| 1. Inserts (14" x 36" VERT) | 4. Two Sheets (45" x 59" HOR) |
| 2. Half-sheets (22" x 28") | 5. Three Sheets (41" x 81" VERT) |
| 3. One Sheet (27" x 41" VERT) | 6. Six Sheets (81" x 81") |
 |
 |
One-Sheet
Size: 27" x 41" (usually printed before 1985); 27" x 40" (usually printed after 1985).
Background: The One-Sheet is traditionaly printed on paper stock and has typically been the standard size for movie advertising in the U.S. Prior to 1985. Almost all one-sheet posters were sent to the theaters folded; this practice allowed the poster to travel directly with the film itself. In the early 80's improvements in shipping and handling made it convient to send the posters rolled directly to the theaters for display.
In addition to regular one-sheets some films use all or some of the following types of posters in their promotional campaign:
Advance: Advance one-sheets or "teaser" posters are released prior to the films' opening. The advance one-sheet can have completely different artwork from that of the regular one-sheet or it can have identical artwork with the only difference being a "coming soon" or a specific date printed at the bottom. The advance generally does not have full credits or a rating.
Anniversary: These one-sheets mark the anniversary of the original release date and the return of the movie to the theaters. The artwork may or may not be that of the original.
Different Styles: At times the studio will promote a movie by using a series of one-sheets identified by style or version A, B, C etc. Each poster used will have different artwork.
Double-sided: Currently many one-sheets are double-sided, meaning that the image is printed on the front and the back of the poster. The image which is on the back is a mirror image of the front and currently most movie theaters use the double-sided posters for lobby light box displays.
Lenticular: Lenticular posters are three-dimensional, holographic designs. An example of a Lenticular poster is "Final Destination."
Original: An original is a poster commissioned by the studio for use by theaters to promote the realease of a movie.
Regular: A Regular one-sheet poster generally follows the release of an "advance" or "teaser" poster and contains credits and ratings. Unless the terms "advance" or "teaser" are used it is assumed that the regular one-sheet has full credits.
Re-Release or Re-issue: When a film is re-released for a theatrical showing you may find that the poster art-work is different for each subsequent release.
Reprint: A reprint poster replicates the original poster in many ways however, there might be slight differences in size, color etc. (All posters within our site are originals unless designated as reprints.)
Video Release (Approximation in Sizes): When a movie is released on DVD or VHS a poster is produced which may or may not contain similar artwork from the one-sheet theatrical release. (Note: these are not VHS tapes or DVDS they are posters).
Half-Sheet
Size: 22" x 28"Background: The half-sheet was first used in the early 1930's and printed on heavy card stock. This poster is generally not folded and was used for special displays within the theaters. The artwork for the half-sheet may or may not be identical to the regular one-sheet. The use of the half-sheet was discontinued in the mid 1980's.
Insert
Size: 14" x 36"Background: The insert was first used in the early 1930's and printed on heavy card stock. This poster is generally not folded and was used for special displays within the theaters. The artwork for the insert may or may not be identical to the regular one-sheet. The use of the insert was discontinued in the mid 1980's.
40" x 60"
Size: 40" x 60"Background: 40" x 60" posters were first used in the early 1930's and printed on heavy card stock. This poster is generally not folded and was used for special displays within the theaters. The artwork for the 40" x 60" may or may not be identical to the regular one-sheet. The use of the 40" x 60" was discontinued in the mid 1980's.
Two-Sheet
Size: 45" x 59" (Horizontal)Background: The two-sheet or "Subway" poster was originally developed for use on transit and subway platforms. Two-sheets are printed on paper stock and can be rolled or folded.
Three-Sheet
Size: 41" x 81"Background: A three-sheet was generally used for large lobby displays and special promotions. They are printed on paper stock, come folded and typically exist in two pieces.
Six-Sheet
Size: 81" x 81"Background: The six-sheet was often used outside of the theater building. They are printed on paper stock, come folded and typically exist in four pieces.
privacy / e-mail us / home / your shopping cart / check out
