MGM Animation Studios

Background: In 1972, MGM opened up an animation studio, not only for cartoon shorts, but feature-length films and TV shows, too.

1st Logo

(March 1972-October 1972)

Nickname: "The Stylized Lion"

Logo: On a blue background, we see the 1966 MGM logo zoom in very fast as the 1930s MGM fanfare plays. Then, right as the fanfare ends, the camera zooms in to the logo and cuts to black. Under the logo is "MGM ANIMATION" instead of simply "MGM."

FX/SFX: The zooming logo.

Cheesy Factor: The zooming of the logo looks very cheap and choppy.

Music/Sounds: The 1930s MGM fanfare.

Availability: Very rare. Can only be seen on certain TV shows from the time. No shorts or films have this logo.

Scare Factor: Medium. The zooming may catch you off-guard and the fanfare is a little loud.

2nd Logo

(December 1972-1975)

MGM Animation Studios (1973)

Logo: We see the then-current MGM logo, but inside the circle is Tanner instead of Leo. Under the logo is "ANIMATION" tacked on.

FX/SFX: The lion roaring.

Music/Sounds: Tanner's roar.

Music/Sounds Variant: On reissues of old Happy Harmonies cartoons, Coffee's roar is used instead.

Availability: Uncommon. It was seen on many animated films of this era.

Scare Factor: Medium to High.

3rd Logo

(1975-1984, 1986-1987)

TBA