Imagine Entertainment

Background

This is Brian Grazer and Ron Howard's production company. It was founded in 1986 by director Ron Howard and producer Brian Grazer. The company's films are distributed by Universal Pictures, Columbia Pictures, and a few others.

1st Logo (February 17, 1989-April 12, 1996)

Nicknames: "The Rising", "Shining Star", "Reflection"

Logo: On a black background, we see a star flashing, revealing a reflection of the shiny chrome-blue text "IMAGINE" on rippling water, which then rises up and settles above its reflection. The words "AN" above the "IMAGINE" text and "ENTERTAINMENT" (in ITC Serif Gothic font) with "PRESENTATION" below, appear respectively. The studio's name sparkles three times, one sparkling side was on the center of the "G", one sparkling side was on the top right of the "N", and one sparkling side was on the bottom of the "M".

Variants:

Another variation used the term "PRESENTS" below the logo. This can be seen on Closet Land. Strangely, this is shown at the very end of Cry-Baby.
At other times, "FILMS" appeared sandwiched in between the company name. This was seen on Backdraft, HouseSitter, Far and Away, and Cop and a Half.
On the TV movie Conagher, the logo is sped-up.

FX/SFX: The star shining, the studio's name rising, and the studio's name sparkling.

Music/Sounds: None. In other cases, it has jazz music played over this logo.

Availability: Seen at the end of most movies from this company from the era. Most of their films during this era were distributed by Universal Pictures including Parenthood, Kindergarten Cop, Apollo 13, The Dream Team, The Paper, The 'Burbs and others. The "FILMS" variant can be found on the aforementioned movies above. Don't expect to see this on Willow (which MGM and Lucasfilm Ltd. distributed), My Girl (which was released through Columbia Pictures), The Doors (which was a co-production with Carolco Pictures, distribution by Tri-Star Pictures), Boomerang (which was distributed through Paramount Pictures), Sgt. Bilko, CB4, or the first two Problem Child movies (despite being distributed by Universal).

Editor's Note: Despite the logo's retirement, this was used as the print logo until 2020.

2nd Logo (June 28, 1996-October 21, 2021)

Nicknames: "The Drop", "Ripples", "The Dripping"

Logo: On a black background, we see a waterdrop appear at the very top of the screen, prior to dropping. It then disappears before revealing rippling blue water. The water appears to be shone by a spotlight, before it slowly reveals that it is actually the word "IMAGINE" being reflected inside. The text waves for a few seconds before finally settling into view. Shortly after that, the word "ENTERTAINMENT", in spaced-out letters, appears underneath it.

Variants:

Sometimes, the spotlight is either very difficult to see or absent on the logo.
On the 2006 Curious George TV series, a still version is used.

FX/SFX: The drip, the ripples forming the studio's name. This was done by Intralink Film Graphic Design.

Music/Sounds: A calming orchestra piece composed by James Horner. Sometimes, the movie's opening theme is used.

Availability: It first appeared at the beginning of The Nutty Professor and its final appearance was on season 14 of Curious George. The spotlight-less variant also made its debut on 8 Mile. This was also seen at the end of Ransom.

Editor's Note: A favorite of many, especially for fans of their films. The concept is also quite calming.

3rd Logo (June 19, 2020- )

Nicknames: "Enhanced Drop", "The Drop II", "Ripples II", "The Dripping II"

Logo: An enhanced version of the previous logo. The drop drops faster and falls longer, the water and ripple effects are updated to look more realistic, the "IMAGINE" text is more 3D, and has a gradient. The logo ends on a dark grey/black gradient background as "ENTERTAINMENT" fades in below.

Variants:

The logo can be still, cut-short or sped-up.
On documentary films, the "ENTERTAINMENT" text is replaced with "DOCUMENTARIES".

FX/SFX: The drip, the ripples forming the studio's name. Excellent and well crafted CGI from Imaginary Forces.

Music/Sounds: Same as the last logo. There is also a shortened version of the theme, which is also used for the Imagine Television Studios logo.

Availability: Current. The "ENTERTAINMENT" version appeared on a montage on the company's website, and debuted on Hillbilly Elegry, while the "DOCUMENTARIES" variant first appeared on Dads.

Editor's Note: A well crafted update to the second logo. The music and updated animation makes this a winner.