Sony Pictures Home Entertainment/Warning Screens

1st Warning (1979-February 16, 1994, USA only)
Warning: On a blue background, the following text in yellow scrolls up:

THESE FILMS ARE SOLD FOR HOME USE ONLY.

ANY DUPLICATION, REPRODUCTION, PUBLIC PERFORMANCE, OR COMMERCIAL USE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

The text stops at the center of the screen. The screen then fades out and goes to the next screen. On a dark red background we see the FBI rectangle (a black rectangle with "FBI" in big letters and the logo on the bottom) and a white box with "WARNING" in dark red and the text below next to it.

Variant: A black and white version exists on B&W films.

FX/SFX: Scrolling of words on the first screen. The second version is still, but kind of looks like live-action.

Music/Sounds: None.

Music/Sounds Variants:
 * On the 1980 VHS/Betamax release of Close Encounters of the Third Kind, the closing theme of the Special Edition plays over the last two screens, with the music ending after the end of the second warning screen. When the film was issued on Laserdisc in 1981 by CPHE, the same warnings were used, but came after the closing theme had ended. The 1980 release is extremely rare and hard to find, and can be indicated by the appearance of the print version of the Columbia Pictures Starburst.
 * On the 1979 VHS release of Shamus, if you listen closely, you can hear the Columbia Pictures logo music play over the second screen.

Availability: Seen at the end of most Columbia Pictures Home Entertainment and a few RCA/Columbia tapes of the era such as the 1983 release of Hot Stuff. The B&W version appears on Gilda, and made surprise appearances at the end of a few tapes such as The Three Stooges: A Plumbing We Will Go, The Three Stooges: Healthy, Wealthy and Dumb, Oliver!, Pat Benatar in Concert, and a 1991 reissue of 1776. GoodTimes re-releases of early Columbia videocassette releases such as Fast Break and The Owl and the Pussycat feature the warning screens in reverse order at the start of the tape. The second warning screen also appears on the 1991 demo VHS of The 5000 Fingers of Dr. T.

Editor's Note: None.

2nd Warning (1982-1987, USA only)
Warning: On a blue background, the following words scroll up and rest when they are on screen:

These films are sold for home use only.

Any duplication, reproduction, public performance or commercial use is  strictly prohibited.

The words are in white. After a few moments, it fades (or cuts) to the next warning.

Variants:
 * Later on in its usage, there is a variant with the words already onscreen, but it still cuts to the warning.
 * For the early version of the 3rd Warning mentioned below, it fades to the warning.
 * There is a variant where the background is a lighter shade of blue, and the words are in a different font.
 * A black and white variant of this warning exists. This can be seen on the 1983 VHS of Dr. Strangelove.

FX/SFX: The scrolling of the words, the cut to the warning screen.

Availability: Seen on early RCA/Columbia releases. The first version can be found on Tootsie, The King of Comedy, and Christine. The later version can be seen on Ghostbusters, The Lords of Flatbush and The Evil That Men Do. This along with the next warning screen were first featured on some of the later Columbia Pictures Home Entertainment releases, such as The Batty World of Baseball from 1982. Strangely, this was left intact at the end of a 1993 VHS reissue of St. Elmo's Fire. It also plasters the 1st warning screens on a 1984 reissue of The Three Stooges: An Ache in Every Stake.

Editor's Note: None.

3rd Warning (1982-2004, USA only)
Warning: On top, we see a dodger blue background with "FBI" and the FBI logo next to it. Under it, a blue background with "WARNING" and the warning text is shown.

Variants:
 * On a few early RCA/Columbia releases, the background portion with "FBI" and the FBI logo is orchid-colored.
 * There is an early version of this warning, which has a bit bigger text and a little bit of space between the "WARNING" and the text.
 * There is a variant where the words are in a different font.
 * On DVDs starting in 1997, the top blue part is larger, the font became somewhat more modified, and "FBI" and the seal is larger as well. The seal is also now in color.
 * In 2002, the VHS FBI logo was replaced with a colored version. It is similar to the aforementioned DVD variant, but the top blue part is a bit darker and the font is bolder.
 * On the 1998 VHS of Godzilla, the warning screen's duration is a little more than one second.
 * A black and white variant of this warning exists. This can be seen on the 1983 VHS of Dr. Strangelove.
 * On Baby Bumblebee releases, a female announcer says "Please stay tuned after the program for information about other releases available from Baby Bumblebee."

FX/SFX: None, except for the fade-in from the scrolling text on RCA/Columbia releases.

Availability: On all RCA/Columbia Pictures Home Video and Columbia-TriStar Home Video/Entertainment releases of that era, as well as certain Vidmark Entertainment releases from the 1980s, AIP Home Video releases, Interglobal Video releases from the mid-1980s, and Dualstar Video releases, as well as some Baby Bumblebee releases and early HBO DVD releases. The early version is seen on older prints of Tootsie and Christine. The orchid-colored background portion variation can be found on the 1987 release of Armed Response. The 2002 VHS version can be seen on 2002-2005 VHS releases such as Spider-Man, Punch-Drunk Love, Fahrenheit 9/11, Daddy Day Care and Big Fish. Also makes a surprise appearance on the VHS release of The Magic School Bus: Going Batty. It also plasters the 1st warning screen on a 1984 reissue of The Three Stooges: An Ache in Every Stake.

Editor's Note: None.

4th Warning (1994-1997)
Nicknames: "White FBI", "Odd FBI", "Freaky FBI"

Warning: On a white background, we see the black FBI square with a weird looking FBI logo. To the right of it is the text in black.

FX/SFX: None.

Availability: Seen on releases from Turner Home Entertainment and Columbia TriStar Home Video co-releases with Castle Rock Entertainment such as City Slickers 2: The Legend of Curly's Gold, Forget Paris and Before Sunrise.

Editor's Note: None.

5th Warning (1979-present, Canada only)/(1997-present, USA)
Warning: On a firebrick background, there is a white tube with the word "Times New Roman" and two red dots. Below is the text in white. A few moments later, the word "Times New Roman" turns to "Times New Roman" and the text turns to French.

Variants:
 * Until 2002, the "Times New Roman" tube was a bit wider and the font was different.
 * There exists an early variant where each warning screen appears for 10 seconds and has a bolder shadow effect.

FX/SFX: The transition from English to French.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Seen on all DVD releases from Columbia Tristar Home Video/Entertainment and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Canadian VHS releases from the early 1980's kept this warning intact. It also appeared on early Lionsgate releases in Canada and early HBO DVD releases in the USA (with the 3rd warning preceding it). It was also, strangely enough, found at the end of certain Cartoon Network DVD releases, such as Adventure Time: The Complete First Season and Regular Show: The Best DVD in the World (at this moment in time). Nowadays, this is no longer used at the beginning of Sony Pictures Blu-ray's in post-2013, being swapped in favor of Universal's new warning, but this is still used at the end. Phase 4 Films, Kaboom! Entertainment (Used from 2004-present), Hemdale Home Video (Used on Canadian releases in 1995, VHS only), Morningstar Entertainment, and Molson Entertainment/Don Cherry DVD and VHS releases also use this warning. This also appears at the end of a Canadian VHS release of The Three Stooges.

Editor's Note: None.

6th Warning (2005-2012)
Warning: Same as the other companies' warnings from 2005.

FX/SFX: None.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Seen on 2004-2005 Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment releases and all Sony Pictures Home Entertainment releases until 2012 on both VHS (ended in 2007) and DVD only.

Editor's Note: None.

7th Warning (2006-2012)
Warning: Same as the previous warning, but a different background is used, and the seal and text are a lot bigger.

FX/SFX: None.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Seen on 2006-2012 Sony Pictures Home Entertainment releases on Blu-ray only.

Editor's Note: None.

Final Note: Sony started using the new Universal warning screens in late 2012.

1st Warning (1982-1984)
Warning: On a white background, we see the "Genuine first generation copy" notice in black. After a while, it slideshows into the warning text in red scrolling up.

Variant: Sometimes, the background is light blue and the text is white.

FX/SFX: The scrolling of the warning text.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Ultra rare. Seen on the very first RCA/Columbia Pictures International Video releases in the United Kingdom.

Editor's Note: None.

2nd Warning (1984-1985)
Warning: On a white background, we see the "Genuine first generation copy" notice in red, written differently than in the previous warning, fade in. After a while, it fades out and the warning text in red scrolls up.

FX/SFX: The fading of the text, the scrolling of the warning text.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Seen on 1984-1985 RCA/Columbia Pictures International Video releases in the UK, mainly later pre-cert and early post cert ones, such as Jabberwocky and Conan the Destroyer.

Editor's Note: None.

3rd Warning (1985-1988)
Warning: On a red background, we see the "Genuine first generation copy" text in white. Then it fades out to make room for the Warning text from the previous warnings, which then fades out, leaving only the red screen, before going to black.

FX/SFX: The text fading in and out.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Seen on RCA/Columbia Pictures International Video UK releases from 1985-1988, most notably Ghostbusters and its animated spin-off, The Real Ghostbusters.

Editor's Note: None.

4th Warning (1988-1989)
Warning: On a pale marble background, we see the "Genuine first generation copy" notice scrolling up. Then we see the warning text scrolling up. A while after the text finishes scrolling, the background fades out to black.

FX/SFX: The scrolling up of the text.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Extremely rare. Seen on RCA/Columbia Pictures International Video UK releases from 1988-1989, and also on a few Cinema Club/Video Collection releases of Columbia Pictures films.

Editor's Note: None.

5th Warning (1988-1989)
Warning: On a black background, we see the white warning text scrolling up.

FX/SFX: The scrolling up of the text.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: More common than any of the previous UK warning screens. Seen on RCA/Columbia Pictures International Video UK releases from 1989-1992 and early Columbia TriStar Home Video UK releases from 1992-1993.

Editor's Note: None.

6th Warning (1993-2006)
Warning: On a blue gradient background, we see yellow generic warning text (with "WARNING" above it) scrolling up.

Variant: On 1993-1997 releases, the font is in Futura and the text is either spaced out (on 1993-1994 releases) or not (on 1994-1997 releases).

FX/SFX: The scrolling of the text.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Seen on British Columbia TriStar/Sony Pictures Home Entertainment VHS releases.

Editor's Note: None.

7th Warning (1997-2001)
Warning: On a black background, we see the following text fade in:

Times New Roman Times New Roman Times New Roman Times New Roman

After a few seconds, the text fades out.

FX/SFX: The text fading.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Seen on early Columbia TriStar DVDs, such as Bad Boys, Erin Brockovich, Stuart Little and Charlie's Angels.

Editor's Note: None.

8th Warning (2001-)
Warning: On a black background, we see the following text fade in:

WARNING 'The copyright proprietor has licensed the programme (including, without limitation, its soundtrack) contained in this video cassette or Digital Versatile Disc for private home use only. 'Unless otherwise expressly licensed by the copyright proprietor, all other rights are reserved. 'Use in other locations such as airlines, clubs, coaches, hospitals, hotels, oil rigs, prisons, schools and ships is prohibited unless expressly authorised by the copyright proprietor. Any unauthorised copying, editing, exhibition, renting, hiring, exchanging, lending, public performances, diffusion and/or broadcast, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Any such action establishes liability for a civil action and may give rise to criminal prosecution.

After a few seconds, the text fades out.

FX/SFX: The text fading.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Seen on later Columbia TriStar DVDs and most Sony Pictures Home Entertainment DVDs, such as Bad Boys II, Spider-Man, Stuart Little 2, The Karate Kid, Click, and The Pink Panther.

Editor's Note: None.

9th Warning (2009?-)
Warning: On a black background, we see the following text:

WARNING 'The copyright proprietor has licensed this programme (including, without limitation, its soundtrack) for private home use only. 'Unless otherwise expressly licensed by the copyright proprietor, all other rights are reserved. 'Use in other locations such as airlines, clubs, coaches, hospitals, hotels, oil rigs, prisons, schools and ships is prohibited unless expressly authorised by the copyright proprietor. Any unauthorised copying, editing, exhibition, renting, hiring, exchanging, lending, public performances, diffusion and/or broadcast, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Any such action establishes liability for a civil action and may give rise to criminal prosecution.

FX/SFX: None.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Common. Seen on most Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Blu-ray Disc releases.

Editor's Note: None.

1st Warning (1982-1983, 1986)
Warning: Same as the British warning, but the "Genuine first generation copy" notice is removed, the text is shortened and in a bolder font, and scrolls up at a slower pace.

FX/SFX: The scrolling of the warning text.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Ultra rare. Seen on 1982-83 RCA/Columbia Pictures International Video releases in Australia.

Editor's Note: None.

2nd Warning (1983-1987)
Warning: On a light blue, gray or indigo background, we see the warning text scrolling up.

FX/SFX: The scrolling of the warning text.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Seen on RCA/Columbia Pictures International Video Australia releases, as well as early RCA/Columbia Pictures/Hoyts releases, such as Christine.

Editor's Note: None.

3rd Warning (1983-1985)
Warning: On a blue background, we see the warning text, which is different from the text in the previous warning, scrolling up.

Variant: An earlier version has a light blue background, and the red word "WARNING" above the rest of the text.

FX/SFX: The scrolling of the warning text.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Seen on Hoyts Distribution and some early RCA/Columbia Pictures/Hoyts releases such as Hells Angels Forever and Breakdance.

Editor's Note: None.

4th Warning (1987-1991)
Same as the Roadshow Entertainment warning screen at the time.

5th Warning (1991-2006)
Warning: On a black background, the word "WARNING" in red fades in at the top and the following text scrolls up:

NEW PENALTIES COPYRIGHT AMENDMENTS ACT 1986 INDIVIDUALS FACE UP TO FIVE YEARS IMPRISONMENT $50,000 FINE PER OFFENCE CORPORATIONS FACE UP TO $250,000 FINE PER OFFENCE IT IS PROHIBITED TO 1. COPY THIS FILM 2. SELL OR HIRE INFRINGING COPIES 3. HAVE INFRINGING COPIES IN YOUR POSSESSION FOR SALE OR HIRE 4. THIS CASSETTE/LASER DISC IS FOR PRIVATE VIEWING ONLY AND MUST NOT BE SCREENED IN PUBLIC

After the text finishes scrolling, "WARNING" fades out.

Variants:
 * On DVD releases, the font was changed to a bolder one and "DVD" replaces "LASER DISC".
 * On later VHS releases, the warning faded after scrolling up and fading through "WARNING".

FX/SFX: The fading of "WARNING" and the scrolling of the text.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Appears on Australian Columbia TriStar videocassettes.

Editor's Note: None.

6th Warning (1997-2001)
Warning: Same as the British DVD warning.

FX/SFX: Same as the British DVD warning.

Music/Sounds: Same as the British DVD warning.

Availability: Seen on early Aussie DVD releases by the company.

Editor's Note: None.

7th Warning (2001-)
Warning: Same as the British DVD warning.

FX/SFX: Same as the British DVD warning.

Music/Sounds: Same as the British DVD warning.

Availability: Seen on most later Aussie DVD releases by the company.

Editor's Note: None.

8th Warning (1997-2001)
Warning: Same as the British Blu-Ray warning.

FX/SFX: Same as the British Blu-Ray warning.

Music/Sounds: Same as the British Blu-Ray warning.

Availability: Common. Seen on most Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Blu-ray Disc releases.

Editor's Note: None.

1st Warning (Mid 1980's?-Early 1990's)
Warning: On a black background, we see the following text scroll up:

このビデオカセットは、 アール・シー・エー・コロンビア・ ピクチャーズ・ビデオ・株式会社 が発売するものです. このビデオカセットは、 無断で複製すること 、家庭で 視聴する以外の使用は、法律で 固く禁じられています.

Translation: This videocassette is released by RCA Columbia Pictures Video Co., Ltd. This videocassette is strictly prohibited by law from being reproduced without permission or used for anything other than viewing at home.

FX/SFX: The text scrolling.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Extremely rare. This was found on Japanese VHS releases of the time, such as Psycho Cop and The Witches.

Editor's Note: None.

2nd Warning (Early-Late 1990's)
Warning: On a blue background, we see the following text:

このビデオカセットは、 株式会社 ソニー・ピクチャーズ エンタテインメント が発売するものです. このビデオカセツトは、 無断で複製すること、 家庭で 視聴する以外の使用は、 法律で固く禁じられています.

Translation: This videocassette is released by Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. This video cassette is strictly prohibited by law from being reproduced without permission or used for anything other than viewing at home.

FX/SFX: None.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Extremely rare. This was found on Japanese VHS releases of the time, such as Philadelphia.

Editor's Note: None.

3rd Warning (2000's-)
Warning: On a blue background, we see the following text:

この商品は、 (株) ソニー・ピクチャーズ エンタテインメントが家庭での視聴を目的に発売するものです. この映像コンテンツ及びパッケ一ジに関して著作権者・頒布権者等の誰諾なく、上記目的以外の使用 (レンタル・上映・放映・公衆送信・複製・送信可能化/アップロード・変更/改作など)、 その他の商行為 (業者間の流通など)をするにとは、 法律で固く禁じらわでおります.

Translation: This product is released by Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. for home viewing. . It is strictly prohibited by law to use this video content and package in a way other than the above purposes (rental, screening, broadcasting, public transmission, duplication, transmission enablement/upload, change/adaptation, etc.) or engage in other commercial activities (such as distribution between traders) without the consent of the copyright holder, distributor, etc.

FX/SFX: None.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Seen on most Japanese Sony DVDs, as well as most Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Blu-ray Disc releases.

Editor's Note: None.

1st Warning (Early-Mid 1980's)
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Warning: After the first showing of the RCA/Columbia Pictures International Video logo, we see a slowly scrolling, and rather lengthy, warning text:

Die Ausstattung und das Programm (Bild und Ton) auf dieser Kassette sind urheberrechtlich geschützt. Der Besitz der Kassette berechtigt ausschließlich zur Vorführung im privaten Bereich fur nichtgewerbliche Zwecke. Jede andere Benutzung, wie z.B.öffentliche Auf- oder Vorführung, Sendung, Vervielfältigung jeglicher Art ist untersagt. Ein verstoß gegen dieses Verbot verletzt geltendes Urheberrecht und zieht straf- und/oder zivilrechtliche Verfolgung nach sich.

Then we see the RCA/Columbia Pictures International Video logo again and then we see shorter warning text reading:

Zu Beginn und am Ende dieser Kassette sehen sie Szenen aus weiteren Video- Filmen von RCA/Columbia Pictures Video. Unser Gesamt-Programm finden Sie bei Ihrem Fachhändler.

Und jetzt: Gute Unterhaltung

Then the RCA/Columbia Pictures International Video logo is shown again and then fades out.

Translation: The equipment and the program (picture and sound) on this cassette are protected by copyright. Possession of the cassette only entitles you to use it for private viewing for non-commercial purposes. Any other use, such as public performance or demonstration, broadcast, duplication of any kind is prohibited. A violation of this prohibition violates applicable copyright law and results in criminal and/or civil prosecution. At the beginning and at the end of this cassette you will see scenes from other video films from RCA / Columbia Pictures Video. You can find our complete range at your specialist dealer. And now: good entertainment.

Variant: Sometimes, the warning is preceded by "Diese Videokassette wurde für und im Auftrag von RCA/Columbia Pictures International Video und mit deren ausdrücklicher Genehmigung von Rank Video Kopierwerk GmBH hergestellt." ("This videocassette was produced for and on behalf of RCA/Columbia Pictures International Video and with their express permission from Rank Video Kopierwerk GmBH.").

FX/SFX: Everything described here.

Music/Sounds: Generic 1980s synth music.

Availability: Rare. Can be seen on German releases from RCA/Columbia Pictures International Video, which can be searched for via ebay.de. One video that had this warning was Ghostbusters.

Editor's Note: None.

2nd Warning (Mid 1980's-1989)
Warning: On a gold-white gradient background, we see a gray rolled-up piece of paper zoom in from the top right and flatten itself diagonally. The following text scrolls up inside the gray paper:

Die Ausstattung und das Programm (Bild und Ton) auf dieser Kassette sind urheberrechtlich geschützt. Der Besitz der Kassette berechtigt ausschliesslich zur Vorführung im privaten Bereich für nichtgewerbliche Zwecke, Jede andere Benutzung, wie z.B. öffentliche Auf- oder Vorführung, Sendung, Vervielfältigung jeglicher Art ist untersagt. Ein Verstoss gegen dieses Verbot verletzt geltendes Urheberrecht und zieht straf- und/oder zivilrechtliche Verfolgung nach sich.

Before the warning completly finishes scrolling, the gray paper rolls up, and zooms out to the top right of the screen, before segueing into the RCA/Columbia Pictures International Video logo.

Translation: The equipment and the program (picture and sound) on this cassette are protected by copyright. Possession of the cassette only entitles you to show it in private for non-commercial purposes, any other use, such as public performance or demonstration, broadcast, reproduction of any kind is prohibited. Any violation of this prohibition violates applicable copyright law and results in criminal and/or civil prosecution.

FX/SFX: The rolling down and up of the "paper", the scrolling up of the text, mostly early CGI.

Music/Sounds: A downbeat electronic synth-rock score.

Availability: Rare. Should appear on later PAL tapes from Germany, released by RCA/Columbia Pictures International Video. Check ebay.de.

Editor's Note: None.

3rd Warning (1989-Early 1990's)
Warning: The RCA/Columbia Pictures International Video logo animates, but then zooms back to reveal itself inside the frame of a filmstrip. The filmstrip moves left, pushing the frame with the logo in it offscreen. The following text scrolls up inside the next frame:

Die Ausstattung und das Programm (Bild und Ton) auf dieser Cassette sind urheberrechtlich geschützt. Der Besitz dieser Cassette berechtigt ausschließlich zur Vorführung im privaten Bereich für nichtgewerbliche Zwecke, jede andere Benutzung wie z.B. öffentliche Auf- oder Vorführung, Sendung, Vervielfältigung jeglicher Art ist untersagt. Ein Verstoß gegen dieses Verbot verletzt geltendes Urheberrecht und zieht straf- und/oder zivilrechtliche Verfolgung nach sich.

While the text scrolls up, the sprockets on the filmstrip shine from right to left. The filmstrip moves left again after the warning scrolls, revealing the RCA/Columbia Pictures International Video logo again.

Translation: The equipment and the program (picture and sound) on this cassette are protected by copyright. Possession of this cassette entitles you to use it only for private viewing for non-commercial purposes, any other use such as public performance or demonstration, broadcast, reproduction of any kind is prohibited. A violation of this prohibition violates current copyright law and leads to criminal and/or civil prosecution.

FX/SFX: The animation of the logo, combined with the filmstrip zooming out and moving, the warning text scrolling up, and the sprockets shining.

Music/Sounds: A dramatic but dreamy-sounding synthesized score.

Availability: Rate. Found on later German PAL tapes from RCA/Columbia Pictures International Video.

Editor's Note: None.

4th Warning (Early 1990's-Early 2000's)
Warning: On a black background, we see the following text wipe itself in vertically:

Die Ausstattung und das Programm (Bild und Ton) auf diesem Bildträger sind urheberrechtlich geschützt. Der Besitz des Bildträgers berechtigt ausschließlich zur Vorführung im privaten Bereich für nicht gewerbliche Zwecke. Jede andere Benutzung, wie z.B. öffentliche Auf- oder Vorführung, Sendung, Vervielfältigung jeglicher Art ist untersagt. Ein Verstoß gegen dieses Verbot verletzt geltendes Urheberrecht und zieht straf- und/oder zivilrechtliche Verfolgung nach sich.

After a while, the background fades to a black-silver-black background and the text wipes itself out.

Translation: The equipment and the program (image and sound) on this image carrier are protected by copyright. Possession of the image carrier only entitles it to showing in the private sector for non-commercial purposes. Any other use, such as public performance or demonstration, broadcast, reproduction of any kind is prohibited. A violation of this prohibition violates applicable copyright law and results in criminal and/or civil prosecution.

FX/SFX: The text wiping itself in and out, the background changing.

Music/Sounds: A synthesized score.

Availability: Uncommon. Found on German tapes at the time, such as Stuart Little, Muppets in Space (Muppets aus dem All) and Gattaca.

Editor's Note: None.

5th Warning (2000's-)
Warning: Same as the British DVD warning, but the text is replaced by the following:

WARNUNG Das auf diesem Bild-/Tonträger enthaltene Programm einschließlich dem dazugehörigen Soundtrack ist vom Urheberrechtsinhaber, ausschließlich und ohne Ausnahme für den privaten Heimgebrauch lizenziert. Sofern nicht vom Urheberrechtsinhaber ausdrücklich anders lizenziert, bleiben alle anderen Rechte vorbehalten. Der Gebrauch an anderen Orten, wie in Flugzeugen, Clubs, Bussen, Krankenhäusern, Hotels, Gefängnissen, Schulen sowie auf Bohrinseln und Schiffen etc. ist untersagt, es sei denn, eine Verwendung wurde ausdrücklich vom Urheberrechtsinhaber genehmigt. Das unerlaubte Kopieren, Bearbeiten, Ausstellen, Vermieten, Tauschen, Leihen, öffentliche Vorführen, Ausstrahlen und/oder Senden des gesamten Programms oder Teilen davon ist ausdrücklich untersagt. Jede Zuwiderhandlung bildet die Grundlage für zivilrechtliche Maßnahmen, die eine strafrechtliche Verfolgung nach sich ziehen können.

Translation: WARNING: The program contained on this video/audio carrier, including the associated soundtrack, is licensed by the copyright holder for private home use only and without exception. Unless expressly licensed otherwise by the copyright owner, all other rights are reserved. Use in other locations, such as airplanes, clubs, buses, hospitals, hotels, prisons, schools, oil rigs and ships, etc. is prohibited, unless use has been expressly approved by the copyright holder. The unauthorized copying, editing, exhibiting, renting, swapping, lending, public showing, broadcasting and/or broadcasting of the entire program or parts thereof is expressly prohibited. Every violation forms the basis for civil action, which can result in criminal prosecution.

FX/SFX: None.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Seen on most European/Australian Sony DVDs that include the German language, as well as most Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Blu-ray Disc releases.

Editor's Note: None.

1st Warning (Late 1980's-Late 1990's)
Same as the LK-TEL Video warning screens at the time.

2nd Warning (Early 2000's)
Warning: On a blue background, we see the following text scroll up:

ADVERTÉNCIA A CÓPIA DA OBRA AUDIOVISUAL CONTIDA NESTE VIDEOCASSETE, INCLUINDO SUA TRILHA SONORA, DESTINA-SE EXCLUSIVAMENTE À EXIBIÇÃO PRIVADA, SENDO PROIBIDA TODA E QUALQUER OUTRA FORMA DE UTILIZAÇÃO, TAIS COMO: EXIBICAO PÚBLICA, COMUNICAÇÃO AO PÚBLICO POR TELEVISÃO OU TELEVISÃO A CABO E REPRODUÇÃO DE NOVAS CÓPIAS. A VIOLAÇÃO DOS DIREITOS EXCLUSIVOS DO DISTRIBUIDOR LICENCIADO SOBRE A OBRA AUDIOVISUAL É CRIME (ART. 184 DO CODIGO PENAL).

Translation: WARNING: THE COPY OF THE AUDIOVISUAL WORK CONTAINED IN THIS VIDEO TAPE, INCLUDING ITS SOUNDTRACK, IS EXCLUSIVELY INTENDED FOR PRIVATE EXHIBITION, ALL AND ANY OTHER WAY OF USE BEING PROHIBITED, SUCH AS: PUBLIC DISPLAY, COMMUNICATION TO THE PUBLIC VIA TELEVISION OR CABLE TELEVISION OR REPRODUCTION OF NEW COPIES. THE VIOLATION OF THE EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS OF THE LICENSED DISTRIBUTOR ON THE AUDIOVISUAL WORK IS A CRIME (ART. 184 OF THE CRIMINAL CODE).

FX/SFX: The text scrolling up.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Rare. Found on Columbia-Tristar tapes at the time, such as Men in Black II'.

Editor's Note: None.

3rd Warning (2000's-)
Warning: On a blue background, we see the following text:

ADVERTÊNCIA O proprietário do direito autoral licenciou este filme em DVD, incluindo sua trilha sonora, para distribuição somente de seus licenciados na América Latina. Este filme em DVD foi licenciado exclusivamente para exibição privada. Todos os direitos são reservados. Estão proibidas toda e qualquer outra forma de utilização como reprodução de novas cópias, edição, demonstração. aluguel, troca, arrendamento, empréstimo, exibição pública, difusão, transmissão, retransmissão e/ou exibição em televisão. Estes atos podem dar base a uma ação civil e provocar um processo criminal (título VII da Lei do Direito Autoral 9.610/98 e Artigo 184 do Código Penal, e seus parágrafos). Este DVD não pode ser exportado, distribuído e/ou vendido de forma comercial sem a licença apropriada da Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

Translation: WARNING: The copyright owner has licensed this film on DVD, including its soundtrack, for distribution only to its licensees in Latin America. This DVD movie has been licensed exclusively for private viewing. All rights are reserved. Any other form of use, such as reproduction of new copies, editing, demonstration, is prohibited. rent, exchange, lease, loan, public display, broadcast, transmission, retransmission and/or television display. These acts can give rise to civil action and lead to criminal prosecution (Title VII of the Copyright Law 9.610/98 and Article 184 of the Penal Code, and its paragraphs). This DVD cannot be exported, distributed and/or sold commercially without the appropriate license from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

FX/SFX: None.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Seen on most Latin American Sony DVDs, as well as most Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Blu-ray Disc releases.

Editor's Note: None.

(2000's-)
Warning: Same as the Brazilian DVD warning, but the text is replaced by the following:

ADVERTENCIA El titular de los derechos de autor ha licenciado esta pelicula en formato DVD incluyendo su banda sonora para la distribución única y exclusiva por parte de sus sublicenciatarios autorizados en Latinoamérica. Esta pelicula en formato DVD ha sido autorizada únicamente para uso privado en el hogar. Todos los derechos quedan reservados. Cualquier forma de explotación no autorizada tal como: copia, edición, exhibición, renta, Intercambio, contratación, transmisión privada, presentación pública, difusión y/o transmisión por televisión del formato DVD o alguna de sus aditamentos queda estrictamente prohibida; tales acciones traen como consecuencia responsabilidad civil y penal para el infractor. Este formato DVD no puede ser exportada, distribuida y/o vendida de manera comercial sin la debida autorización por parte de Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

Translation: WARNING: The copyright holder has licensed this film in DVD format including its soundtrack for sole and exclusive distribution by its authorized sublicensees in Latin America. This DVD movie has been licensed for private home use only. All rights reserved. Any form of unauthorized exploitation such as: copying, editing, exhibition, rental, Exchange, contracting, private transmission, public presentation, diffusion and/or television transmission of the DVD format or any of its attachments is strictly prohibited; Such actions result in civil and criminal liability for the offender. This DVD format may not be exported, distributed and/or sold commercially without proper authorization from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

FX/SFX: None.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Seen on most Latin American Sony DVDs, as well as most Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Blu-ray Disc releases.

Editor's Note: None.

(Late 1980's-Late 1990's)
Same as the LK-TEL Video warning screens at the time.

1st Warning (Early-Mid 1990's)
Warning: Same as the 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment warning screen at the time.

FX/SFX: Same as the 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment warning screen at the time.

Music/Sounds: Same as the 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment warning screen at the time.

Availability: Rare. Can be seen on Spanish releases from RCA/Columbia Pictures International Video, such as The Harder They Fall.

Editor's Note: None.

2nd Warning (Mid 1990's-Early 2000's)
Warning: On a blue background, we see the following text wipe itself in vertically:

ESTA GRABACIÓN ESTÁ PROTEGIDA POR LA LEY. LOS TITULARES DEL COPYRIGHT SOLO AUTORIZAN SU DISTRIBUCIÓN PARA USO DOMÉSTICO, Y SU EXHIBICIÓN EN UN MAGNETOSCOPIO QUE NO ESTÉ CONECTADO A UNA RED DE DIFUSIÓN DE CUALQUIER TIPO. QUIENES REPRODUZCAN, PLAGIEN O COMUNIQUEN PÚBLICAMENTE LA TOTALIDAD O PARTE DE SU CONTENIDO SIN LA AUTORIZACIÓN EXPRESA DE SU TITULAR, INCURRIRÁN EN UN DELITO CASTIGADO CON PENAS DE HASTA 4 AÑOS DE PRISIÓN Y MULTA DE HASTA 36 MILLONES DE PESETAS E INHABILITACIÓN ESPEClAL DE HASTA 5 ANOS. LAS FUERZAS DE SEGURIDAD, SIGUIENDO INSTRUCCIONES PRECISAS DEL MINISTERIO DEL INTERIOR Y DE LA FISCALÍA GENERAL DEL ESTADO, PERSEGUIRÁN TALES ACTIVIDADES, POR CONSTITUIR UN DELITO TIPIFICADO EN EL ARTICULO 270 DEL CÓDIGO PENAL.

Translation: THIS RECORDING IS PROTECTED BY LAW. THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS ONLY AUTHORIZE ITS DISTRIBUTION FOR HOME USE, AND ITS DISPLAY ON A VCR THAT IS NOT CONNECTED TO A BROADCAST NETWORK OF ANY KIND. THOSE WHO REPRODUCE, PLAGIARIZE OR PUBLICLY COMMUNICATE ALL OR PART OF ITS CONTENT WITHOUT THE EXPRESS AUTHORIZATION OF ITS OWNER, WILL INCUR A CRIME PUNISHABLE BY PENALTIES OF UP TO 4 YEARS IN PRISON AND A FINE OF UP TO 36 MILLION PESETAS AND SPECIAL DISQUALIFICATION OF UP TO 5 YEARS. THE SECURITY FORCES, FOLLOWING PRECISE INSTRUCTIONS OF THE MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR AND THE GENERAL STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, WILL PURSUE SUCH ACTIVITIES, FOR CONSTITUTING A CRIME TYPIFIED IN ARTICLE 270 OF THE CRIMINAL CODE.

FX/SFX: The text scrolling up.

Music/Sounds: An announcer reading the text.

Availability: Uncommon. Found on Spanish tapes at the time, such as Stuart Little and Jumanji.

Editor's Note: None.

3rd Warning (2000's-2009?)
Warning: On a blue water-like background, we see the following text:

AVISO LEGAL Esta grabación está protegida por la ley. Los titulares del copyright sólo autorizan su distribución para uso doméstico y su exhibición en un reproductor DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) que no esté conectado a una red de difusión de cualquier tipo. Quienes reproduzcan, plagien o comuniquen públicamente la totalidad o parte de su contenido sinla autorización expresa de su titular, incurrirán en un delito castigado con penas de hasta 4 años de prisión y de hasta 216.000 € e inhabilitación especial de hasta 5 años. Las fuerzas de seguridad, siguiendo instrucciones precisas del Ministerio del Interior y de la Fiscalía del Estado, perseguirán tales actividades por constituir un delito tipificado en el Art. 270 del Código Penal.

Translation: LEGAL NOTICE: This recording is protected by law. The copyright holders only authorize its distribution for home use and its display on a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) player that is not connected to a broadcast network of any kind. Those who reproduce, plagiarize or publicly communicate all or part of its content without the express authorization of its owner, will incur a crime punishable by penalties of up to 4 years in prison and up to € 216,000 and special disqualification of up to 5 years. The security forces, following precise instructions from the Ministry of the Interior and the State Prosecutor's Office, will pursue such activities as they constitute a crime classified in Article 270 of the Criminal Code.

FX/SFX: None.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Seen on most early European/Australian Sony DVDs that include the European Spanish language.

4th Warning (2009?-)
Warning: On a white background with the Sony Pictures Home Entertainment logo on the bottom-right corner, we see the following text:

Times New Roman Times New Roman Times New Roman Times New Roman

Translation: LEGAL NOTICE: The domestic viewing of the content of this medium is exclusively authorized. All other rights to this work are reserved. The reproduction, distribution, public communication or total or partial transformation of the same without express authorization of the owner will be pursued in accordance with the laws.

FX/SFX: None.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Seen on most later European/Australian Sony DVDs that include the European Spanish language, as well as most Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Blu-ray Disc releases.

Editor's Note: None.

1st Warning (Late 1980's-1997?)
Same as the VideoVisa warning screens at the time.

2nd Warning (1997-2000)
Warning: On a still shot of the clouds from the 1993 [Columbia/Tristar Home Video] logo, we see the following text scroll up:

ADVERTENCIA EL CONTENIDO DE ESTE VIDEOCASSETTE, ES UNA OBRA PROTEGIDA EN FAVOR DEL TITULAR DE LOS DERECHOS DE AUTOR, INCLUYENDO SUS IMAGENES, BANDA SONORA Y DEMAS ADITAMENTOS, POR LO QUE SE PROHIBE: CUALQUIER FORMA DE EXPLOTACION NO AUTORIZADA TALES COMO RENTA, VENTA, COPIA, EDICION O CUALQUIER OTRO MODO QUE IMPLIQUE LA UTILIZACION PARCIAL O TOTAL DE LA  OBRA CONTENIDA EN ESTE VIDEOCASSETTE CON TECNOLOGIA CONOCIDA O POR CONOCERSE, ASI COMO CUALQUIER FORMA DE COMERCIALIZACION QUE IMPLIQUE UN LUCRO DIRECTO O INDIRECTO DE LA OBRA SIN EL CONSENTIMIENTO DEL TITULAR DEL DERECHO. LA VIOLACION DE CUALQUIERA DE ESTOS DERECHOS EXCLUSIVOS DEL TITULAR, CONSTITUYE UNA TRANSGRESION A LA LEY, LO QUE IMPLICA RESPONSABILIDADES QUE PUEDEN DAR LUGAR A SANCIONES TANTO CIVILES COMO PENALES PARA EL INFRACTOR. DIGA ¡NO! A LA PIRATERIA

The last sentence stops in the center of the screen, before fading out.

Translation: WARNING: THE CONTENT OF THIS VIDEO CASSETTE IS A PROTECTED WORK IN FAVOR OF THE COPYRIGHT HOLDER, INCLUDING ITS IMAGES, SOUNDTRACK AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS, FOR WHICH IT IS PROHIBITED: ANY, UNAUTHORIZED FORM OF EXPLOITATION, SUCH AS RENTAL, SALE, COPYING, EDITING OR ANY OTHER WAY THAT INVOLVES THE PARTIAL OR TOTAL USE OF THE WORK CONTAINED IN THIS VIDEO CASSETTE WITH KNOWN OR TO-BE-KNOWN TECHNOLOGY, AS WELL AS ANY FORM OF COMMERCIALIZATION THAT INVOLVES A DIRECT PROFIT OF THE OBJECTIVE OR INDIRECT CONSENT RIGHT. THE VIOLATION OF ANY OF THESE EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS OF THE OWNER, CONSTITUTES A VIOLATION OF THE LAW, WHICH INVOLVES LIABILITIES THAT MAY RESULT IN BOTH CIVIL AND CRIMINAL SANCTIONS FOR THE OFFENDER. SAY NO! TO PIRACY

FX/SFX: The text scrolling up.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Very rare. This can be seen on Mexican videotapes such as The 3 Worlds of Gulliver, Jerry Maguire, Red Heat, Desperado (Pistolero), and Big Daddy.

Editor's Note: None.

3rd Warning (2000-2005)
Warning: On a black background, we see the following text scroll up:

ADVERTENCIA LA PRODUCCIÓN, REPRODUCCIÓN, ALNACENAMIENTO, TRANSPORTACIÓN, DISTRIBUCIÓN, VENTA, RENTA, O INTRODUCCIÓN AL PAÍS DE CUALQUIER VIDEOGRAMA, PROTEGIDO POR LA LEY FEDERAL DEL DERECHO DE AUTOR, EN FORMA DOLOSA, CON FIN DE ESPECULACIÓN COMERCIAL Y SIN LA  AUTORIZACIÓN Y CONSENTIMIENTO EXPRESO DEL TITULAR DE LOS DERECHOS DE AUTOR O DE LOS DERECHOS CONEXOS, CONSTITUYE UN DELITO GRAVE (Art. 194 Frac. 1, inciso 33 del Código Federal de  Procedimientos Penales) Y SE SANCIONARÁ HASTA CON 10 AÑOS DE PRISIÓN Y HASTA VEINTE MIL DÍAS DE SALARIO MÍNIMO DE MULTA (Art. 424 Bis Frac. 1 del Código Penal Federal).

The following text fades in after the previous text finishes scrolling:

NO A LA PIRATERÍA

It then fades out to make room for the following text:

AMV Asociación Mexicana de Video

Translation: WARNING: THE PRODUCTION, REPRODUCTION, STORAGE, TRANSPORTATION, DISTRIBUTION, SALE, RENTAL, OR INTRODUCTION TO THE COUNTRY OF ANY VIDEOGRAM, PROTECTED BY THE FEDERAL LAW OF COPYRIGHT, IN A MALICIOUS FORM, WITH THE END OF COMMERCIAL SPECULATION AND CONSENT EXPRESS OF THE OWNER OF THE COPYRIGHT OR RELATED RIGHTS, CONSTITUTES A SERIOUS CRIME (Art. 194 Section 1, subsection 33 of the Federal Code of Criminal Procedures) AND WILL BE PUNISHED UP TO 10 YEARS IN PRISON AND UP TO TWENTY THOUSAND DAYS OF MINIMUM SALARY OF FINE (Art. 424 Bis Frac. 1 of the Federal Penal Code). NO TO PIRACY. AMV - Mexican Association of Video

FX/SFX: The text scrolling up.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Seen on later-day Mexican videotapes from Sony, such as The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland, The Deep End of the Ocean, and Man of the House (El Hombre De La Casa).

Editor's Note: None.