York Entertainment (Warning Screens)

1st Warning (1992-1996)

Same as the 1979-2004 Warner Home Video warning.

Availability: Rare. Seen on the VHS releases of Return to Frogtown and Trapped.

2nd Warning (1996-2001)

Warning: On a black background is a white square. At the top of the square is the red word "WARNING" that blinks on and off. Then, three seconds later, the following warning text appears below "WARNING":

Federal law provides severe civil and criminal penalties for the unauthorized reproduction, distribution or exhibition of copyrighted motion pictures, video tapes or video discs. Criminal copyright infringement is inves- tigated by the F.B.I. and may constitute a felony with a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine.

Technique: The word "WARNING" blinking and the text appearing.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Rare. Seen on the VHS releases of Red Ink and Storm Tracker. This was also used by Aurora Home Entertainment.

Legacy: The silence and flashing word can be intimidating, but overall it looks rather cheap.

3rd Warning (June 26, 2001-2007?)

Warning: Same as the 1997/1999-2007 Pioneer/Geneon Entertainment warning.

Variant: On later releases, the word "FBI" is bold while the warning text is altered.

Technique: None.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Rare. Seen on the VHS releases of Nikita Blues and Game Over.

Legacy: The warning itself feels like an MS Paint rush job, and "FBI" and the seal look cheaply pasted into the picture.