opening sequence

The purpose of an opening sequence is to set up enigmas at the beginning of the movie that will be answered within the main body of the film. In addition to this the opening sequence of a movie will always establish the plot that is to be found in the movie. It gives the audience an insight to what is going to happen and sets a frame for the rest of the story. In a thriller movie, the opening sequence is used to create suspense and anticipation, so that the audience is intrigued and continues on to watch the movie to figure out the answers to the enigmas that are set in the opening sequence. The opening sequence is key to any movie, because it attracts the attention of the audience. If this is not achieved the audience may perceive the movie as being uninteresting and may not be inclined to continue watching.

The main-title sequence or the opening credits of a movie can be considered the most important piece in a film. Other than trailers and marketing elements, they are the first images the audience sees when the lights go down. These quick clips (all about two to three minutes) outline the filmmaker's intentions and set up the expectations of those watching.

In a television program, motion picture, or videogame, the opening credits are shown at the very beginning and list the most important members of the production. They are now usually shown as text superimposed on a blank screen or static pictures, or sometimes on top of action in the show. There may or may not be accompanying music. Where opening credits are built into a separate sequence of their own, the correct term is title sequence

In movies and television, the title and opening credits may be preceded by a "cold open," or brief scene, that helps to set the stage for the episode or film

The Matrix (1999 - The Wachowsk Brothers)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cn0i0Co67sM

The Hidden (1987 - Jack Shoulder)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHaZ-vf0lWE 
Enemy Mine (1985 - Wolfgang Petersen)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bq5_XzlXeaA