Vinyl pressings
by Mike Oldfield · 1985
Pictures In The Dark was first pressed on vinyl in 1985. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
17 pressings came out in 1985, the album's first year, in 10 countries. Compare the label and catalog number on your copy, then the codes etched or stamped in the runout groove (the dead wax around the label): they are the surest sign of an early pressing.
VS 83612 A-2U-1-1 PenthouseRunout side A, variant 1, stamped
VS 83612 B-3U-1-1 TownhouseRunout side B, variant 1, stamped
VS 83612 A-1U-1-1 PenthouseRunout side A, variant 2, stamped
VS 83612 B-3U-1-1 TownhouseRunout side b, variant 2, stamped , "Townhouse" etched
VS 836 A-2U-1-1-7 PenthouseRun-outs Side A
VS 836 B-3U-1-1-13 TownhouseRun-outs Side B
VS 836 A-1U-1-1-1 PenthouseA
VS 836 B-3U-1-1 -3 TownhouseB
VS 586 A-3U-1-1-4 TownhouseC
VS 586 B-1-1-2-3D
Side One VS 836 A- 1U-1-1-1 Penthouse
Side Two VS 836 B - 3U-1-1-3 TOWNHOUSE
DM 602070 A-1/85S I IIRunout side A, variant 1
DM 602070 B-1/85S I IIRunout side B, variant 1
DM 602070 A-1/85S I IIRunout side A, variant 2
DM 602070 B-1/85S IRunout side B, variant 2
8367 A 1 M3 351628Runout side A, stamped
8367 B 1 M3 351629Runout side B, stamped
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Australia | Virgin VS-836First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Canada | Virgin VSX 1299 / Virgin VSD 1299First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1985 | Europe | Virgin 107 850 / Virgin 107 850-100First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1985 | Ireland | Virgin VS 836First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Italy | Virgin VINX 96First year12" | 12" |
| 1985 | Italy | Virgin VIN 45169First year7", 45 RPM, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1985 | Portugal | Edisom 433705First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1985 | Portugal | Virgin 533605First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | South Africa | Virgin VS 651First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Spain | Virgin A-107 850First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1985 | Spain | Virgin F 602070 / Virgin F-602.070First year12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single |
| 1985 | UK | Virgin VS 836First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | UK | Virgin VSD 836First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition · Limited | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Limited Edition · Limited |
| 1985 | UK | Virgin VS 836First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Europe | Virgin 602 070 / Virgin 602 070-213First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
18 vinyl pressings of Pictures In The Dark are listed here, from 11 countries, released between 1985 and 1986.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in UK, Europe, France, Australia and more. One of them is Virgin VS 836-12, released November 15, 1985.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use VS 836-12, VS 836, VSD 836, 602 070) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, VS 83612 A-2U-1-1 Penthouse and VS 83612 B-3U-1-1 Townhouse. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
It depends on which pressing you have and on the condition of the record and its sleeve. Early pressings from the album's home country in near mint condition are usually worth the most; common later reissues are worth far less. Scan your copy with VinylLens to see its value for every grade.
