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.
April 21st, 1983
JVC HD-5500US (VHD)
First demonstrated in 1978, JVC launches their videodisc system, VHD (Video High Density), to the Japanese market. Similar to to the CED in that it uses the same recording technology (capacitance) and a disc caddy, its actually superior to the RCA format. Its never sold outside Japan and discontinued in 1987.
June, 1983
The DPP’s List of “Video Nasties” Is Made Public (U.K.)
The Director of Public Prosecutions’ list of films which violate the U.K.’s obscenity laws becomes public. These were mainly horror and exploitation films which contained “objectionable” sex and violence. 72 films would appear on the list. Being in possession of one could result in arrest and fines.
November, 1983
Sony Betamovie BMC-100P / BMC-110
First demonstrated in January of that year, Sony launches the first “all in one” consumer camcorder to the market. Models BMC-100P / BMC-110.
April, 1984 (upi.com/Archives/1984/01/04/Eastman-Kodak-Co-Wednesday-entered-the-home-video-war/1074442040400)
Kodavision 2200 (8mm Video)
Kodak launches the first 8mm video system, sold initially as a camcorder format. The smaller tape format promises the same quality as 1/2″ tape. Also referred to as “Video 8.”
November 23rd, 1984
Columbia Pictures vs. Redd Horne Inc.
Courts decided that renting out private booths for the viewing of movies constitutes as a public viewing, and therefore, violates copyright. The store in question was Maxwell’s Video Showcase in Eerie, Pennsylvania.
December, 1984
The Criterion Collection Releases Their First 2 Titles
The Criterion Collection releases their first two titles, Citizen Kane (1941) and King Kong (1933), to laserdisc. Citizen Kane is priced at $89.95, while King Kong is priced at $74.95. Criterion promises the editions offer “the best picture quality ever seen.”
December, 1984 (Video Review, 1985/01)
The Very First Audio Commentary Track Is Released
The Criterion Collection’s laserdisc release of King Kong (1933) offers the very first audio commentary track for a feature film. It’s recorded by film historian and preservationist, Ronald Haver.
January, 1985 (Billboard, 1985/01/19, p. 3)
Paramount Home Video Starts a Price War
Paramount Home Video begins a year long campaign to drop the retail prices of their videocassettes in order to meet specific sales goals. The plan begins with Star Trek III (1984) at $29.99 and ten episodes of the original series at $14.99 each. This kicks off a “price war” amongst the studios, and is the industry’s third push towards a sell-through market..
1985
The First Movie Gallery Opens
Partners Joe Malugen and Harrison Parrish open the very first Movie Gallery store in Dothan, Alabama.
February, 1985 (Variety, 1985/02/13, p. 51)
MGM/UA Junks 30,000 Copies of “Gone With the Wind”
MGM/UA learns that approximately 30,000 copies of the Gone With the Wind (1939) has 45 seconds of the wrong music. According to the studio, because the copies used music from the international version of the film, they have to discard them.. The mistake costs the studio $100,000. This release is also the very first special collector’s edition on videocassette.
March, 1985
“Blood Cult” Is Marketed As the First Horror Film Made for Video
United Home Entertainment markets their in-house film, Blood Cult (1985), as the first horror film made directly for the home video market. Although it’s not the first horror film to skip theatrical, it is believed to be the first made with the sole purpose of distribution on the home market.
April 24th, 1985 (Billboard, 1985/05/04, p. 1)
“The Cotton Club” Is the First Title to Utilize Macrovision
Embassy Entertainment’s release of “The Cotton Club” is the first home video released with the new copy-protection system from Macrovision. All the major studios follow suit.
May, 1985 (Variety, 1985/04/24, p. 63)
The First Colorized Films are Released on Video
The first colorized black-and-white films are released on home video by Hal Roach Studios. The first is for the 1937 Cary Grant film, Topper. The concept of film colorization caused quite a controversy at the time, with many believing that the process impeded upon the intentions of the original filmmakers.
December, 19th, 1985
The First Blockbuster Video Opens
The first Blockbuster rental store opens in Dallas, Texas by software engineer David Cook and his ex-wife. Their goal is to make their store a family-oriented superstore. On opening day, it has a massive selection of 8,000 titles.