Research, Information, and Images by Tony Pazuzu

The LaserDisc (LD) is a home video format and the first commercial optical disc storage medium, initially licensed, sold and marketed as MCA DiscoVision (also known simply as “DiscoVision”) in the United States in 1978. It is not a fully digital format and stores analog video signals.

Although the format was capable of offering higher-quality video and audio than its consumer rivals, VHS and Betamax videotape, LaserDisc never managed to gain widespread use in North America, largely due to high costs for the players and video titles themselves and the inability to record TV programs.  However, it eventually did gain some traction in that region and became somewhat popular in the 1990s. It was not a popular format in Europe and Australia.

(PILR-1282, NTSC, Hi-Fi/Mono, 100 mins) Notes: First Japanese release on laserdisc. Retains the film’s original MONO audio soundtrack as originally heard in cinemas. Cover art features original slogan “A different sent of jaws”.
(1424-35, PAL, LBX/SRD, 94 mins, Rated 14) Notes: First French release on laserdisc containing newly remixed STEREO audio track and French subtitles. Features standard lips cover artwork with slogan “Le Film Culte”. Disc manufactured in the UK.
(1974-80, NTSC, Stereo Extended Play, 98 mins, Rated R, RRP $39.98) Notes: First US laserdisc release containing the newly remixed STEREO audio track as per the 1990 US video tape issue, plus additional bonus Time Warp video clip.
(1424-05, PAL, 95 mins, Rated 12, RRP 79.99 DM)        Notes: First German laserdisc release containing newly remixed STEREO audio from the US release, with standard lips artwork and additional slogan "The sensational cinema Rock 'n' roll legend".
(1424-35, PAL, LBX/SRD, 94 mins, Rated 14) Notes: Second French release on laserdisc distributed by PFC Video, containing identical content to the 1991 release. Cover artwork has been altered using a reversed lips image and the slogan “Le Film Culte”.
(PILF-1779, NTSC, 100 mins, RRP ¥4700) Notes: Second Japanese issue on laserdisc containing the newly remixed STEREO audio track, Japanese subtitles and “Superheroes” ending. Issued in both a red and yellow "Best of Best + Big 1" obi strip.
(1974-85, NTSC, LBX/+CAV/THX, 100 mins, Rated R, RRP $124.98) Notes: 20th Anniversary special edition laserdisc box set. Comes packaged with 2 laserdiscs, exclusive 20th anniversary Gold soundtrack CD, & “Creatures of The Night II” book. Film is presented on Disc 1 for the first time in its original letterboxed aspect ratio, however retains the remastered stereo audio track from 1990. "Super Heroes” remains cut.  A second audio track option allows audience participation to play along with the film. Disc 2 includes deleted scenes, a 40 minute documentary and other supplemental items, including ‘lost’ song "Once In A While", heard here for the first time.
(EE 1100, LBX/SRD/+CAV, 96 mins, Rated 15, RRP £49.99) Notes: First UK laserdisc release, 21st Anniversary Widescreen Edition. Digitally remastered widescreen collector’s edition presented in 1:85:1 aspect ratio. Includes 1 hour of bonus supplementary footage as per 1996 UK VHS release.
(1424-3, LBX/SRD, 94 mins, Rated 12, RRP 299FR)     Notes: final French issue on laserdisc, individually numbered and limited to 5000 copies. Comes with 4 (20x25cm) movie stills. Disc content is the same as previous French issues and contains French subtitles.
(PILF-2267, NTSC, LBX/+CAV/THX, 100 mins, RRP ¥9800) Notes: 20th Anniversary Japanese laserdisc box set. Similar to the US 20th Anniversary edition [1974-85], but does not include the book or gold CD soundtrack. Comes packaged with 2 laser discs and an insert booklet featuring photos and audience participation guide printed in Japanese.
(0669685, NTSC, LBX/THX, 95 mins, RRP $29.99) Notes: final laser disc release from the US presented in the original letterboxed aspect ratio as a budget-priced, single-disc edition.