This is an original Japanese B1 promotional poster printed in the mid‑1980s for Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, issued in Japan to advertise both the film and its original motion picture soundtrack on RSO Records (credit line along the lower border). Directed by Irvin Kershner and produced by George Lucas, The Empire Strikes Back (1980) continued the Star Wars saga with a darker, more character‑driven story—introducing Yoda and Lando Calrissian and culminating in the famous revelation of Darth Vader’s true identity. Widely regarded by fans and critics as the strongest film in the original trilogy, it cemented Star Wars as a modern myth.
Design
The B1 showcases one of the classic Empire campaign artworks. The top third is a deep starfield dominated by the silhouette of Darth Vader’s helmet, under the bold English tagline “THE STAR WARS SAGA CONTINUES”. Below sits Cloud City/Bespin rendered as a gleaming sci‑fi metropolis, with TIE fighters and Rebel ships streaking across the sky. In the foreground Luke Skywalker steps forward with blaster drawn, flanked by Lando, Chewbacca, R2‑D2, C‑3PO, Boba Fett and other key characters; at the bottom right the Battle of Hoth explodes in snow and fire, AT‑ATs advancing through the mist. The familiar slab logo “THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK” tilts across the lower centre, framed by a white border carrying full English credits, the PG box, Dolby Stereo mark and the note “ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK ON RSO RECORDS”.
Condition
Very Good / Excellent. Colours are strong with no notable fading and the black and blue areas remain rich. The sheet is single‑sided and displays only light handling and small waves from storage. There is some age‑related toning and scattered foxing / small spots in the white borders, particularly along the lower edge, but the image area is clean and presents beautifully. No major tears, writing or paper loss. Please review the photos (front and back) as they show the exact poster for sale.
This is an original Japanese B1 promotional poster from the 1984 Empire Strikes Back campaign.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
It is around 40 years old.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
