USA Home Entertainment

History

PolyGram was first involved in videocassettes in 1979 when Spectrum pacted with Thorn EMI Video to market and distribute videocassettes until early 1981. In 1981, after its deal with Thorn EMI expired, PolyGram Records formed PolyGram Video, which was headed by Goetz Kiso, and launched the Spectrum brand with 70 titles in the United Kingdom. It was gradually expanded beyond music with its cartoons, and films, some of them were produced by PolyGram Pictures. In late 1982, the company formed PolyGram Music Video to handle the conceptualization of 10-12 programs.

The company gradually expanded worldwide, becoming an international home video player, along the likes of Virgin, Thorn EMI, VCL, Vestron Video, Media Home Entertainment and Embassy Home Entertainment. In North America, the movie library PolyGram is distributing in other regions is initially distributed by MCA Videocassette (later Vestron Video) and Embassy Home Entertainment, and the music videos distributed by Sony Video Software, while the remaining, including music videos, and the feature Six Weeks, were marketed and distributed by RCA/Columbia Pictures Home Video. Laserdiscs of music videos were generally handled by Pioneer Artists, and CEDs were generally distributed by RCA SelectaVision.

In 1986, PolyGram and Heron Communications formed the joint venture Channel 5 to market videos in the UK, while the PolyGram Video name continued in other countries. In 1987, after years of licensing titles to other companies in North America, PolyGram Music Video went onto its own, marketing music videos on its label, which was distributed by PolyGram Distribution. In Australia, PolyGram partnered with Hoyts to market-sell through videos in Australia under the Hoyts PolyGram Video name. In 1988, the Spectrum name was revived by Channel 5 as a budget label.

In 1991, the company expanded to market titles beyond music, and the US arm was renamed to PolyGram Video. All the other joint ventures in the UK and Australia with Heron and Hoyts were dissolved and renamed under the PolyGram Video umbrella. The Spectrum line was replaced by the 4 Front Video budget label in the UK. In 1992, PolyGram bought out Vision Video from GE Capital and became a budget label, and the Island Video Arts label were folded. PolyGram's US operations hit big with the release of the animated series X-Men, which became a success. Also that year, the company picked up the rights to NFL Films titles from Media Home Entertainment.

In 1993, it begin distributing titles by PolyGram Filmed Entertainment, as well as securing the video rights to Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers. In 1994, after losing the rights to Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers to A*Vision Entertainment, PolyGram secured the home video rights to Thunderbirds. Also that year, the company launched Manga Entertainment to handle anime releases.

In 1997, the company expanded to produce DVD releases. In 1998, it secured distribution of NBA's titles, replacing longtime distributor 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, and also distributed MLB's titles for the mass market.

In 1999, when PolyGram was sold to Seagram, PolyGram Video was renamed to Universal Studios Home Video, except for North America, which the U.S. division was sold to USA Networks, and it was renamed under the USA Home Entertainment moniker. After that, Manga Entertainment was shifted to Palm Pictures. In late 1999, the company picked up distribution of NHL's titles, replacing Fox. Most of PolyGram's titles were shifted to MGM Home Entertainment and Universal Studios Home Video.

Over time, USA gradually lost its sports licenses. In 2001, MLB lost its distribution rights from USA to QVC and the following year, the licenses for NFL, NHL and NBA to Warner Home Video. In 2002, USA was folded into Universal, following Vivendi's acquisition of USA Networks.

As PolyGram Music Video

Until May 1991, the label specialized in music titles and was known as PolyGram Music Video. Its earliest American releases were marketed by RCA/Columbia Pictures Home Video's MusicVision imprint and are accordingly covered on Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

As PolyGram Video

After a reorganization that saw more diverse programming (including fitness, comedy, and sports titles), the label changed its name to PolyGram Video; the name change became effective with the June 1991 release lineup.

1995

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)
800 633 881-3	Macross Plus Part 1 From Palm Pictures and Manga Entertainment	Japan/USA	1994	40 min	English dubbed version	NR	Academy	1	N/A	Color	February 28, 1995	TBD
800 633 887-3	Appleseed From Palm Pictures and Manga Entertainment	Japan/UK	1988	71 min	English dubbed version	NR	Academy	1	N/A	Color	February 28, 1995	TBD
800 634 797-3	Royal Space Force: The Wings of Honneamise From Palm Pictures and Manga Entertainment	Japan/USA	1987	124 min	English dubbed version	NR	Matted 1.85	1	N/A	Color	June 20, 1995	TBD
800 634 813-3	Ninja Scroll From Palm Pictures and Manga Entertainment	Japan/USA	1993	94 min	English dubbed version	NR	Academy	1	N/A	Color	June 20, 1995	TBD
800 636 447-3	Ninja Scroll From Palm Pictures and Manga Entertainment	Japan/Spain	1993	94 min	Spanish dubbed version	NR	Academy	1	N/A	Color	June 20, 1995	TBD

1998

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)
440 047 835-3	The Game	USA	1997	128 min	TBD	R	TBD	1	N/A	Color	February 17, 1998	THX certified.
440 055 457-3	Barney's Great Adventure: The Movie	USA	1998	76 min	TBD	G	TBD	1	N/A	Color	September 1, 1998	Compatible with Microsoft ActiMates Barney.

1999

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)
440 058 275-3	What Dreams May Come	USA	1998	114 min	TBD	PG-13	TBD	1	N/A	Color	March 9, 1999	THX certified. Earlier prints and the screener VHS mistakenly use the R rating on the label. The same mistake was made on the screener VHS cover.

As USA Home Entertainment

1999

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)
440 061 003-3	Detour	USA	1999	93 min	TBD	R	TBD	1	N/A	Color	October 5, 1999

See also

• Comprehensive catalog of USA Home Entertainment releases