Movie Poster Collecting - Resource for Collecting Movie Posters at All Movie Replicas

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What should I collect?

When deciding which movie poster to collect, there are no set rules. You simply go with what you like. Many collectors only purchase motion picture art by format, such as lobby cards. While others choose to collect based on the film's country of origin, for example, all German posters, and some collectors prefer to collect only within a particular genre (B movies, action etc) or certain preferred film titles. So, follow your instincts and you can't go wrong.

Ordering a poster:

If you are uncertain about the condition of an original movie poster as the dealer. The definition for grading conditions will vary from dealer to dealer. Make sure you understand what is meant by "good condition". Ask the dealer if the poster has any tears, stains, scratches, pin or staple holes, fading or it it has been subject any retouches or repairs. While mounting a poster on linen-backing is a perfectly acceptable archival process, it can also be used to hide severe condition problems. Make sure you know the condition of the poster before it was linen-backed and how much restoration (if any) has been done to it.

Original one sheet movie posters can be a large investment, so the dealer's/shop's about their return policy in the unfortunate event that item is damaged or turns out to be in lesser condition than you imagined. The usual practice is to insure the package for the dollar value of the item.

Re-issue vs. Reproduction:

Many people are confused by the difference between a reissue and a reproduction movie poster. Many movies were released subsequent to the original dates. For example, The Wizard of Oz was originally released in 1939, and it was re-issued theatrically in '49 and '55. The studio produced ad campaigns for these releases and all of the posters, lobby, window cards etc. are designated as "re-issues". Gone With the Wind and Casablanca were also reissued theatrically at some point. Although the artwork is oftentimes completely different, they are still interesting and valuable collectibles. A reproduction, however, is simply a photographic copy of an original poster and has little or no value as a collectible.

How do you know the difference between a reissue and reproduction?

Many movie posters are in such high demand that some companies have reproduced them. There are many ways to tell a reproduction from a re-issue or original poster. For instance, all 1- sheets posters before 1980 are folded, with very rare exceptions. A rolled, original poster of Gone with the Wind is simply nonexistent. Making sure the fine print is in focus is another indication of an original poster.

Preserving your original collection:

Original movie posters, like most art mediums, require the appropriate preservation methods to insure its longevity. Linen-backing is just one of the methods used in poster preservation. This method requires mounting the poster on a treated canvas material. A sheet of rice paper is then sandwiched between the poster and canvas and adhered to both with an archival glue. This permits the process to be reversed at a future time, if needed. "Paper-Backing" is a similar process, except in lieu of canvas, the poster is mounted on thick archival paper. However, for the most part, posters are usually linen-backed.

You must never dry mount posters. Dry mounting yellows the paper and cannot be reversed. Once dry mounted, the poster is subsequently devalued. Like all valuable collectibles, keep your collection out of direct sunlight. Flat file drawers are best for storing, if you have a large collection both in size and quantity. These can be purchased in most larger art supply stores.

When displaying your original poster in frames, make sure that you are using UV filtered glass or Plexiglas. Also, because of changes in weather, resulting moisture and mildew from condensation can destroy your valuable collectibles. We suggest using either a frame with "spacers" which elevate the glass or Plexiglas off the poster, or having the poster professionally matted. Just make sure that you choose a reputable framing store.

Standard poster sizes:

3 Sheet
41"x 81" (104 x 205 cm)

6 sheet
81"x 81" (205 x 205 cm

Subway:
Sizes vary

Title Card
11" x 14" (28 x 36cm) The first card of a lobby card set. It usually has a more complete list of credits and more elaborate Graphics.

Window Card
14" x 22" (36 x 56cm) It has a large white border at the top where theatres would display dates for local showings.

Mini Window Card
8" x 14" Same as a window card only smaller dimensions

Lobby Card

Jumbo Lobby Card

Half Sheet

1 Sheet

Insert

The Empire Strikes Back Jumbo Lobby Card # 4

Alien Half Sheet Movie Poster - Recreation

3:10 to Yuma Masterprint Poster - Style A

11"x 14" (28 x 36 cm)

14" x 17" (36 x 42cm)

22"x 28" horizontal

27 "x 41" or 27" x 40"

14"x 36" vertical

Also known as 'scene cards'. These cards were placed in the lobby of the theater and were originally distributed in sets of 8; they can either be sold separately or in a set.

Usually photographic and unlike Lobby Cards, they are usually borderless.

Original items; printed on card stock, usually not folded

Printed on paper stock. Pre-1985 posters are usually folded; post-1985 posters are usually rolled and 27" x 40".

Original items; printed on card stock, usually not folded

Condition and Grading

All Movie Replicas uses the 6- grade system for the condition our original movie posters:

Mint:

A poster in MINT condition looks like it just came off of the press. It will have no blemishes or defects of any kind. It can be machine folded or rolled, depending on the manner in which it was originally. A poster in MINT condition commands top dollar in that title's normal price range.

Near Mint:
These posters may have minor blemishes in the border only. The artwork is in excellent condition with no blemishes whatsoever. A poster that is in near mint condition will command slightly less than a mint condition poster.

Very Good:
These posters may have blemishes in the border and up to approximately one inch of the poster's artwork. There may be small tears in the artwork along the fold lines only. It may also have minor fading. Posters that are in very good condition will command slightly less than ones that are in Near mint condition.

Good:
These posters may have tears or small holes that measure no larger than a quarter on the outer edges of the poster's artwork. Pieces of the border may be torn or missing; there may be mild bleed-through in the outer area of the artwork; there may be mild fading. In general, a poster in good condition will have minor blemishes around the border and into the outer edges of the artwork. The major area of the artwork must be clear of any blemishes. The price of a poster in good condition generally falls in the middle to lower end of the price range for that title.

Fair:
These posters may have major blemishes that directly affect the artwork of the poster. The poster is recognizable and the artwork is primarily intact. The value of a poster in fair condition will weigh heavily on its title. If it is a rare piece, it still may command the lower end of the poster's normal price range. A poster in fair condition must be professionally restored.

Poor:
These posters will have serious blemishes or in general, in such poor shape that even the slightest handling adds to the damage. The value of a poster in poor condition will weigh heavily on its title. If it is a rare piece, it still may command the lower end of the poster's normal price range. A poster in poor condition must be professionally restored.

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