Golden Films

Background

Golden Films was a production company founded in 1990 by Diane Eskenazi. The company produced animated mockbusters that were intended to capitalize on the hype of then-recently released Disney films; they would release their films direct-to-video around the time Disney issued their titles on VHS to deceive buyers. One of Golden Films' distributors, GoodTimes Entertainment, were sued by the Walt Disney Company due to how closely their cover art resembled those of contemporary Disney titles, though this didn't affect the company as Golden Films and other GoodTimes contractees based their stories on the initial fairy tales Disney adapted for their films. The company stopped producing new content in 2004, but remain open for rights holdings and to coordinate distribution deals for their catalog.

1st Logo (1992-1993)

Visuals: On a blue gradient background, there is a white spotlight with the bottom half clipped off. Within it, there is the silhouette of a knight atop a horse, sword in hand raised upright. The spotlight dies down and shrinks, turning yellow and white, and the silhouette clears out to reveal more details on the figure inside. The text "GOLDEN FILMS" in a stacked manner fade in as sparkles appear.

Technique: 2D computer animation.

Audio: None.

Availability: It appeared on King Arthur and the Knights of Justice.

2nd Logo (June 21, 1994-2004)

Visuals: Against a white background, several letters of different colors (with arms and legs) move toward the screen, dancing in various ways. The camera then turns, showing the letters, still dancing, spelling out "GOLDEN FILMS" in these colors. After a few seconds, the letters morph into a serif font with a gold texture, forming "GOLDEN FILMS".

Technique: CGI.

Audio: A catchy Latin-style tune.

Audio Trivia: This tune can be also heard on Polish adverts of Czarodziejskie Opowieści.

Availability: Many of Golden Films' productions were initially distributed through GoodTimes Entertainment or Sony Wonder, but it should be easier to find since Golden Films have sold their films for streaming on other platforms. However, not every production they made has a logo; most of their films were produced under the American Film Investment Corporation label or are attributed solely to the distributors. It appeared on the 1994 adaptation of The Jungle Book, the 1995 adaptation of Pochahontas and Miracle in Toyland, to name a few where this logo appeared.