Gaumont Buena Vista International

Background

Gaumont Buena Vista International (GBVI) was a joint venture between Gaumont and Disney's Buena Vista International division, established in January 1993. GBVI ensured the distribution of films of its two parent companies in France.

After 10 years of existence, the partnership ended in 2004. Disney preferred to distribute its own films independently as Buena Vista International France, while Gaumont instead partnered with Sony Pictures Releasing International and formed Gaumont Columbia TriStar Films.

Logo (1993-2004)

Visuals: On a space background, two drops of water slide in from the top-right and bottom-left corners of the screen, respectively. Once they are close to one another, they spin around and become one bigger water drop (a blue light can be briefly seen). At this point, the stars are moving at a much faster rate. The drop slowly zooms in, and as it does, a banner with the company name appears on it. The text suddenly zooms into the screen as the drop morphs into the Gaumont logo at the time, albeit with lines on it to make way for the text. The text slowly moves back into its normal position as the stars disappear. The camera zooms out of an ocean and pans up to the clouds as the text shines.

Variants:

There is a shortened version where only the last half of the logo is seen. This variant mainly appears on trailers.
There's a variant where the logo is colored/tinted golden instead of blue. Mostly due to color fading (which is common on many film prints).
A videotaped version also exists.

Technique: CGI.

Audio: First, there is a low-pitched string key, then some synthesized descending bass sounds and a synthesized cymbal crash when the water drops merge. Next, a synthesized water pouring sound as well as a choir can be heard, followed by an echoing dolphin sound and a loud electric guitar note. Another choir sound plays afterwards. The trailer variant is silent.

Availability: It was seen on French theatrical prints of Disney/Buena Vista and Gaumont films during the era, but most home video prints remove this logo. The short variant appears on the trailer for Toy Story on a French VHS of 101 Dalmatians and a French 35mm trailer for Kiki's Delivery Service. Also appears on local films that the joint venture distributed, such as the English-language film The Fifth Element.

It also appears on French theatrical prints of Studio Ghibli films like Spirited Away and Castle in the Sky, but the French DVD releases do not have it.