Background: Pioneer Entertainment began as a spinoff of the Japanese firm Pioneer Electronics. Although the company made releases in various genres (including music and special interest), it became best known as an anime producer and distributor. In 2003, Pioneer sold its entertainment division to another Japanese conglomerate, advertising giant Dentsu Incorporated. Dentsu renamed the company Geneon, which is a portmanteau of the English words generate and eon. (The name is meant to signify innovation and longevity.)

In late 2007, the struggling Geneon USA stopped manufacturing and distributing DVDs, although the company still exists as a licensing entity; in 2008, it licensed several of its titles to FUNimation. Geneon Japan continues to distribute DVDs in various genres, including some mainstream Hollywood films.

Pioneer LaserDisc
1st Logo
(Mid 1980's)

Logo: On a black background, the word "LaserDisc" is seen on screen, with the Pioneer logo underneath (consisting of a combination of a tuning fork and a capital omega (Ω) with "PIONEER" to its right). A red line draws from left to right, then sends off a big flash.

FX: The line drawing in.

Music/Sounds: A thumpy and whiny Moog synthesizer jingle with a "whoosh/ding" at the end.

Availability: Very rare; this can be found on the LaserDisc called "LaserDisc: What It Is, How It Works".

Scare Factor: Low to medium, due to the dark atmosphere and rather creepy music.

2nd Logo
(Late 1980's?)
Description coming soon!
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Pioneer Entertainment
1st Logo
(1993-1999)
Logo: On a black background, a ring of sparkles moves to the center of the screen to encircle a tuning fork. Then, the ring and tuning fork zoom out to the left to make room for "PIONEER". Sometimes the words "The Art of Entertainment" would appear below. The whole thing turns white when this is done.

FX: The circle and the tuning fork merging into the Pioneer logo.

Music/Sounds: A whimsical tune on synths.

Availability: Can be seen on Pioneer Entertainment VHS tapes and DVD's of the era.

Scare Factor: None.

2nd Logo
(1999-2001)

Logo: On a white background, we see "Pioneer" in red. The font is more futuristic-looking than in the previous logo, and it's now in italics.

FX: None; it's a still logo.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Can be seen on Pioneer Entertainment VHS tapes and DVD's of the era.

Scare Factor: None.

3rd Logo
(2001-2003)

Logo: Same as the second logo, except the background is now black.

FX: None; it's a still logo.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Can be seen on Pioneer Entertainment VHS tapes and DVD's of the era.

Scare Factor: None.
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Geneon Entertainment
(2003-2007)

Logo: On a black background, a la the 2000 UA logo, streaks come from all sides of the screen to form a stylized red and gray G. "Geneon" fades in below in a futuristic font.

FX: The streaks.

Music/Sounds: A calm synth/violin stinger, with a 5-note woodwind ditty at the end.

Availability: Can be seen on Geneon Entertainment DVDs of the era. Also seen on Adult Swim broadcasts of Samurai Champloo and Paranoia Agent.

Scare Factor: None; it's actually a nice logo.


The Beginning of the End: In late 2007, Geneon USA ceased to operate as a label. However, as noted above, it still exists as a licensing entity.