Warner Music Vision
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music video production and distribution |
| Founded | 1990 |
| Founder | Warner Music International |
| Defunct | 2006 |
| Fate | Merged with the Rights Company to form Warner Music Entertainment |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Parent | Warner Music Group |
Warner Music Vision—also referred to as Warner Vision or Warner Vision International—was a company dedicated to music video production and distribution, founded in 1990 by Warner Music International. Its primary role was to create and disseminate video content featuring artists signed to Warner Music Group labels, including Warner Bros. Records, Maverick Records, Sire Records, Atlantic Records, and Elektra Records.
In 2006, Warner Music Vision combined forces with the Rights Company, resulting in the formation of Warner Music Entertainment.
WarnerVision Entertainment
Initially known as A*Vision Entertainment from 1990 until 1995, WarnerVision Entertainment functioned as a sublabel concentrating on specialty video offerings. This division was launched by Atlantic Records in 1990 with the documentary Banned in the U.S.A. as its inaugural release. A*Vision broadened its portfolio through collaborations with niche market entities such as Penthouse Video and VIEW Video.
By 1993, A*Vision expanded its scope by establishing independent labels: KidVision for children's programming, NightVision targeting adult audiences, and BodyVision focusing on health and fitness content. Notably, it acquired Kathy Smith’s workout video collection following Media Home Entertainment's shutdown. That same year, Rhino Home Video entered into a distribution agreement with A*Vision, capitalizing on Warner's part-ownership of Rhino Entertainment.
In 1994, A*Vision introduced Atlantic Group Films, a label dedicated to direct-to-video movie releases like Indecent Behavior, which achieved Billboard recognition. A significant acquisition was securing home video distribution rights for Saban Entertainment’s children’s series Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, surpassing PolyGram Video's bid. The company's position in the exercise video market was further strengthened by acquiring The Maier Group, known for producing the Buns of Steel series.
Early in 1995, the label underwent rebranding to become WarnerVision Entertainment and realigned its reporting structure from Atlantic Records to Warner Bros. Records. Stuart Hersch was elevated to executive vice-president. The film division was renamed WarnerVision Films, and new partnerships were established, including a distribution deal with Coliseum Video for World Wrestling Federation content. Additionally, distribution agreements expanded to include Dualstar Video, which managed titles featuring the Olsen twins that transitioned from BMG Kidz to WarnerVision.
Nevertheless, internal executive upheaval within Warner Music impacted WarnerVision’s leadership team. Mel Lewinter was removed amid investigations and organizational disputes. By late 1995, speculation arose regarding Hersch's potential exit due to strategic shifts following Time Warner’s proposed merger with Turner Broadcasting. Initial plans to spin off WarnerVision under Hersch were abandoned after the merger fell through; operational oversight shifted to Warner Home Video in early 1996.
By August 1996, WEA ceased its video distribution activities, consolidating all video product distribution under Warner Home Video. While the Dualstar Video agreement persisted under this new structure, distribution rights for Saban Entertainment properties transferred to 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment by October 1996.
Warner Reprise Video
Originally introduced as Warner Music Video in 1984 by WEA, Warner Reprise Video specialized in distributing content from the Warner Bros. Records catalog. Its debut release featured a compilation of Madonna's greatest hits. The label adopted the name Warner Reprise Video in 1986 and concentrated on music video production and distribution, thereby enhancing Warner’s footprint in the home video sector.
WEA Music Video
WEA Video, which was later renamed WEA Visual Entertainment and known as WEA Music Video in markets such as Canada and Australia, functioned as the worldwide sales and distribution division of the company. Between 1992 and 1998, WEA handled the distribution of LIVE Entertainment's products, overseeing their logistics until LIVE took over direct distribution in 1996. Subsequently, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment became responsible for distribution starting in late 1998.
Jane Evans
Jane Evans, who formerly served as operations director at Warner Music Vision, is acknowledged for her impactful leadership. In recognition of her contributions, a park in Hampstead, London was named after her in 2018.