Starscreen

Background: This was the theatrical distribution division of CEL.

(1984)


Logo: On a black background we see orange lines move from the top right. They then twist to become a circle. The circle unwinds itself to form a star shape. Right when the star is being formed a bright yellow light flashes and the whole star is engulfed in white light as a blue filmstrip is formed around the star. When the filmstrip finishes a white light shines beneath it. It turns out the be the word "STARSCREEN" in a futuristic font. Above it is an "A" and underneath "Presentation". Below the logo a byline fades in which says something unreadable in VHS quality which is along the lines of "A SUBSIDIARY OF" in very tiny font. Next to it is the CEL logo and underneath are the words "COMMUNICATIONS AND ENTERTAINMENT LIMITED."

Technique: The lines twisting and untwisting forming the star. The shining of the star and filmstrip.

Music/Sounds: A rising synth arrangement with base, pads and harps. When the star shines there is a laser sound accompanied by a synth drum followed by a 3-note synth trumpet ending with a 4-note stinger.

Availability: Extremely rare, as it's probably plastered on most current prints of Starscreen titles. Appears twice on the 1984 PBV VHS of The Last Starfighter; one time in 4:3 letterbox.

Legacy: The animation is slightly choppy at times, but it's saved by how utterly cool it is. An excellent logo for it's time.