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HBO Home Entertainment

From Home Video

History[edit]

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 into the rental market and Time-Life Video for mail-order distribution, while Capitol Records, a music label EMI owned at the time, provided distribution to retailers. 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 began releasing titles from EMI Music Video and Thames Video worldwide. The company expanded into other territories beyond the UK and US, such as Australia and France.

In the very beginning of 1985, Thorn EMI Video became Thorn EMI/HBO Video in North America, just a few months after Home Box Office's acquisition of a stake in the label. Additionally, it picked up distribution rights to titles by Tri-Star Pictures and Orion Pictures, which HBO had interest in. Soon afterwards, Capitol Records had parted ways with the label.

In 1986, The Cannon Group acquired Thorn EMI's entire entertainment business, including Cannon Screen Entertainment, Thorn EMI Video and Thorn EMI's stake in Thorn EMI/HBO Video. In the wake of this, these three companies were renamed to Cannon Screen Entertainment, HBO/Cannon Video and Cannon Video, respectively. Later that year, HBO/Cannon Video began releasing home video titles from Sports Illustrated. In late 1986, HBO/Cannon transferred rights to some titles, such as Angel Heart and Extreme Prejudice from Carolco Pictures to International Video Entertainment and Masters of the Universe and Surrender from Cannon to Warner Home Video.

In April 1987, Cannon sold its stake in HBO/Cannon Video to HBO, and the label became HBO Video. A month later, Cannon sold a majority of the Thorn EMI film and programming library to Weintraub Entertainment Group. For a year, HBO Video appeared to no longer hold the video rights to most of the library, but still reissued a few titles from it while the video rights were cleared up. Weintraub and HBO Video secured a new agreement in May 1988, allowing HBO Video to resume distribution of the library full-time, continuing this activity until Q4 1991 when Weintraub sold the library to Movie Acquisitions Corporation. HBO Video soon began releasing titles from Playboy Enterprises for three years, lasting until 1991, when Playboy began to market a majority of its home video titles on its own, with distribution through Uni Distribution Corporation. HBO was involved in a lawsuit with Vestron Video claiming the rights to Hoosiers and Platoon, and it was settled in January 1988, with HBO putting the cassettes of two movies on the market until H2 1988, when the rights reverted to Vestron.

In 1990, in the wake of the formation of Time Warner from a merger between Time Inc. and Warner Communications, HBO Video's sales and distribution departments were consolidated into those of Warner Home Video, though HBO Video's marketing department remained independent. In 1993, HBO Video began distributing titles from Savoy Pictures and, for this purpose, formed an imprint called HBO Savoy Video. By 1994, HBO Video was also known as HBO Home Video. In 1997, it launched the HBO Kids Video imprint for children's releases. HBO soon shifted its focus from independent releases to its own catalog of original programs.

In 2009, HBO Home Video became HBO Home Entertainment. In 2020, it merged completely into Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.

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

Original numbering system[edit]

  • 3XX: Thames Television
  • 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

Revised numbering system[edit]

1981[edit]

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

1982[edit]

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)
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.
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[edit]

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)
1488 The Jupiter Menace
From Davis-Panzer Productions
USA 1982 84 min TBD PG TBD 1 N/A Color February 1983
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[edit]

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 Davis-Panzer Productions and 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[edit]

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 Thorn EMI Screen Entertainment
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 Hemdale Film Corporation and 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)[edit]

1985[edit]

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[edit]

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 Thorn EMI Screen Entertainment
UK 1984 93 min TBD NR TBD 1 N/A Color May 14, 1986
  • As of 2025, this film has yet to be released on DVD and/or Blu-ray.
2977 Wild Geese II
From Thorn EMI Screen Entertainment
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 Thorn EMI Screen Entertainment
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 Thorn EMI Screen Entertainment
UK 1985 78 min TBD PG-13 Matted 1.85 1 N/A Color March 26, 1986 TBD
3394 Plenty
From Thorn EMI Screen Entertainment
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 Thorn EMI Screen Entertainment
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 Thorn EMI Screen Entertainment
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)[edit]

1986[edit]

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 Q4 1986
  • Duplicated by VCA/Technicolor.
  • Same master as the September 1986 issue, except this issue uses the HBO/Cannon Video opening logo.

1987[edit]

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 (1987-2020)[edit]

1987[edit]

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

1988[edit]

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)
0040 Platoon
From Hemdale Film Corporation
USA 1986 120 min TBD R Matted 1.85 1 N/A Color January 22, 1988
  • Delayed from the intended release date of October 7, 1987, due to a preliminary injunction obtained by Vestron.
  • Tapes printed before the injunction use the 1987 HBO Video logo, while tapes printed afterwards use the 1988 HBO Video logo; the content is otherwise unaltered between versions.
1488 The Jupiter Menace
From Davis-Panzer Productions
USA 1982 84 min TBD PG TBD 1 N/A Color H2 1988
  • Reuses the February 1983 Thorn EMI Video packaging and face label.

1989[edit]

1990[edit]

1991[edit]

1992[edit]

1993[edit]

1994[edit]

1995[edit]

1996[edit]

1997[edit]

1998[edit]

1999[edit]

2000[edit]

2001[edit]

2002[edit]

2003[edit]

2004[edit]

2005[edit]

Duplicators[edit]

See also[edit]

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