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MOVIE POSTERS
Sizes & Condition Terms

All of the movie posters we sell are original. We never sell reproductions, such as those found in gift shops or even some art galleries. Authentic movie posters are very rare since print runs were exceedingly small and they were never offered for sale to the general public. It is no wonder that they are so highly prized by collectors today.

Sizes

1-Sheet: 27" x 41" (vertical) - The most common size for movie posters

3-Sheet: 41" x 81" (vertical) - Usually comes in two or three sections

6-Sheet: 81" x 81" - The largest size for movie posters (aside from billboard posters); usually comes in four sections

Window Card: 14" x 22" (vertical) - Printed on heavy card stock paper; usually has a blank area at the top designed for theaters to list show times

Jumbo Window Card: 22" x 28" (vertical) - Usually printed on heavy card stock paper

Half-Sheet: 22" x 28" (horizontal) - Usually printed on heavy card stock paper

Insert: 14" x 36" (vertical) - Usually printed on heavy card stock

Lobby Card: 11" x 14" (horizontal) - Usually came in a set of eight images from the movie, includes one "title card" and seven "scene cards."

Still: 8" x 10" (usually horizontal) - Black & white or color photograph of a scene from the movie

Condition

It is normal for most authentic movie posters to show some signs of age and use. After all, these are the actual posters that were displayed in movie houses 20-65 years ago to publicize current or coming attractions to the theatre.

Typically, most posters were folded at the time they were originally distributed to the theaters. They usually will have pin holes in the corners, or occasionally, have remnants of tape which the theatre used to hang them up for display. Also, most will have inventory numbers and/or hand written notations on the reverse side listing show dates or other information that the theatre thought pertinent at the time. Such minor blemishes are to be expected and are not considered significant by experienced collectors.

Email us if you have any questions about specific posters

Excellent (EX): Shows little to no signs of use. May include a small, insignificant amount of separation on fold lines, pinholes or other evidence of display in theaters. Overall, a poster denoted as (EX) is in outstanding condition.

Very Good (VG): An average used poster showing moderate signs of use that do not detract from the image. May include normal signs of age such as minor separation on folds, a tiny area of paper loss or staining, minor tape repair on reverse, pinholes or other evidence of display in theaters. A poster denoted as (VG) has a few small imperfections, but is still in very enjoyable condition.

Good (G): A well used poster which may include one or more moderate areas of paper loss in border, a small area of paper loss or staining in insignificant area of image, small tears, moderate separation on folds, minor tape repair on reverse, pinholes or other evidence of display in theaters. A poster denoted as (G) has obvious signs of use, but would still be presentable when matted and framed.

Fair (F): A heavily used poster which shows significant wear and possible damage. May include large tears or pieces missing that extend into image, excessive taping, writing, soiling, stains, etc. A poster denoted as (F) has one or more significant condition flaws but can still be enjoyed for its intrinsic value as an artifact of Hollywood memorabilia.

Plus or Minus (+ or -): A "+" or "-" sign after a poster's condition indicates that its condition is slightly better or worse than the stated grade. This difference is worth noting, but not significant enough to actually change the poster to a higher or lower grade.

Re-Release (R): Indicates an original poster from the film's re-release by the movie studio. The "R" can be found after the date of the movie's re-release (for example: "Gone With the Wind" was originally released in 1939. MGM re-released the movie to theaters in 1970. The date listed on the re-release of a "GWTW" movie poster would be "1970R").

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