“Akira” Blu‑ray Release (アキラ), Original Japanese Speed Poster 2009, Speed Size (26 × 73 cm) O540
This is an original Japanese “speed” poster printed in 2009 to promote the first high‑definition Blu‑ray Disc release of Katsuhiro Otomo’s Akira (アキラ), issued by Bandai Visual/Honneamise. “Speed” posters are tall, narrow display pieces typically used in video shops and electronics stores in Japan. This particular campaign coincided with the remastered HD transfer and new 5.1/192 kHz audio mix prepared for the Blu‑ray edition, released in Japan and the U.S. on 20 February 2009.
Film background
Originally released in 1988, Akira is set in the neon sprawl of Neo‑Tokyo in 2019 and follows biker gang leader Kaneda and his friend Tetsuo after the latter acquires unstable psychic powers. The film was a milestone in animation and cyberpunk cinema, noted for its unprecedented level of detail, dense world‑building and adult storytelling. Its international success helped introduce anime to mainstream Western audiences and has influenced everything from The Matrix to numerous video games and graphic novels.
Poster design
The Blu‑ray speed poster uses an arresting vertical composition dominated by enormous red typography reading “AKIRA BLU‑ray 09.2.20” with the text 「日・米同時発売」 (“Japan/US simultaneous release”) nestled between the numerals. In the lower half, a highly detailed illustration of Kaneda in his familiar red jacket fills the right side of the sheet, cropped tightly so that only half his face is visible, staring out with fierce determination. Reflections of Neo‑Tokyo’s destruction can be seen in the lens of his goggles. Smaller text blocks near the bottom detail the HD master, Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio, special booklet and packaging, along with the Bandai Visual and Blu‑ray Disc logos and the product code. The result is a striking, modern companion piece to the classic 1988 theatrical artwork.
This poster is in near mint condition (please refer to the imagery of the exact poster for sale).
It is over 16 years old.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
