“The Funhouse” (ファンハウス／惨劇の館), Original Japanese First-Release Movie Poster 1981, Tobe Hooper, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) — ZA43

An original Japanese B2 theatrical poster produced for the 1981 first release of The Funhouse, directed by Tobe Hooper. Its dark composition, spectral blue face and vivid red lettering offer a striking interpretation of the film’s sinister carnival setting.

Film background

Following The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Hooper brought his unsettling approach to horror into the seemingly playful surroundings of a travelling carnival. The Funhouse follows four teenagers who decide to spend the night inside a fairground attraction, only to witness a murder and find themselves trapped.

Starring Elizabeth Berridge, Cooper Huckabee, Miles Chapin and Largo Woodruff, with Kevin Conway in multiple carnival roles, the film combines the pursuit-driven structure of a slasher with the atmosphere of a traditional monster movie. It opened in Japan on 20 June 1981.

Poster design

A looming face emerges from near-black surroundings, rendered in cold turquoise and pale blue. Two burning orange eyes provide the central focal point, creating a sharp contrast with the otherwise subdued palette.

At the foot of the composition, a montage of the frightened protagonists establishes their vulnerability beneath the oversized apparition. The English title appears below them in lavender, echoing the fine border surrounding the artwork.

Large red Japanese lettering runs down the left side, balanced by white promotional text at the upper right. The principal tagline reads:

「その中には——まだ誰れかが生き残っている…」
“Inside—someone is still alive…”

The generous areas of darkness and tightly controlled colour give the design considerable impact, conveying the film’s atmosphere without crowding the image.

Collecting appeal

A distinctive Japanese release poster for a cult title in Tobe Hooper’s filmography, with particular appeal to collectors of early-1980s horror and international genre-film advertising. The 51 × 73 cm B2 format provides ample display presence while remaining practical for framing.

Condition

Excellent condition, with light handling wear, minor surface creasing and small marks visible on the reverse. The dark printed areas and contrasting red, blue and orange details retain strong visual impact.

Please examine the accompanying front and reverse photographs as part of the condition description.

This is an original 1981 Japanese cinema poster, not a reproduction or modern reprint.

Approximately 45 years old.

Certificate of Authenticity included.

Stock reference: ZA43