VidAmerica

Background

Initially a subsidiary of Video Corporation of America, VidAmerica was purchased in 1986 by a consortium controlled by billionaire investor Ronald O. Perelman (his holdings also included Revlon, Four Star, and New World Entertainment).

1st Logo (1979-1985)

Nicknames: "Rainbow Trail", "Rainbow VidAmerica Trail"

Logo: On a black background, the VidAmerica logo (in white) flies toward us with a "rainbow trail" effect. On the left side of the VidAmerica logo is a star-like symbol, also in white. The words ''Special Interest Video Software'' in smaller lettering appears below, in white.

FX/SFX: The ''trail''.

Music/Sounds: A disco-style fanfare.

Availability: Very rare. Can be seen on some videotapes and CEDs from the time, such as Hey Abbott!, The Unseen and Baseball: Fun and Games. It may be on a 1980 VHS release of Casablanca produced under their deal with United Artists, but it is unknown at the present time.

Editor's Note: Between the rainbow Scanimation graphics and the disco music, this is very much a late '70s period piece. This is, however, a favorite of many, probably for that very reason.

2nd Logo (1985-1992)

Nickname: "CGI VidAmerica"

Logo: On a violet background setting, we see lots of VidAmerica logos moving past us. One turns to gold and turns to face the screen. The logo shines.

FX/SFX: The turning of the logo.

Music/Sounds: A synth tinkling sound, along with an orchestral note held out for the appearance of the gold VidAmerica logo.

Music/Sound Variant: A closing variant was used for early releases that feature this logo. This time, the jingle ends with one last twinkle.

Availability: Seen on any VidAmerica release from the time. Most releases of cartoons from VidAmerica (e.g.: Speed Racer, Felix the Cat) had this logo.

Editor's Note: This logo uses top notch computer graphics for the time that hold up quite well today.