Tape top

The Empire Strikes Back, Betamax, CBS/Fox Video UK, 1984

Par for the course, videos released in 1984 were issued for both VHS and Betamax. The film transfer used is the same across formats, so you get the film in cropped "fullscreen" format.

The "U" ("Universal - Suitable for all") rating on the back is printed on the insert, but they placed a ratings sticker on the actual cassette. From 1985 onwards, UK tapes were required to carry the ratings logo on the front, spine and back, thus video releases from this transitional period were retrofitted with ratings stickers.

Look for the original cases with the CBS/FOX name embossed on the top. Many copies around today has the case replaced with a generic black or transparent one. The original CBS/FOX cases switched from grey to white ca. 1985 but there seems to be some overlapping with this film showing up in either.

Assorted screenshots:

Copyright notice
Manufactured by CBS/Fox Video
Trailershow
Trailershow
Trailershow
Company logo
Title card (Squeezed)
Opening crawl (Cropped)
Binoculars (Cropped)
Binoculars (Squeezed)
On Dagobah
Matte painting
Duel
Falcon dish in frame
End credits
Copyright notice (reprise)