When Star Wars was released in 1977 it was a box-office smash and few films have attained its appeal in the 35 years since. Creator George Lucas’ groundbreaking special effects and storytelling, not to mention his revolutionary approach to marketing, forever changed how movies were made and presented to the public. The original three movies inspired a series of prequels first released in the late 1990s and now movie makers want to add more, introducing the storyline to a whole new generation of Sci-Fi fans.
1978 Star Wars Birthday Cake Poster
Heritage Auctions is presenting more than 60 lots of original posters from Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi in its Vintage Movie Poster Signature Auction, March 23-24 in Dallas. Highlights include a rare but well-known Star Wars “Birthday Cake” poster, printed in 1978 to commemorate the first anniversary of the release of the film, and a silver Mylar advance poster printed with a variant “W” in the “Star Wars” logo.
One of the most watched lots is a rare “Revenge of the Jedi” undated advance poster, which was printed before the name of the movie was changed to Return of the Jedi. Fox released two “teaser” posters for the title “Revenge of the Jedi,” — a dated version printed with the date of the film’s premier and an undated version, which is the rarer of the two styles. These posters were supposed to be returned and destroyed, but the precious few that remain in private hands are highly sought after by Star Wars collectors.
Additional rarities include a massive Star Wars three sheet poster, measuring 40 inches by 76 inches, as well as many international posters with examples printed in Polish, Romanian, Swedish, German, Turkish, Japanese, Spanish and other languages.
For hardcore collectors, the auction features unusual advertising standees, designed for theater lobbies, including a complete set from all three films. Also offered are Star Wars-themed advertising promotional posters for products such as Stride Rite Shoes and Oral B toothbrushes.
So if collecting Star Wars is your thing, don’t miss the wonderful selection in the upcoming auction and of course, May the Force Be with You!
1977 Star Wars Mylar Advance Poster
Revenge of the Jedi Undated Advance Style Poster
1983 Return of the Jedi Oral B Advertising Poster
1982 Star Wars Stride Rite Advertising Poster
1977 Star Wars Three Sheet Poster
