warning is an improved variant of this one.

FX/SFX: None.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: On every MCA Videocassette Inc. and most MCA Home Video releases. This includes all VHS and Betamax releases on MCA Home Video. It can also be found on early MCA/Universal Home Video releases, as well as early releases from Cineplex Odeon Video and a few early releases from Alliance Releasing Home Video, particularly Night Crawl and Bedroom Eyes II, among others. The last tape from Cineplex Odeon Video to have this warning was Frozen Assets in 1993. Can also be found on later KVC Home Video releases. Later laserdisc releases from DiscoVision and early releases from MCA Videodisc did not have this warning. MCA Videodisc releases usually didn't have copyright warnings at all. One of the last VHS releases to have this warning was Child's Play 2 in 1991. The warning makes a surprise appearance at the start of the 1982 Vestron Video release of Benji, followed by a long stretch of black before the feature presentation.

Editor's Note: None.

4th Warning (1988/1989-2005)

MCA/Universal WarningUniversal Warning ScreenUniversal/Alliance Atlantis Warning Screen (Canada)Universal DVD WarningUniversal Studios Home Entertainment Warning Screen (DVD)

Warning: It is exactly like the previous warning, but looks more modern and with the word "WARNING" in fire engine red with warning text in white.

Variants:

• There is a DVD variant of the warning in which the word "WARNING" was slightly larger, colored a regular shade of red and doesn't have a drop shadow, and the warning text was somewhat modified. This was also used on laserdisc releases starting around 1988 or 1989.
• On classic movies, the Warning is in black and white.
• There is a Canadian variant in which the words "Title 17, United States Code, Section 501 and 506" are replaced with the Anti-Piracy message from the Canadian Bureau of Protection of Film and Videocassette with the toll-free number (1-800-361-9166) and the words "All calls confidential". This is spotted on the 1988 VHS release of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial and on most Alliance releases from 1992 to 2005, before Alliance started to use its own Interpol warning.
• A Spanish-language variant exists on Spanish-dubbed releases of movies such as Babe and Casper.

FX/SFX: None.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: On most MCA/Universal Home Video, Universal Studios Home Entertainment, Cineplex Odeon Video (Some releases from 1990, but mainly releases from mid-1992 until mid-1993 for the regular variant. The Canadian variant appears on Cineplex Odeon tapes from 1993 until 1998, when the company folded), Trimark Home Video, Lionsgate Home Entertainment, Alliance/Alliance Atlantis and DreamWorks Home Entertainment releases from the era. The DVD version was seen on Universal and DreamWorks DVD releases of the era, as well as Trimark, Goodtimes and pre-2005 Lionsgate DVD releases. Also seen on some later MCA Home Video releases, but only on laserdisc. This logo did not start use on VHS until 1991, with Kindergarten Cop being one of the first to use this warning. Don't expect the Spanish variant to appear on Trimark/Lionsgate releases.

Editor's Note: None.

5th Warning (1992-2006)

Warning: On a blue background, we see the following demo tape warning in white scrolling up:

This cassette is the property of

MCA/Universal Home Video, Inc.,

and MCA reserves all right, title

and interest in and to the cassette

and its content. The quality of the

video and audio elements of this

picture are subject to change.

Use is strictly limited to viewing by

MCA's customers in connection

with the selection and purchase of

retail copies of this cassette.

Duplication or distribution of this

cassette is prohibited and is in

violation of Federal and

international copyright laws.

Variant:

• Later, after MCA/Universal Home Video became Universal Studios Home Video, the MCA/Universal text on the warning was replaced with it.
• Starting in 2004, a darkish shade appears at the bottom.

FX/SFX: The text scrolling.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Rare. It only appears on screener tapes made by the company to show to retailers.

Editor's Note: None.

6th Warning (2005-2012)

Warning: On a blue/white gradient textured background, we see the colorized FBI logo with a white box with "FBI ANTI-PIRACY WARNING" in front of it, with warning info below.

Variant: On Universal Music releases, the text appears in English first, then French and Spanish.

FX/SFX: None.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Seen on all Universal releases from 2005-2012.

Editor's Note: None.

7th Warning (2012-)

Universal warning (2012- ) 1Universal Warning (2012- ) 2

Warning: On a black background, we see the "FBI ANTI-PIRACY WARNING" logo at the top from before, this time aligned to the left. To the right of the logo is the Department of Homeland Security badge. Below is the warning text. Then it switches to another screen, this time it has the Intellectual Property Rights Center logo. Below is the text: "Piracy is not a victimless crime. For more information on how digital theft harms the economy, please visit www.iprcenter.gov".

FX/SFX: None.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Brand new. Seen on the newest Universal releases on DVD and VOD, such as The Grey, Side Effects, and Safe House, among others.

Editor's Note: None.

International Warnings

United Kingdom

1st Warning (1981-2001)

See CIC Video Warning Screen.

2nd Warning (1999-2002)

Universal Studios Home Entertainment Warning Screen - Company Bumpers

Warning: Exactly the same as the 1997 PolyGram warning.

FX/SFX: The fading of the text.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Seen on Universal UK releases from 1999-2002.

Editor's Note: None.

3rd Warning (2002-)

Universal Studios Home Entertainment UK Warning ScreenUNIVERSAL DVD WARNING

Warning: Same as the 2000 DreamWorks warning, but the font is thinner and the text is replaced by the following:

'COPYRIGHT NOTICE

THIS COPYRIGHTED WORK HAS BEEN LICENSED

FOR PRIVATE USE ONLY AND ANY OTHER USE

OF THE WHOLE OR ANY PART OF THE MATERIAL

(INCLUDING ADAPTING. COPYING. ISSUING COPIES.

UNAUTHORISED LENDING. PUBLIC PERFORMANCE.

BROADCASTING OR MAKING THE SAME AVAILABLE

TO OR VIA THE INTERNET OR WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY

OR AUTHORISING ANY OF THE FOREGOING)

IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.'

Variant: On VHS releases, the text is exactly the same as the DreamWorks warning and fades in.

FX/SFX: None or the fading of the text.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Seen on UK Universal releases.

Editor's Note: None.

Australia

1st Warning (1981-2001)

See CIC Video Warning Screen.

2nd Warning (2002-)

Warning: Same as the British warning, but the text is replaced by the following:

'Warning

This copyrighted work Is for private and domestic use only.

All unauthorised uses including copying, selling, letting for hire, offering for sale or hire, distributing, public exhibition, public performance, broadcast (including any communication to the public or internet use) or transmission by diffusion service of the whole or part of this copyrighted work are prohibited.

Unauthorised use may incur damages for breach of copyright and penalties of up to five years imprisonment and fines of up to $60,500 per offence for individuals and $302.500 per offence for corporations, higher in certain circumstances.'

FX/SFX: Same as the British warning.

Music/Sounds: Same as the British warning.

Availability: Seen on most Aussie Universal releases.

Editor's Note: None.

Brazil

1st Warning (1990's)

See CIC Video Warning Screen.

Mexico

(1990's)

See CIC Video Warning Screen.

Japan

1st Warning (1990's-2000)

See CIC Video Warning Screen.

Germany

1st Warning (1998)

See CIC Video Warning Screen.

2nd Warning (2000's-)

Warning: Same as the British warning, but the text is replaced by the following:

'ACHTUNG

Der Copyright-Inhaber hat das Programm auf diesem urheberrechtlich geschützten Werk ausschließlich zur privaten Vorführung freigegeben.

Er verbietet jede andere, vollständige und teilweise Nutzung, insbesondere die unautorisierte Vermietung, Vervielfältigung, Überspielung, die Öffentliche Vorführung und jedwede Nutzung über Online-Dienste.

Zuwiderhandlungen werden zivil- und strafrechtlich verfolgt.'

Translation:

'CAUTION: The copyright holder has released the program on this copyrighted work for private viewing only. Any other, full or partial use, in particular the unauthorized rental, duplication, transferring, public demonstration and any use via online services, is prohibited. Violations will be prosecuted under civil and criminal law.'

FX/SFX: Same as the British warning.

Music/Sounds: Same as the British warning.

Availability: Seen on most Universal releases that include the German language.

Editor's Note: None.

Spain

1st Warning (1990's)

See CIC Video Warning Screen.

2nd Warning (2000's-)

Warning: Same as the British warning, but the text is replaced by the following:

'ADVERTENCIA

La grabación contenida en esta obra protegida por copyright (incluyendo la banda sonora) está protegida por la Ley de Propiedad Intelectual y el Código Penal.

Se autoriza exclusivamente el visionado doméstico del contenido de este soporte. Todos los demás derechos sobre esta obra quedan reservados.

La reproducción, distribución, comunicación pública o transformación total o parcial de la misma sin autorización expresa del titular se perseguirá conforme a las leyes.'

Translation:

'WARNING: The recording contained in this copyrighted work (including the soundtrack) is protected by the Intellectual Property Law and the Penal Code. The domestic viewing of the content of this medium is exclusively authorized. All other rights to this work are reserved. The reproduction, distribution, public communication or total or partial transformation of the same without express authorization of the owner will be pursued in accordance with the laws.'

FX/SFX: Same as the British warning.

Music/Sounds: Same as the British warning.

Availability: Seen on most Universal releases that include the European Spanish language.

Editor's Note: None.

France

1st Warning (1981-1997)

See CIC Video Warning Screen.

2nd Warning (2000's-)

Warning: Same as the British warning, but the text is replaced by the following:

'EDV:

Ce vidéogramme est exclusivement réservé à l'usage privé et gratuit dans le cercle de la famille. Sauf autorisation, la projection en séance publique avec ou sans perception de droits d'entrée, la duplication même partielle, le prêt, l'utilisation pour l'exécution publique et la radiodiffusion sont interdits sous peine de poursuites judiciaires.

La loi interdit:

de télécharger des fichiers illégaux d'œuvres audiovisuelles sur Internet

d'offrir à l'échange des copies d'œuvres audiovisuelles sur Internet

d'acheter ou vendre les copies pirates de supports vidéographiques

Les peines encourues en justice sont, en France, un maximum de 300.000 € d'amende et 3 ans de prison.

Pour plus d'information www.alpa.asso.fr - Pour signaler tout contrevenant ALPA 01.45.22.07.07

EDV 764'

'Le contenu de ce support est, entre autres, protégé par la loi sur les droits d'auteur et des droits voisins (LDA), la loi sur les bases des données (LDAO) et la loi sur les marques (LRCP). L'œuvre fixée sur ce support est exclusivement destinée au cercle familial.

Tout autre utilisation, notamment le reproduction, même partielle, le prêt, la représentation en public, dont la représentation dans le secteur HORECA, les parcs de vacances, dans le milieu de travail, scolaire ou associatif ou via en réseau de télé(communication), sans l'autorisation des ayants droit est interdite (sauf les exceptions légales) et constitue un delit.

En cas de doute sur l'authenticité de ces produits, vous pouvez appeler:

BAF (Belgian Anti-Piracy Federation): +32 (0)2 463 15 10

Ou par e-mail : [email protected]

A red line in the middle of the screen separates the two pieces of text.

Translation:

'EDV: This videogram is exclusively reserved for private and free use within the family circle. Unless authorized, screening in public with or without collection of entrance fees, duplication, even partial, lending, use for public performance and broadcasting are prohibited under penalty of legal prosecutions. The law prohibits downloading illegal files of audiovisual works on the Internet, offering for exchange copies of audiovisual works on the Internet, buying or selling pirated copies of videographic media. The penalties incurred in court are, in France, a maximum of € 300,000 fine and 3 years in prison. For more information www.alpa.asso.fr - To report any offender ALPA 01.45.22.07.07. EDV 764. The content of this medium is, among others, protected by the law on copyright and neighboring rights (LDA), the law on databases (LDAO) and the law on trademarks (LRCP). The work attached on this support is exclusively intended for the family circle. Any other use, including reproduction, even partial, lending, public performance, including representation in the hotel and catering sector, holiday parks, in a workplace, school or association or via a television network (communication) without the authorization of the beneficiaries is prohibited (except for legal exceptions) and constitutes an offense. In case of doubt as to the authenticity of these products, you can call BAF (Belgian Anti-Piracy Federation): +32 (0) 2 463 15 10, or by e-mail: [email protected]

'

FX/SFX: Same as the British warning.

Music/Sounds: Same as the British warning.

Availability: Seen on most Universal releases that include the French language.

Editor's Note: None.

Italy

1st Warning (1990's)

See CIC Video Warning Screen.

2nd Warning (2000's-)

Warning: Same as the British warning, but the text is replaced by the following:

'QUESTO FILM È PROTETTO DA UN COPYRIGHT ED È STATO CONCESSO IN LICENZA DAL PROPRIETARIO DEL COPYRIGHT SOLO PER USO PRIVATO. TUTTI GLI ALTRI DIRITTI SONO RISERVATI.

LA LIMITAZIONE DELL'USO PRIVATO ESCLUDE L'UTILIZZAZIONE Dl QUESTO FILM PROTETTO DA COPYRIGHT IN LUOGHI QUALI CLUB O ALBERGHI.

SONO RIGOROSAMENTE VIETATE LA RIPRODUZIONE ANCHE PARZIALE PER L'ESECUZIONE IN PUBBLICO E LA TRASMISSIONE CON QUALSIASI MEZZO.'

Translation:

'THIS FILM IS PROTECTED BY A COPYRIGHT AND HAS BEEN LICENSED BY THE OWNER OF THE COPYRIGHT FOR PRIVATE USE ONLY. ALL OTHER RIGHTS ARE RESERVED. RESTRICTION ON PRIVATE USE EXCLUDES USE OF THIS COPYRIGHTED FILM IN LOCATIONS SUCH AS CLUBS OR HOTELS. REPRODUCTION, EVEN PARTIAL, FOR PUBLIC PERFORMANCE AND TRANSMISSION BY ANY MEANS ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED.'

FX/SFX: Same as the British warning.

Music/Sounds: Same as the British warning.

Availability: Seen on most Universal releases that include the Italian language.

Editor's Note: None.

Netherlands/Belgium

1st Warning (1990's)

See CIC Video Warning Screen.

Sweden

(1990's)

See CIC Video Warning Screen.

Norway

1st Warning (1990's)

See CIC Video Warning Screen.

Denmark

1st Warning (1990's)

See CIC Video Warning Screen.

2nd Warning (2000's-)

Warning: Same as the British warning, but the text is replaced by the following:

'Dette copyright-beskyttede værk tilhører Universal Pictures (Denmark) ApS og må kun sælges/udlejes til privatpersoner af en af Foreningen af Danske Videogramdistributører godkendt forhandler.

Det copyright-beskyttede værk må kun benyttes til privat brug, det vil sige til forevisning uden vederlag i private hjem.

Det er forbudt at anvende det copyright-beskyttede værk til oflentlig fremvisnlng, gennem kabel-tv eller lign.

Videreudlejning, udlån eller kopiering af det copyright-beskyttede værk er forbudt.

Overtrædelse vil medføre straf og erstatningspligt og vll blive retsforfulgt af Foreningen af danske Videogramdistributører.

Translation:

'This copyrighted work belongs to Universal Pictures (Denmark) ApS and may only be sold/rented to private individuals by a dealer approved by the Association of Danish Videogram Distributors. The copyrighted work may only be used for private use, ie for display free of charge in private homes. It is forbidden to use the copyrighted work for public viewing, through cable TV or similar. Subletting, lending or copying of the copyrighted work is prohibited. Violation will result in punishment and liability and will be prosecuted by the Association of Danish Videogram Distributors.'

FX/SFX: Same as the British warning.

Music/Sounds: Same as the British warning.

Availability: Seen on most Universal releases that include the Danish language.

Editor's Note: None.

Finland

(2000's-)

Warning: Same as the British warning, but the text is replaced by the following:

'Varoitus! Tämän tekijänoikeudella suojatun teoksen ohjelmamateriaali ja kansikortti on suojattu tekijänoikeuslain perusteella. Ohjelmamateriaalin oikeudet omistaa Universal Pictures Finland Oy.

Myyntiin tarkoitetun tekijänoikeudella suojatun teoksen vuokraaminen on kielletty. Tekijänoikeudella suojatun teoksen vuokraaminen edellytää erillistä sopimusta oikeudenhaltijan kanssa. Ohjelmamateriaalin esittäminen julkisesti, suljetuissa yhteisöissa tai kaapeliverkossa ilman erillistä lupaa oikeudenhaltijan kanssa on kielletty. Kaikenlainen kopiointi, mukaan lukien kopiointi omaan käyttöön, on kiellettyä. Kiellon rikkominen noi johtaa Suomen lain mukaiseen rangaistukseen ja korvausvelvoitteeseen.

Translation:

'Warning! The program material and cover of this copyrighted work are protected by copyright law. The rights to the program material are owned by Universal Pictures Finland Oy. Renting a copyrighted work for sale is prohibited. Renting a copyrighted work requires a separate agreement with the rights holder. The presentation of program material in public, in closed communities or on a cable network without the express permission of the rights holder is prohibited. All forms of copying, including copying for personal use, are prohibited. Violation of the prohibition will result in a penalty and an obligation to pay compensation under Finnish law.'

FX/SFX: Same as the British warning.

Music/Sounds: Same as the British warning.

Availability: Seen on most Universal releases that include the Finnish language.

Editor's Note: None.

Poland

(1990's-2000's)

See Imperial Entertainment Warning Screen.