Logo descriptions by TheMisterFree
Logo Pictures by Eric S. and Bob Fish
Video captures by JoeCool85, Eric S. and VHSGuy2007


Background: This was the short-lived movie production arm of the CBS Television Network between 1978 and 1989.


1st Logo
(1978-1985)

Nicknames: "Boom of Stars", "Tri-Star (not the company)", "***"

Logo: On a black background, we see two lines going to the centre, when they crash, we see a big explosion forming lots of white stars, then we zoom out and we see three white stars. Below three stars, C, B, and S zoom in, one by one. A laser light turns the whole thing 3-D and wipes in "THEATRICAL FILMS". The logo shines.

Variant: On some films, the stars form in laser lights.

FX: The lines crashing and exploding, forming lots of white starsThe zoom-ins, the flash, and the shining.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: The short version can be found on films such as Table For Five. The extended version can be seen on American Dreamer.

Scare Factor: Minimal.



2nd Logo
(1985-1986)

Logo: On a black background, we see:


FX: None, its a still logo

Music/Sounds: None

Availability: Seen on old VHS prints of Better Off Dead, usually from Key Video.

Scare Factor: None



3rd Logo
(1986-1989)

Nicknames: "3D CBS", "Zooming up CBS"

Logo: On a bluish-black gradient background, from the lower-right corner, the giant capital words (in silver) "CBS" rise up with solid trails on the bottom. As they turn around, the trails shorten up to normal, while the front turn to black. Then the words Theatrical Films (in white) fade in below CBS.

FX: The rising, shortening, and color changing of CBS.

Music/Sounds: A majestic sounding fanfare, with some synthesized noises (ala the 1982 Vestron Video logo).

Availability: Rare. Seen on CBS films of the period, usually having the last ITC logo at the end.

Scare Factor: Low, the music might get to some, but it's a cool and harmless logo.