February 26, 1992-January 19, 1995
ID: On a black background, we see an announcement telling us that a new movie is coming soon to theaters, or coming soon from New Line Home Video, etc, etc.
Variant: Depending on the release, the text can vary in font and capitalization.
FX/SFX: None.
Music/Sounds: None.
Availability: Common. Seen on New Line Home Video/Columbia-Tristar VHS releases from its inception in 1992 to 1995.
Scare Factor: None.
January 10, 1995-March 14, 2006
ID: On a black background, we see the New Line Home Video filmbox. Superimposed over it is either of the following words:
- Coming Soon To A Motion Picture Theatre Near You
- Now Playing At A Motion Picture Theatre Near You
- Coming Soon From New Line Home Video/Entertainment
- Now Available from New Line Home Video/Entertainment
Variant: Starting in 2001, the text is in a slightly different font.
FX/SFX: None, but on the "Coming Soon To A Motion Picture Theatre Near You" variant, the ID suddenly cuts either to the MPAA rating screen or a trailer from the era (Wendell Craig is finished by the time the ID is completely faded away).
Cheesy Factor: On the early variant of the "Now Available from New Line Home Entertainment" ID, Wendell's voiceover very awkwardly cuts off.
Music/Sounds: Wendell Craig says the on-screen text.
Music/Sounds Variants:
- Starting in 2001, the ID is silent.
- A rare early variant of the 2001 version features Wendell saying just "Coming Soon" or "Now Available." This can be seen on the 2001 VHS of State and Main.
- A silent version of the original variant exists. An example of a VHS that uses this is the 1995 VHS of Corrina, Corrina.
Availability: Seen on New Line Home Video/Entertainment VHS releases from the era. The last tape to use this was A History of Violence, widely regarded as the last VHS ever released (though some titles would be released on analog tape as far as a 2007 pressing of Eragon, albeit in smaller runs).
Scare Factor:
- Original variant: None to low. Wendell can startle you if you aren't expecting him.
- State and Main variant: None to low as before. The awkward cutoff of the "Now Available" voiceover may even give someone a jump.
- Later variant: None.