They are among the most famous movies ever made, featuring some of the biggest stars of the silver screen.
And now, a selection of posters from cinema blockbusters, including Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark and E.T the Extra Terrestrial, are going under the virtual hammer at an online auction event later this month.
Film producer, Howard Kazanjian, and cinematographer, Richard Edlund, were involved in the creation of many of the most popular of these works, including the Star Wars canon, directed by George Lucas, and Raiders and E.T by Steven Spielberg.
The collection of artefacts from their personal archives will be among 341 lots which will be sold off on Thursday, April 23.
The items from Mr Edlund include a one-sheet poster from E.T, which features the iconic “bike over the moon” imagery.
These were distributed by Mr Spielberg to friends, key members of the production staff and close associates.
It’s thought this is the first time an item of this kind has been offered at auction and it is estimated to sell for between £800 and £1,200.
A series of 12 posters will also be on offer from Mr Kanzanjian’s collection, including a Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back poster, estimated at £200-£300.
This version of the poster is incredibly scarce and it’s believed a work of such studio quality has never previously featured in an auction in Britain.
In addition, a poster from Alfred Hitchcock’s 1958 classic, Vertigo, is estimated to sell for between £1,000 and £2,000. One of the most defining cinematic images of the 20th century, Saul Bass’ spiral poster design has become synonymous with the film.
March Hochman, the Prop Store’s poster consultant, said: “Through our unique relationship with the studios and members of the film industry, we are delighted to offer these impressive and, occasionally, never-before-seen lots, from two of Hollywood’s esteemed film-makers.
“There are some genuinely rare and fabulous posters with the vast majority presented in excellent, never displayed condition.
“With irrefutable provenance, this represents a real opportunity for movie fans and film poster collectors to purchase their ‘Holy Grail’ piece.
“If early online bidding and interest is an indicator of popularity, we expect there to be a lot of attention for our 341 lots at the Cinema Poster live auction on April 23.”
