Movie studio executives have got to get their introduction dead right, that’s why, throughout the years, each of the big studios has changed their logos time and time again, ensuring they are relevant and keeping up with increasing technological advancements.
Here, Adam Brannon looks through the archives and selects the best five movie studio introductions – but which multi-million dollar company will take gold in this countdown?
#5) TriStar
TriStar is perhaps the smallest film studio to feature on this list, but that makes its inclusion in this top five even more impressive. What can be better than a winged, brilliant white horse galloping towards the screen? Not much really, and to this day it remains a memorable, if sadly underused introduction. The music lacks a bit of punch, which means it only just makes it into the top five.
#4) Paramount
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLl4b_doNtk
Paramount Pictures has become one of the biggest movie studios in the world, having multi-billion dollar franchises like Transformers on their books. Their introduction has progressed significantly since 1912 and now features a beautiful snow-capped mountain poking through a mesmerising cover of clouds. Those flying stars are now a massive part of the movie-going experience – you immediately known the film you’re watching is from Paramount.
#3) 20th Century Fox
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qDdYlyLRoI
From The Simpsons to the epic Star Wars saga, 20th Century Fox has time and time again proved what a juggernaut it is throughout film history and of course television. This introduction is instantly recognisable. The roaring music, the towering statuesque logo and the skyward lighting only add to the sense of drama.
#2) Universal Pictures
Universal Pictures had an unbelievably successful year in 2015 and recently celebrated its 100th birthday – an exceptional feat. Their logo has changed massively over the last century and remains well-loved across the globe – the theme park attracts millions of visitors every year. But what can be better than that music? It gives me goosebumps every time I see it and is fully deserving of a silver medal in this edition.
#1) Disney
I love a castle and Disney does them better than anyone. It’s safe to say that everyone will have watched a film from the House of Mouse at some point in their lives and each one starts with this beautifully animated landscape shot of the famous piece of architecture, the current iteration is simply breathtaking. It’s generally a sure fire way to know the quality of the film coming after it (with some exceptions) and is definitely the only choice for the top spot.
So, there we have it. Five of the best movie studio introductions. Do you think others deserve to be on this list? Leave a comment in the box below, I reply to them all.
I love the Disney one, but I think I prefer the Classic Disney, I like how they change the style depending on the film. I potentially thought about the mgm lion in the top 5, but the although I think it’s a classic I couldn’t think of any of the films its associated with.
The MGM lion was so close to making the top five, Meredith! I believe the Bond films utilise it? Thanks for commenting!
For me, I think Universal has it with a brilliant combination of visual and sound. I do also love the visual of Paramount and the sound of Fox.
Universal was a very close second to Disney, Aimee! I flicked between the two front-runners for ages before deciding on the placement! Thanks for commenting.
I would have quite like to see the Blumhouse productions introduction on the list. Strongly sets the scene for any movie of theirs that you’re about to see.
That’s a good about, Karl! This article is actually a couple of years old which is why it didn’t feature. Thanks for commenting, Adam.
Ah I guess I should read dates before posting haha.