It should be noted that this website uses the term, “Home Video,” in two different ways. Firstly, it uses it as an umbrella term for the viewing of movies in the home, physical or otherwise. Secondly, its also the label given to the era in time where movies are being released on physical video formats. By default, the timeline below displays all events (with more always being added). Because the timeline has many events, use the buttons below to narrow down your interests.
July, 1978
Allied Artists Announces a Home Video Division
With over 500 titles in their catalog and a bankruptcy looming on the horizon, Allied Artists decides to jump into the home video market. They become the very first studio to first distribute their titles through their own home video division.
December 15th, 1978
Magnavox Magnavision HR-8000 / Discovision (Laserdisc)
MCA and Philips do a soft launch of the Magnavox Magnavision HR-8000 Laserdisc (or laservision) player ($695). Its only made available at three authorized retailers in Atlanta, Georgia. Whereas Philips supplied the players (through their American subsidiary, Magnavox), MCA supplied the initial 72 Discovision discs.
January, 1979 (Billboard, 1979/01/27, p. 3)
Abkco Music Sues MEDA for Infringement
Abkco Music files a copyright infringement suit against M.E.D.A. (Media Home Entertainment), claiming a videocassette entitled The Rolling Stones in Concert includes music that wasn’t licensed. The judge issues a writ of seizure order for all masters and videocassette copies. This marks the very first time where a music company sought legal action against a home video distributor.
February 5th, 1979
The First Videocassette Collectors Event is Held
Videocassette collectors gather at a Ramada Inn in Freemont, OH for the first annual Video Collectors of Ohio event. It is regarded as the first event dedicated to the swapping and duping of videocassettes. Because prerecorded videocassettes were just taking off with only a few titles legitimately released, collectors resorted to trading (mainly on the Betamax format).
May, 1979 (Billboard, 1979/03/08, p. 18)
The First Video Shack Opens In New York City
Theater owner, Arthur Morowitz, opens his first Video Shack store in Manhattan, NY, at the corner of 49th and Broadway. It becomes an iconic NY fixture during the 1980s. Its believed to be the first video specialty store to only sell videocassettes.
May, 1979
Philips VR2020 (VCC or Video 2000)
The Video 2000 format is launched by Philips and Grundig to compete with the VHS and Beta formats. It’s only ever distributed in Europe, South Africa and Argentina. Prerecorded movies are made available. Discontinued in 1989.
June, 1979
Paramount Enters the Home Video Market Through Fotomat
Still skeptical of the home video market, Paramount decides to license its films for videocassette rental through Fotomat, a nationwide photo development chain.
July, 1979 (Back Stage, 1979/12/07, p. 1)
Warner Brothers Announces Entrance Into Home Video
Warner Brothers, through their Warner Communications Inc (WCI) division, announces that the studio would be releasing titles to videocassette the following year.
October, 1979 (Back Stage, 1979/10/12, p. 43)
Columbia Pictures Announces Entrance Into Home Video
Columbia Pictures reveals that they would be releasing 20 titles through their newly formed division, Columbia Pictures Home Entertainment.
November, 1979 (Billboard, 1979/11/17, p. 62)
Paramount Home Video Launches
After a successful test run with Fotomat, Paramount debuts 10 titles through their own newly formed home video division. Several of these titles are The Godfather and Saturday Night Fever.
November 17th, 1979 (Billboard, 1979/11/17, p. 68)
Billboard Publishes the First “Videocassette Top 40” List
As they’ve always done with music sales, Billboard creates a “Top 40” list specially for the sale of videocassettes. It excludes X-rated movies. Much of list for this week is dominated by Magnetic Video titles, with the number one slot going to Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
January, 1980 (Billboard, 1980/01/05, p. 38)
Columbia Pictures Home Entertainment Releases Their First 20 Titles
Columbia Pictures Home Entertainment makes available 20 titles from their catalog. Several of these include The Deep (1977), Breakout (1975) and Fun With Dick and Jane (1977).
April, 1980 (Billboard, 1980/02/09, p. 10)
MCA Videocassette Releases Their First 25 Titles
MCA Videocassette (parent company of Universal), releases their first batch of 25 titles on videocassette. Titles include Jaws (1975) and The Jerk (1979). Although launch is said to have been April, the titles first appear on Billboard charts in June.