Aniplex Inc.

Background
Aniplex (formerly known as SPE Visual Works and SME Visual Works) is a Japanese anime and music production and distribution enterprise owned by Sony Music Entertainment Japan that was established in September 1995, originally as a joint-venture between Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan and Sony Music Entertainment Japan. Aniplex has been involved in the planning, production and distribution of several anime series and films. Additionally, Aniplex produces and distributes music and soundtrack records, including the original soundtracks for all of Sony Interactive Entertainment's computer and video games.

Logo (January 1997-2002)
Visuals: On a white background, a pair of connected letters are seen reading "VW", with a pair of cartoony eyes looking to the upper left. Below it is either "SPE Visual Works Inc." (January 1997-January 2001) or "SME Visual Works Inc." (January 2001-2002) in a sans-serif font.

Technique: A digital graphic.

Audio: None.

Availability: Seen on various releases of their anime from the era, like Ruronin Kenshin. It can also be seen on Japanese VHS tapes of Pingu from the era.

Logo (April 2003-)
Visuals: On a black background, outlined squares of various colors (starting blue, purple, magenta,, magenta, purple and blue) spin from the left side of the screen to the right. Each square as it goes past reveals a letter that spells out the company name "ANIPLEX". The squares and letters spin around a little as they come on before eventually stopping. Each letter is surrounded by the squares. The blue boxes are facing straight forward, the purple squares are slightly tilted to their respective sides, the magenta squares are almost fully tilted, and the square only shows a red line that goes through the "P".

Variants:
 * A warp-speed version exists.
 * A still version exists with the logo on a white background.

Technique: Computer animation.

Audio: A warping/spinning noise as the squares/letters spin into view, which is followed by a tired-sounding and stuttering robotic voice saying the company name. The warp-speed version just has the voice.

Availability:
 * This logo is found on just about all DVD and Blu-ray releases of Aniplex programs, being them distributed by Aniplex themselves or other companies. Including on re-releases of older ones and video games.
 * The logo was also been available on UMD releases for the PSP.
 * It can also be seen on many shows, OVAs, and movies on many channels.
 * The short version primarily appears on Japanese commercials and American TV broadcasts of their anime.
 * Shows mainly produced by Aniplex feature a simple in-credit logo with no animation, although in any of the shows where the credits are translated into English, such as Fullmetal Alchemist, it is replaced by simply "ANIPLEX, Inc."