Exhibit 5.1



                         [NewStar Media Inc. Letterhead]


                                  July 8, 1999

NewStar Media Inc.
8955 Beverly Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA  90048

                  RE:      NEWSTAR MEDIA INC. REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-3
                           -----------------------------------------------------

Gentlemen:

This opinion is being given by me in my capacity as general counsel of NewStar
Media Inc. ("NewStar") in connection with the registration on Form S-3 of
9,141,757 shares of Common Stock of NewStar that were previously issued and are
outstanding (the "Shares") and 500,000 shares issuable upon conversion of Series
E Preferred Stock of NewStar (the "Conversion Shares").

In connection with this opinion, I have examined and am familiar with originals
or copies, certified or otherwise identified to my satisfaction, of (i) the
Registration Statement on Form S-3 relating to the Shares and the Conversion
Shares (the "Registration Statement"), (ii) the Articles of Incorporation of
NewStar, (iii) the By-laws of NewStar and (iv) the Certificate of Determination
of the Series E Preferred Stock.

I have obtained from officers of NewStar and have examined the originals, or
copies identified to my satisfaction, of such certificates, agreements and other
assurances as I consider necessary for the purpose of rendering the opinion
contained herein. I have additionally consulted with officers of NewStar and
have obtained such representations with respect to matters of fact as I deem
necessary or advisable; however, I have not necessarily independently verified
the content of factual statements made to me in connection therewith, or the
veracity of such representations.

In my examination, I have assumed the legal capacity of all natural persons, the
genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to me
as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to
me as copies, and the authenticity of the originals of such latter documents.

Based on the foregoing and on such other instruments, documents and matters
examined and necessary for the purpose of rendering this opinion, it is my
opinion that the Shares are, and the Conversion Shares, when issued in
accordance with the terms of the Certificate of Determination of the Series E
Preferred Stock, will be, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Securities and Exchange
Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.

Very truly yours,


/s/  ROBERT C. MURRAY
- -----------------------------
Robert C. Murray, Esq.

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