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Collectible Movie

Movie Poster Collecting Requires Trained Eye

Movie Posters generally can serve two purposes after their days as in-theater displays are over. One, they can be valuable collectibles, no different than baseball cards, stamps or comic books. And just as with those widely collected items, a poster’s condition has much to do with its value. And two, they make spectacular wall hangings, and can add a dash of style and pizzazz to your game room, office or den. (When used only as décor, and not considered an investment, reprinted film advertisements are probably sufficient.)

No matter which group you fall into, knowing the difference between a collectible movie poster and a reprint is important. After all, if you’re hoping to attain an item that will increase in value, it must be an original print. If, on the other hand, you only want to spruce up your off-campus apartment, there’s no sense spending money on a pricier collectible when an equally attractive reprint would fit the bill.

What makes a film print collectible? How is the quality of a print determined? How can I preserve a collectible once I’ve obtained one? If you are new to the collecting game, you likely have many questions that you need answered before you make your first purchase. Below, you’ll find a few tips to help get your collection started on the right foot.

Original vs. Reprint: Learning the difference

To determine whether something is considered collectible movie art, you must know the answer to two key questions: Was it produced, printed and distributed by a movie studio solely for the purpose of in-theater advertising? Was it originally intended for use only as a movie advertisement and not as an item meant for public consumption? If you can answer “yes” to both of those questions, you’re likely dealing with a movie poster that has value.

Certainly other factors come into play (and we’ll address some of them shortly) but the basic criteria have been met. Movie art materials that have value are created for studios by a select group of lithographers, sent to theaters as advertising materials, and later either returned to the studio or destroyed. They aren’t printed in huge numbers with the goal of being sold to the public later. In fact, the print run of each movie poster is limited to only what is necessary for theaters and distribution centers and later returned for credit. Because of this, there are fewer in circulation, which in turn is what makes them more valuable.

Making the Grade: Understanding what a print is worth

Grading systems used to determine the value of movie poster art are similar to grading systems used for other collectibles. Rips, bent corners, faded colors, staple holes or pinholes, and any other blemishes will detract from its market value. Most collectors will use standards set by the Motion Picture Arts Gallery to help figure a print’s value. Ranging from “Near Mint” to “Fair”, the value of a print can be wide-ranging.

Prints graded in “Near Mint” condition were hardly ever used, if at all, boasting colors that are still vibrant and no mars of any kind. The MPAG scale declines as far down as “Fair”, which describes posters that show signs of wear, perhaps are ripping at the folds, and could have damaged borders. Even prints in this condition have value - the poster is still rare after all - but the market will knock points from its worth.

Of course, even after the condition of a print is ascertained, estimating its value requires additional legwork. You can’t simply rely on a dealer’s word as to its worth. Conduct extensive research to determine how film prints for the same movie and of like condition are being valued. And remember, the more rare a piece, the more valuable it becomes, so if you have a difficult time locating artwork of a particular film, that’s a good sign that its value might be higher.

Quality Control: Preserving your investment

No matter how great an investment you make in a movie poster, it won’t be a sound investment if you don’t care for the item. Preserving the quality of the paper is critical, but it isn’t difficult to do with some basic instruction. One of the most preferred materials used to preserve valuable documents is uncoated polyester film. DuPont’s Mylar D and ICI Corp’s Melinex 516 are two of the most popular brands. By sealing the Movie Posters, these products will protect your investment from the paper-destroying effects of moisture, pollutants, oils and acids.

Other preservation methods, less popular because they render the movie posters less usable, include using acid-free boards and boxes. Many collectors also have their posters professionally deacidified before storage to add additional years of life.

Size matters: Understanding the shapes and sizes

While the term “movie poster” is generically used to refer to any marketing materials used to advertise a film, actual studio-released work typically comes from a catalog of certain sizes. Below are the names of the most common sizes and where you’re likely to first see each advertisement.

1 Sheet: 27” x 41” (27” x 40” after 1980); most often seen in theater lobbies and in display cases in and around theaters (i.e.: bus stations, train stations…)

2 Sheet / Subway: 41” x 54”; used in subway stations

3 Sheet: 41” x 81”; used as large lobby displays

6 Sheet: 81” x 81”; used as small billboards

12 Sheet: 108” x 144”; used as medium billboards; very seldom used with new releases today

24 Sheet: 108” x 246”’ used as large billboards

30 Sheet: 118” x 265” used as large billboards

About the Author

Whether you’re looking for collectible film authentics or simply decorative reprints, find all of your movie posters needs at www.allmoviereplicas.com.

Green Hornet Movie Ring in Collectible Tin $60.26 This Green Hornet Movie Ring bears the distinctive Hornet emblem with inlaid green enamel accents. This high-quality college style ring comes in a Green Hornet movie collector tin.Made by Factory EntertainmentModel: 408049Chrome college-style ring bearing the distinctive Hornet emblem with inlaid green enamel accentsComes in a Green Hornet movie collector tinRing band size is 10.25 USRing band diameter is 20.02 mmRecommended for ages 14 years and up

Green Hornet Movie Cufflinks in Collectible Tin $60.26 These Green Hornet Movie Cufflinks bear the distinctive Hornet emblem with inlaid green enamel accents. These chrome cufflinks feature bullet back closures and come in a collector tin.Made by Factory EntertainmentModel: 408046High-quality chrome style cufflinks bearing the distinctive Hornet emblem with inlaid green enamel accentsCufflinks have bullet back closuresCome in a Green Hornet collector tinCufflink diameter is .75 inchesRecommended for ages 14 years and older

Green Hornet Movie Money Clip in Collectible Tin $45.72 This Green Hornet Movie Money Clip is a high quality chrome money clip bearing the distinctive Hornet emblem in raised relief. This comic-themed money clip comes in a collector tin.Made by Factory EntertainmentModel: 408050High-quality chrome money clip bearing the distinctive Hornet emblem in raised reliefMoney clip comes in a Green Hornet collector tinClip is 2.25 inches long x 1-inch wideRecommended for ages 14 years and older

Iron Man Collectible Game Tin $19.99 The Iron Man Collectible Game Tin, official movie merchandise of Iron Man 2, comes with 5 classic games and a 100-piece lenticular puzzle with multi-layered images that create the illusion of depth and motion. Includes Parcheesi, Foil Battle Dominoes, War card game, All Systems GO! card game

The Descent: Movie Scenes Crawler Collectible Mini-Bust $35.99 The Descent: Descent Crawler Bust stands 6 inches tall, and is accompanied by a hand-numbered certificate of authenticity. The Crawler is presented up-thrust from a jagged blood-filled crater; the Crawlers lithe frame is filth-laden, its ears oversized and batlike, its eyes sheathed in milky film. The Crawlers, carnivorous subhuman creatures guided by sound, reside within an uncharted cave system. The Crawlers are roused when a group of female spelunkers, led by alpha female Juno, enters the system. Juno has neglected to tell her friends that the system is uncharted, but is ultimately forced to do so when a tunnel collapses behind the group. In the process of trying to find a path to the surface, Juno and the others are abruptly set upon by the Crawlers. After the Crawlers attack and kill a wounded member of the group, the group is thrown into chaos and dispersed; this leads to the subsequent discovery of the Crawlers lair proper: a series of dank black chambers filled with lakes of blood and piled high with

Psycho Limited Edition Collectible Movie Plaque $26.31 PSYCHOLTD. EDITION COLLECTOR S PLAQUE A worthy addition for anyHitchcockfan this durable metalframed plaque is a fantastic homage to thisfilm s popularity. Affordable informative and attractive this plaque should not be passed up Due to a high demand for all custom frames such as this there are VERY LIMITED QUANTITIES Collector s editions tend to raise in value very quickly. You may not find this anywhere for this price in the near future 11x14 black gloss metal frame with glass front 8 x 10 color photo additional 4 x 6 photo bio that lists pertinent facts about this cult classic professionally doublematted for a quality presentation hang holes and frame props included for easy hanging or placing on a table or mantle. A sample of information on the plaque:A Shamley Pictures PresentationPremiered: March 8 1960Starring: Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates Vera Miles as Lila Crane AND MORE

Shrek 2 Collectible Bust - Donkey $9.99 The Donkey collectible bust is a replica of an original sculpture based on a digital 3-D turnaround image of the character provided by DreamWorks. The mini-bust is cast of Polystone, a type of cold cast resin, using molds made from the artist's sculpture. Each statue is finely crafted and hand painted using Pantone colors specified by the studio to faithfully recreate the character as seen in Shrek 2. The statuette is approximately 8 inches tall (including base) x 2.75 inches wide x 4.25 inches deep. The figure is permanently attached to a black square shaped pedestal approximately 3 inches tall x 2.75 inches wide x 2.75 inches deep. The name of the character, movie title and edition number are printed on the front of base. These collectible busts are fully authorized and licensed by DreamWorks. Limited Edition of 2500 pieces. Also available: Shrek and Princess Fiona collectible busts. Type: Novelties & Gifts

Precious Moments Forever Cinderella Collectible Figurine: Disney Cinderella Collectible $39.99 Capture the wistful joy of a little girl playing dress-up as her favorite Disney beauty in a Precious Moments® Disney Princess figurine! This delightful Precious Moments figurine is handcrafted in three dimensions, and styled after Disney's Cinderella - including her ball gown, accessories and hairstyle.Capture happily ever after with this limited-edition Disney Cinderella figurine, a special design by The Bradford Editions. Meticulously handcrafted of Heirloom Porcelain® with bisque finish, the 2-dimensional Disney movie artwork montage further enhances this unique Disney Precious Moments collectible. Makes a memorable Disney Princess gift. Strong demand is expected, and you won't want to miss out. Order now!Fine collectibles, not intended for children.

The Duke Collectible John Wayne Figurine $49.95 As an actor, he played the straight shooter who stubbornly did the right thing, no matter the danger to himself. Now, you can honor The Duke's 50 years of movie roles with a thrilling collectible John Wayne figurine. This hand-cast, fully sculptural, hand-painted figure features Wayne wearing a red bandanna, his familiar hat, signature belt buckle, cowboy boots and carrying a replica of his trademark modified large loop lever rifle. Share a rip-roaring celebration with this limited-edition John Wayne memorabilia, available only from The Bradford Exchange. The handcrafted "canvas" background on this collectible John Wayne figurine has the rugged look and feel of natural stone and depicts a glowing Western sunset with a riveting closeup portrait of The Duke, plus thrilling shots of this beloved hero riding the range. Makes incredible John Wayne memorabilia or an outstanding collectible John Wayne gift. Heavy demand is expected, and you won't want to miss out. Order now!

Elvis Presley in Hollywood Framed Collectible $169.99 It's Elvis in Hollywood, baby! Officially licensed, limited edition, framed presentation of Elvis Presley. Includes an actual piece of a suit jacket worn by Elvis! Showcases a shot from Jailhouse Rock and movie-poster images from 12 of The King's films. Framed in black wood, it measures 26 3/4-inches wide x 22 1/4-inches tall! This officially licensed, limited edition, framed presentation celebrates Elvis Presley's years in Hollywood. It features an actual piece of a suit jacket worn by Elvis during production of his 12th motion picture, It Happened at the World's Fair! The one-of-a-kind collectible includes a 24-inch wide x 17-inch tall photo collage that showcases a classic shot from Jailhouse Rock and movie-poster images from 12 of The King's films, along with an individually numbered engraved plate. It's a limited edition of only 250 pieces that comes with a certificate of authenticity. The framed (in black wood) dimensions are 26 3/4-inches wide x 22 1/4-inches tall. Ages 13 and up.

The Wizard Of Oz Collectible Women's Watch $149 For more than 70 years movie fans have delighted in The Wizard of OZ™. Now you can celebrate the timeless classic with this women's Wizard of Oz watch. The watch face features a full-color portrait of Dorothy and friends, framed by a sparking Swarovski® crystal "O" and a golden "Z," and it is etched across the back with The Wizard of Oz character silhouette logo. Its mesh-style watchband - the color of the Yellow Brick Road - is accented with additional Swarovski crystals and adjusts to fit most wrists.This timely tribute to a beloved movie is a fine jewelry design exclusively from The Bradford Exchange. Watch is crafted with a precision quartz movement, and arrives in a complimentary wooden keepsake box that includes a collection of memorable movie images and fun facts. Wizard of Oz collectibles are always in high demand, so order now! California Residents click here for Proposition 65 notice.

Shrek 2 Collectible Bust - Princess Fiona $7.99 The Princess Fiona collectible bust is a replica of an original sculpture based on a digital 3-D turnaround image of the character provided by DreamWorks. The mini-bust is cast of Polystone, a type of cold cast resin, using molds made from the artist's sculpture. Each statue is finely crafted and hand painted using Pantone colors specified by the studio to faithfully recreate the character as seen in Shrek 2. The statuette is approximately 7.75 inches tall (including base) x 2.75 inches wide x 2.75 inches deep. The figure is permanently attached to a black square shaped pedestal approximately 3 inches tall x 2.75 inches wide x 2.75 inches deep. The name of the character, movie title and edition number are printed on the front of base. These collectible busts are fully authorized and licensed by DreamWorks. Limited Edition of 2500 pieces. Also available: Donkey and Shrek collectible busts. Type: Novelties & Gifts

Disney Brave Favorite Moments Collectible Merida Doll $6.99 Perfect for recreating key Brave movie moments, this Disney Pixar Brave Favorite Moments Collectible Merida Doll features Merida in two signature fashions from the film: beautiful formal gown and an everyday dress with a cape - both in easy-to-dress MagiClip fashion form! Some assembly required. Measures about 4-inches tall. Ages 3 and up.

Movie $11.99 Movie

John Wayne: American Hero Collectible Figurine Collection $49.95 Pay tribute to the famous roles that reflected the charisma and character of The Duke with this John Wayne figurine collection, inspired by classic cinematic visions of an American hero. Starting with Issue One, The Duke, this thrilling multi-dimensional sculpture collection will continue with Issue Two and additional of collectible John Wayne figurines, each a separate issue to follow.‡Each of the limited-edition John Wayne memorabilia in this collection is a Bradford Exchange exclusive, combining full-color movie stills of The Duke in action recreated on a rugged-looking "canvas" with hand-cast, fully sculptural John Wayne figurines. This collection of thrilling John Wayne figurines makes a magnificent statement anywhere in your home - not to mention handsome collectible John Wayne gifts - but you must hurry! Intense demand is expected for these fine limited editions, so order now!

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