HBO Home Entertainment

History

The company made its start in the UK in 1979 as EMI Videogram, distributing videocassette titles in the United Kingdom. In 1979, Thorn Electrical Industries merged with EMI to form Thorn EMI.

In the U.S., EMI struck deals with Fotomat Video to market titles for rental, Time-Life Video for mail order titles, and Capitol Records for retail distribution. In early 1981, EMI licensed the Neil Diamond film The Jazz Singer to Paramount Home Video for North American home video.

In late 1981, the company became Thorn EMI Video, and its first titles were released in North America in late 1981. The company distributed titles by EMI Music Video and Thames Video for worldwide distribution. The company expanded into other territories beyond the UK and US, such as Australia and France.

In November 1984, the company partnered with HBO, and the U.S. arm became Thorn EMI/HBO Video and picked up distribution rights to titles by Tri-Star Pictures and Orion Pictures, of which HBO had interest in. Soon afterwards, Capitol Records had parted ways with the label.

In 1986, Cannon acquired Thorn EMI Screen Entertainment, and the U.S. arm became HBO/Cannon Video and elsewhere else, Cannon Video in overseas markets. The company begin distributing home video titles by Sports Illustrated in 1986. In late 1986, HBO/Cannon gave back some titles, such as the Carolco titles, like Angel Heart and Extreme Prejudice, to International Video Entertainment and the Cannon films, like Masters of the Universe and Surrender, to Warner Home Video.

In April 1987, the company became HBO Video. The company soon begin distributing titles by Playboy Video for three years from 1988 to 1991, when it was shifted to Uni Distribution Corporation. HBO was involved in a lawsuit with Vestron Video claiming the rights to Hoosiers and Platoon, and it was settled in early 1988, with HBO putting the cassettes of two movies on the market until September 1988, when the rights reverted to Vestron.

In 1990, when Time Inc. merged with Warner Communications, Warner Home Video begin marketing HBO Video product. In 1993, the company begin licensing titles from Savoy Pictures and started a sublabel HBO Savoy Video. In 1994, the company became HBO Home Video. In 1997, the company launched the HBO Kids Video label for children's releases. HBO soon shifted its focus from independent releases and begin releasing HBO's catalog of original programs.

In 2003, the company became HBO Video, and in 2009, became HBO Home Entertainment. HBO transferred the manufacturing of physical products to Warner Home Video in the process, and in 2020, merged and folded into Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.

Titles released under the Thorn EMI label (1981-1985)

Original numbering system

• 3XX: Thames
• 4XX: Performing Arts
• 6XX: Drama
• 8XX: Music
• 9XX: Horror/Sci-Fi

Catalog number	Title	Country of origin	Original year	Length	Version	MPAA rating	Film format	Tape count	Tape break placement (if applicable)	Color	Released	Note(s)
301	Benny Hill's Video Revue From Thames Television	UK	1981	120 min	TBD	NR	Academy	1	N/A	Color	November 15, 1981	TBD
302	Edward & Mrs. Simpson: Part I From Thames Television	UK	1978	135 min	TBD	NR	Academy	1	N/A	Color	June 1982	TBD
303	Edward & Mrs. Simpson: Part II From Thames Television	UK	1978	135 min	TBD	NR	Academy	1	N/A	Color	June 1982	TBD
306	The Naked Civil Servant From Thames Television	UK	1975	80 min	TBD	NR	Academy	1	N/A	Color	June 1982	TBD
319	The Best of the Kenny Everett Video Show From Thames Television	UK	1978	104 min	TBD	NR	Academy	1	N/A	Color	June 1982	TBD
320	The Pied Piper/Cinderella From Thames Television	UK	1981	70 min	TBD	NR	TBD	1	N/A	Color	June 1982	TBD
321	The Norman Conquests: Table Manners From Thames Television	UK	1977	108 min	TBD	NR	Academy	1	N/A	Color	June 1982	TBD
322	The Norman Conquests: Living Together From Thames Television	UK	1977	93 min	TBD	NR	Academy	1	N/A	Color	June 1982	TBD
323	The Norman Conquests: Round and Round the Garden From Thames Television	UK	1977	106 min	TBD	NR	Academy	1	N/A	Color	June 1982	TBD
401	I Am a Dancer From EMI Films	UK	1972	92 min	TBD	G	Academy	1	N/A	Color	November 15, 1981	TBD
601	Death on the Nile From EMI Films	UK	1978	135 min	TBD	PG	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	November 15, 1981	The original Paramount Pictures logo that started the feature is intact.
602	S.O.S. Titanic From EMI Films	UK/USA	1979	98 min	Edited European theatrical version	NR	Matted 1.75	1	N/A	Color	November 15, 1981	Presented in letterbox format at a 1.66:1 aspect ratio. Sped up by just 4.20% for a running time of 98 minutes (as opposed to this version's original 103 minutes running time).
603	The Cruel Sea From EMI Films	UK	1953	121 min	TBD	NR	Academy	1	N/A	Black and white	November 15, 1981	TBD
604	One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest From Fantasy Films	USA	1975	129 min	TBD	R	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	January 1982	TBD
605	The Lord of the Rings From Fantasy Films	USA	1978	133 min	TBD	PG	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	January 1982	TBD
606	Entertaining Mr. Sloane From EMI Films	UK	1970	90 min	TBD	NR	TBD	1	N/A	Color	January 1982	TBD
609	Two-Way Stretch From EMI Films	UK	1960	84 min	TBD	NR	Matted 1.66	1	N/A	Black and white	March 1982	TBD
610	The Mirror Crack'd From EMI Films	UK	1980	105 min	TBD	PG	1.85	1	N/A	Color	March 1982	TBD
611	Dead of Night From EMI Films	UK	1945	104 min	TBD	NR	Academy	1	N/A	Black and white	March 1982	TBD
613	Summer Solstice From Boston Broadcasters	USA	1981	75 min	TBD	NR	Academy	1	N/A	Color	June 1982	TBD
614	Spaced Out From Miramax Films	UK	1979	85 min	US edited version	R	Academy	1	N/A	Color	September 1982	TBD
615	The Bushido Blade From Aquarius Releasing	UK/USA/Japan	1981	92 min	US television version	NR	Academy	1	N/A	Color	June 1982	Some copies were duplicated at VCA Teletronics.
616	Goodbye, Norma Jean From Cinema Shares International Distribution	USA	1976	?? min	TBD	R	Techniscope	1	N/A	Color	September 1982	TBD
617	The Four Feathers From Trident Films	UK	1978	105 min	TBD	NR	Academy	1	N/A	Color	September 1982	TBD
618	The Stud From Brent Walker Film Productions	UK	1978	90 min	TBD	R	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	September 1982	TBD
619	Montenegro From Atlantic Releasing Corporation	Sweden	1981	97 min	TBD	R	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	September 1982	TBD
801	Can't Stop the Music From EMI Films	USA	1980	117 min	TBD	PG	Panavision	1	N/A	Color	November 15, 1981	TBD
807	Totally Go-Go's From Picture Music International	TBD	1981	?? min	TBD	TBD	TBD	1	N/A	Color	July 1982	TBD
808	Little River Band From Picture Music International	TBD	19??	?? min	TBD	TBD	TBD	1	N/A	Color	September 1982	TBD
901	The Day the Earth Caught Fire! From EMI Films	UK	1962	95 min	TBD	NR	Dyaliscope	1	N/A	Black and white	November 15, 1981	TBD
902	Scars of Dracula From EMI Films	UK	1970	92 min	TBD	R	Matted 1.66	1	N/A	Color	November 15, 1981	TBD
903	The Burning From HandMade Films	USA	1981	90 min	TBD	R	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	June 1982	TBD

New numbering system

1982

Catalog number	Title	Country of origin	Original year	Length	Version	MPAA rating	Film format	Tape count	Tape break placement (if applicable)	Color	Released	Note(s)
1035	Death on the Nile From EMI Films	UK	1978	135 min	TBD	PG	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	November 15, 1981	The original Paramount Pictures logo that started the feature is intact.
1036	Can't Stop the Music From EMI Films	USA	1980	117 min	TBD	PG	Panavision	1	N/A	Color	November 15, 1981	TBD
1037	Benny Hill's Video Revue From Thames Television	UK	1981	120 min	TBD	NR	Academy	1	N/A	Color	November 15, 1981	TBD
1038	S.O.S. Titanic From EMI Films	UK/USA	1979	98 min	Edited European theatrical version	NR	Matted 1.75	1	N/A	Color	November 15, 1981	Presented in letterbox format at a 1.66:1 aspect ratio. Sped up by just 4.20% for a running time of 98 minutes (as opposed to this version's original 103 minutes running time).
1039	The Cruel Sea From EMI Films	UK	1953	121 min	TBD	NR	Academy	1	N/A	Black and white	November 15, 1981	TBD
1041	I Am a Dancer From EMI Films	UK	1972	92 min	TBD	G	Academy	1	N/A	Color	November 15, 1981	TBD
1042	The Day the Earth Caught Fire! From EMI Films	UK	1962	95 min	TBD	NR	Dyaliscope	1	N/A	Black and white	November 15, 1981	TBD
1043	Scars of Dracula From EMI Films	UK	1970	92 min	TBD	R	Matted 1.66	1	N/A	Color	November 15, 1981	TBD
1048	One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest From Fantasy Films	USA	1975	129 min	TBD	R	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	January 1982	TBD
1049	The Lord of the Rings From Fantasy Films	USA	1978	133 min	TBD	PG	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	January 1982	TBD
1098	The Playboy of the Western World From EMI Films	UK	1962	?? min	TBD	NR	Matted 1.66	1	N/A	Black and white	November 1982	TBD
1105	The Servant From EMI Films	USA	1963	115 min	TBD	NR	Matted 1.66	1	N/A	Color	October 1982	The film was not sped up at all running for 115 minutes despite the packaging claiming it ran for just 112. Same transfer as the Fotomat Video release.
1108	The Final Programme From EMI Films	UK	1973	85 min	TBD	R	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	November 1982	TBD
1109	That'll Be the Day From EMI Films	UK	1973	?? min	TBD	PG	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	December 1982	TBD
1110	Heaven's Above! From EMI Films	UK	1963	113 min	TBD	NR	Matted 1.66	1	N/A	Black and white	November 1982	TBD
1111	Lucky Jim From EMI Films	UK	1957	?? min	TBD	NR	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Black and white	November 1982	TBD
1112	Lust for a Vampire From EMI Films	UK	1970	92 min	TBD	R	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	November 1982	TBD
1113	I'm All Right Jack From EMI Films	UK	1959	101 min	TBD	NR	Matted 1.66	1	N/A	Black and white	November 1982	TBD
1114	Rattle of a Simple Man From EMI Films	UK	1964	?? min	TBD	NR	Matted 1.66	1	N/A	Black and white	November 1982	TBD
1115	The Winslow Boy From EMI Films	UK	1948	?? min	TBD	NR	Academy	1	N/A	Black and white	November 1982	TBD
1116	Hobson's Choice From EMI Films	UK	1954	102 min	TBD	NR	Matted 1.66	1	N/A	Black and white	November 1982	TBD
1117	Morgan – A Suitable Case for Treatment From EMI Films	UK	1969	93 min	TBD	NR	Matted 1.66	1	N/A	Black and white	November 1982	TBD
1118	Whisky Galore! From EMI Films	UK	1949	?? min	TBD	NR	Academy	1	N/A	Black and white	November 1982	TBD
1119	The Return From J&M Entertainment	USA	1980	?? min	TBD	NR	Matted 1.78	1	N/A	Color	November 1982	TBD
1120	The Harder They Come From Island Pictures	Jamaica	1972	93 min	TBD	R	Matted 1.66	1	N/A	Color	November 1982	TBD
1122	By Design From Atlantic Releasing Corporation	Canada	1982	?? min	TBD	R	TBD	1	N/A	Color	November 1982	TBD
1124	Below the Belt From Atlantic Releasing Corporation	USA	1980	92 min	TBD	R	TBD	1	N/A	Color	November 1982	TBD

1983

Catalog number	Title	Country of origin	Original year	Length	Version	MPAA rating	Film format	Tape count	Tape break placement (if applicable)	Color	Released	Note(s)
1573	First Blood From EMI Films	USA	1982	96 min	US theatrical version	R	Panavision	1	N/A	Color	March 1983	TBD
1633	Bad Boys From EMI Films	USA	1983	123 min	Uncut version	R	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	August 1983	TBD
1966	The Dark Crystal From Henson Associates	UK/USA	1983	93 min	TBD	PG	Panavision	1	N/A	Color	October 1983	TBD
1977	Dawn of the Dead From United Film Distribution Company	USA/Italy	1978	126 min	US theatrical version	X	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	December 1983	TBD
2379	The Concert for Bangladesh From Apple Corps	USA/UK	1971	90 min	TBD	G	TBD	1	N/A	Color	August 1983	TBD

1984

Catalog number	Title	Country of origin	Original year	Length	Version	MPAA rating	Film format	Tape count	Tape break placement (if applicable)	Color	Released	Note(s)
1981	The Osterman Weekend From J&M Entertainment	USA	1983	102 min	TBD	R	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	1984	TBD
2186	Jimmy the Kid From New World Pictures	USA	1982	89 min	TBD	PG	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	January 1984	Original 1970 MPAA rating card intact at the end.
2547	The Philadelphia Experiment From New World Pictures	USA	1984	102 min	TBD	PG	Matted 1.78	1	N/A	Color	October 1984	TBD
2722	Dreamscape From Zupnik-Curtis Enterprises	USA	1984	99 min	TBD	PG-13	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	December 1984	TBD

1985

Catalog number	Title	Country of origin	Original year	Length	Version	MPAA rating	Film format	Tape count	Tape break placement (if applicable)	Color	Released	Note(s)
1573	First Blood From EMI Films	USA	1982	96 min	US theatrical version	R	Panavision	1	N/A	Color	May 15, 1985	TBD
1628	Privates on Parade From HandMade Films	UK	1983	107 min	TBD	R	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	April 10, 1985	Misrated PG-13 on the cover.
1974	Mahler From the Janus Collection	UK	1974	110 min	TBD	PG	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	April 10, 1985	TBD
2377	Ready Steady Go! Vol. 2 From Picture Music International	UK	1984	55 min	TBD	NR	PAL-I	1	N/A	Color	April 10, 1985	TBD
2535	The Terminator From Orion Pictures	USA	1984	108 min	TBD	R	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	April 10, 1985	TBD
2716	The Glitter Dome From HBO Premiere Films	USA	1984	90 min	TBD	NR	Academy	1	N/A	Color	May 15, 1985	TBD
2718	Mephisto From Analysis Film Releasing Corporation	Hungary/Austria/West Germany	1981	144 min	TBD	X	Matted 1.66	1	N/A	Color	April 10, 1985	TBD
2719	Slayground From EMI Films	UK	1983	85 min	TBD	R	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	March 6, 1985	TBD
2721	Body Rock From New World Pictures	USA	1984	93 min	TBD	PG-13	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	March 6, 1985	TBD
2727	The Four Deuces From Cinema Shares International Distribution	USA	1975	87 min	TBD	R	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	March 6, 1985	The original AVCO Embassy logo that started the picture is intact. Original 1970 MPAA rating card intact at the end.
2802	Falstaff From National Video Corporation	UK	1983	141 min	TBD	NR	PAL-I	1	N/A	Color	April 10, 1985	Performed by the Royal Opera.
2804	La bohème From National Video Corporation	UK	1982	115 min	TBD	NR	PAL-I	1	N/A	Color	April 10, 1985	Performed by the Royal Opera.
2854	The Best of Upstairs, Downstairs Vol. 12 From London Weekend Television	UK	1974	50 min	TBD	NR	PAL-I	1	N/A	Color	April 10, 1985	Contains the episode "Facing Fearful Odds".
2855	The Best of Upstairs, Downstairs Vol. 13 From London Weekend Television	UK	1975	50 min	TBD	NR	PAL-I	1	N/A	Color	April 10, 1985	Contains the episode "Wanted - A Good Home".
2856	The Best of Upstairs, Downstairs Vol. 14 From London Weekend Television	UK	1975	50 min	TBD	NR	PAL-I	1	N/A	Color	April 10, 1985	Contains the episode "An Old Flame".
2880	Flashpoint From Home Box Office and Silver Screen Partners	USA	1984	95 min	TBD	R	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	March 6, 1985	TBD
2995	Chattanooga Choo Choo From April Fools Productions	USA	1984	102 min	TBD	PG	TBD	1	N/A	Color	April 10, 1985	TBD
3030	Danger Mouse Vol. 3 From Thames Television	UK	1983	60 min	TBD	NR	Academy	1	N/A	Color	April 10, 1985	Contains the episodes "Chicken Run", "The Four Tasks of Dangermouse", "Planet of the Cats", and "The Dream Machine".

Titles released under the Thorn EMI/HBO label (1985-1986)

1985

Catalog number	Title	Country of origin	Original year	Length	Version	MPAA rating	Film format	Tape count	Tape break placement (if applicable)	Color	Released	Note(s)
2853	The Jigsaw Man From United Film Distribution Company	UK	1983	90 min	TBD	PG	Matted 1.66	1	N/A	Color	July 17, 1985	TBD
2981	The Mean Season From Orion Pictures	USA	1985	106 min	TBD	R	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	July 17, 1985	TBD
2985	Code of Silence From Orion Pictures	USA	1985	100 min	TBD	R	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	November 1985	TBD
2997	Amadeus From Orion Pictures	USA	1984	158 min	TBD	PG	Panavision	1	N/A	Color	September 1985	TBD
3167	Count Yorga, Vampire From Orion Pictures	USA	1970	90 min	TBD	PG	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	July 17, 1985	TBD
3402	Mad Bull From Filmways Television	USA	1977	96 min	TBD	NR	Academy	1	N/A	Color	November 1985	TBD

1986

Catalog number	Title	Country of origin	Original year	Length	Version	MPAA rating	Film format	Tape count	Tape break placement (if applicable)	Color	Released	Note(s)
2729	Space Riders From EMI Films	UK	1984	93 min	TBD	NR	TBD	1	N/A	Color	May 14, 1986	As of 2023, this film has yet to be released on DVD and/or Blu-ray.
2977	Wild Geese II From EMI Films	UK	1985	124 min	TBD	R	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	August 1986	TBD
2989	Beer From Orion Pictures	USA	1985	83 min	TBD	R	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	March 26, 1986	TBD
2999	Creator From Kings Road Productions	USA	1985	108 min	TBD	R	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	January 22, 1986	TBD
3002	Rambo: First Blood Part II From EMI Films	USA	1985	96 min	International theatrical version	R	Panavision	1	N/A	Color	January 22, 1986	TBD
3004	Howling II From Hemdale Film Corporation	USA	1985	91 min	TBD	R	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	April 1986	TBD
3007	Morons from Outer Space From EMI Films	UK	1985	78 min	TBD	PG-13	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	March 26, 1986	TBD
3394	Plenty From EMI Films	UK/USA	1985	119 min	TBD	R	Panavision	1	N/A	Color	March 26, 1986	TBD
3395	Return of the Living Dead From Orion Pictures	USA	1985	91 min	TBD	R	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	July 2, 1986	TBD
3514	Crossover Dreams From Miramax Films	USA	1985	85 min	TBD	TBD	TBD	1	N/A	Color	March 26, 1986	One of HBO's earliest releases of Miramax content.
3554	Black Sabbath From Orion Pictures	Italy/France	1963	99 min	TBD	PG	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	March 26, 1986	TBD
3669	Dreamchild From EMI Films	UK	1985	90 min	TBD	PG	TBD	1	N/A	Color	May 14, 1986	TBD
3671	Planet of the Vampires From Orion Pictures	Italy/Spain	1965	96 min	TBD	NR	Matted 1.66	1	N/A	Color	May 14, 1986	TBD
3672	Maxie From Orion Pictures	USA	1985	98 min	TBD	PG	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	May 29, 1986	TBD
3675	Harry Belafonte: Don't Stop the Carnival	USA	1985	60 min	TBD	NR	NTSC-M	1	N/A	Color	May 29, 1986	TBD
3676	Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins From Orion Pictures	USA	1985	121 min	TBD	PG-13	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	May 14, 1986	TBD
3712	And Soon the Darkness From EMI Films	UK	1970	94 min	TBD	PG	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	May 14, 1986	TBD
3769	F/X From Orion Pictures	USA	1986	108 min	Standard version	R	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	September 1986	Closing trailer reel includes a preview for the then-upcoming film, Three Amigos! (1986).

Titles released under the HBO/Cannon label (1986-1987)

1986

Catalog number	Title	Country of origin	Original year	Length	Version	MPAA rating	Film format	Tape count	Tape break placement (if applicable)	Color	Released	Note(s)
3769	F/X From Orion Pictures	USA	1986	108 min	Standard version	R	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	Late 1986	Duplicated by VCA/Technicolor. Same master as the September 1986 issue, except this issue uses the HBO/Cannon Video opening logo.

1987

Catalog number	Title	Country of origin	Original year	Length	Version	MPAA rating	Film format	Tape count	Tape break placement (if applicable)	Color	Released	Note(s)
9959	Night of the Creeps From Tri-Star Pictures	USA	1986	89 min	TBD	R	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	April 22, 1987	TBD

Titles released under the HBO label (1987-)

1987

Catalog number	Title	Country of origin	Original year	Length	Version	MPAA rating	Film format	Tape count	Tape break placement (if applicable)	Color	Released	Note(s)
0007	¡Three Amigos! From Orion Pictures	USA	1986	105 min	TBD	PG	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	August 5, 1987	TBD

See also

• Comprehensive catalog of HBO Home Entertainment releases
• List of HBO Home Entertainment trailer reels
• List of HBO Home Entertainment budget-priced releases