Movie Poster Advice

GWC Community GWC Hive Mind
#1

A theater recently opened in my area that features dozens of classic movie posters (e.g. Blade Runner, Metropolis, Forbidden Planet etc.) as decor. Slave to influence that I am, I’ve decided that I’d like to start collecting movie posters of my own. Here lies the key problem, though – I’m on the verge of diving headlong into a hobby that I know next to nothing about. I’m willing to bet that somewhere in this massive community of ours are at least a few people that are experts (or even novices) in the field.

Basically, I’m looking for general advice-type stuff. Do’s and don’ts, things to watch out for, good ways to mount posters without destroying their value…that sort of thing.

So, are there any other poster-owners out there?

#2

I love collecting posters as well, though I don’t consider myself an expert. The only inside advice I can share is to hit up movie theaters after a film’s run ends and ask the manager if they will give you (or sell you) the poster. Because unless an employee has claimed it, it will go in the bin. Video stores can also be a good source.

Apart from eBay, AllPosters is a good site for browsing:

http://www.allposters.com/-st/Movie-Posters_c101_.htm

#3

Ask before the run ends. Often it’s a first come, first served thing.

#4

I love posters! Ebay usually has stuff, including promo stuff from theaters. I used to have some links to vintage poster sites but I lost them when my drive died. Last poster I bought was a colossal Christina Ricci/SpeedRacer poster that I am still wondering how to mount as normal poster frames just cant cut it.
Are you looking to collect stuff in general, or are there specific things you want to acquire?

#5

My brother has several SW posters that are worth a mint. However, he still keeps them rolled up.

I believe one is a “Revenge of the Jedi”…last time I heard it was supposedly worth at least 1k and possibly as high as 3k.

Like people have said previously, ask the manager for the posters. That’s going to be without a doubt the best and probably easiest way to get your collection started. Then decide if you want to spend real money on classic vintage pieces.