Nu Image Films

From the Audiovisual Identity Database, the motion graphics museum


Background

Nu Image Films is a genre and low-to-mid budget film production and distribution company started in 1992 by Avi Lerner. It also launched a subsidiary, Millennium Films, which handled most new releases from Nu Image and First Look Studios. Much of its early output was distributed on videocassette by Vidmark Entertainment, New Line Home Video, and Live Entertainment.

1st Logo (1992-1998)


Visuals: On a black background, several blue lines rise from the screen and return to feature the words "N U I M A G E" with barely-visible dark blue trails, which stand on a surface with a reflection. Then the logo fades to a twisted filmstrip on a blue spotlight with the words "NU IMAGE" with both parts of the word on opposite sides.

Technique: CGI and traditional animation.

Audio: An odd windy sound followed with a clang, ending in a synth theme. Sometimes, it's the opening theme of the movie.

Availability: Seen on Hard Justice, the Cyborg Cop trilogy, Danger Zone, and Freefall, among others.

2nd Logo (May 28, 1999-2010)

Visuals: On a black background, the black words "N U I M A G E" rapidly zoom, leaving endless light blue trails. Then, a light streak colors the letters silver. The logo shines and zooms out, leaving the screen.

Technique: Motion-controlled backlit animation.

Audio: A hissing sound when the logo zooms, and a loud laser-like swoosh when the streak appears. Then it's followed by a strange wiggling orchestral fanfare with a dramatic end ("THX Me" from EastWest's Scoring Tools sample CD). Also, humming is present.

Audio Trivia: The 2nd half of the normal fanfare can be heard at the beginning of the South Park episode "Free Willzyx" (season 9) and the Cyberchase episodes "A World without Zero" and "Starlight Night" (season 3), although it was a high-pitched rendition of the theme itself.

Audio Variant: On some films, a loud, dramatic drumroll fanfare is heard.

Availability: Seen on Shark Attack 2, Shark Attack 3: Megalodon and Ticker, among others.