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MAY 7 2016 VHS HISTORY LEASON : VIRGIN VISION/M.C.E.G. VIRGIN
This label was founded by Virgin Music billionaire Richard Branson in 1984 at first as an outlet to release concert and music videos by Virgin artists like Depeche Mode, UB40, Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel and many others. Gradually, Virgin Vision began releasing films to the rental market, at first little-known Australian films such as the slasher mystery NEXT OF KIN (1982), the chase thriller DEAD EASY (1982) and the road film BACKLASH (1985). Gradually, they began releasing other genre films like PROM NIGHT and the first sequel HELLO MARY LOU: PROM NIGHT II, HOUSE OF DEATH, MADHOUSE, DANCE OF THE DAMNED, DESTROYER and THE BANKER, just to mention a few. They also caused a minor uproar by releasing the controversial film A CERTAIN SACRIFICE, a late 70's unfinished film whose main claim to fame was a role by a young Madonna (billed here as Madonna Louise Ciccone). Madonna unsuccessfully tried to block it's release, which made this film even more desirable to the viewing public. It was quickly forgotten, however, because it was a piece of 8mm rubbish and had no redeeming qualities at all. Virgin Vision went on to release some well-known theatrical releases on home video, including MYSTIC PIZZA (which made Julia Roberts a star, godammit!), the Anthony Perkins-starrer EDGE OF SANITY, Whitley Strieber's COMMUNION and HEART OF MIDNIGHT. In 1989, producer Jonathan Krane's (FACE/OFF, PRIMARY COLORS) company, Management Company Entertainment Group (M.C.E.G., who had a sublabel called Forum Home Video), bought Virgin Vision from Branson for $83 million and formed M.C.E.G. Virgin. They released films, such as NIGHT OF THE WILDING, on video for a couple of years more before going into Chapter 11 bankruptcy, their library at first bought by Orion Pictures and finally settling at MGM. { text from critcononline.com }
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