“Aliens” (エイリアン2), Original International One‑Sheet Teaser Movie Poster 1986, 1 Sheet Size (Approx. 69 × 104 cm)
This particular poster was sourced in Tokyo, where international one‑sheets were shipped by the studio to accompany Japanese‑language marketing materials and sometimes displayed in cinemas or used in press and trade promotion alongside the local B2 posters and flyers. Very occasionally we have original international one-sheets (these are often included in a bulk purchase!) - many were sent to theatres in Japan and not used like this one and stored folded as issued for decades. We were even lucky enough to secure TWO Revenge of the Jedi (holy grail undated) posters recently.
This is an original English‑language international one‑sheet poster printed in 1986 for the theatrical release of Aliens (エイリアン2), James Cameron’s landmark sequel to Ridley Scott’s Alien. This version is the minimalist teaser design, built almost entirely around the film’s iconic logotype.
Film background
Released in 1986, Aliens shifts the original film’s haunted‑house‑in‑space horror into full‑scale war movie territory. Written and directed by James Cameron and produced by Gale Anne Hurd, the film follows Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), the only survivor of the Nostromo, as she reluctantly returns to LV‑426 with a squad of Colonial Marines to investigate a lost terraforming colony. What they find is a hive of xenomorphs and the terrifying Alien Queen.
The film was a major critical and commercial success, widely regarded as one of the greatest sequels ever made. It earned seven Academy Award nominations, including a historic Best Actress nomination for Weaver, and won Oscars for Best Visual Effects and Best Sound Editing. Its blend of character‑driven drama, military sci‑fi action and practical creature effects has influenced decades of genre cinema and gaming.
Poster design
The teaser one‑sheet takes a bold, stripped‑back approach. Against a deep black field, the title “A L I E N S” glows in icy blue, the vertical stroke of the “I” rendered as a slit of eerie, otherworldly light. Above, the line “There Are Some Places In The Universe You Don’t Go Alone.” sets the ominous tone, while the classic tagline “This Time It’s War” sits beneath the logo, signalling a more explosive, action‑oriented sequel.
The minimalist layout leaves a large expanse of negative space, making the glowing title appear to float in the void of space. It’s a masterclass in 1980s studio design – instantly recognisable, hugely impactful at a distance, and perfectly in sync with the film’s blend of dread and spectacle.
About the international one‑sheet
An “international one‑sheet” is an English‑language poster produced by the studio for use outside North America – for example in Europe, Asia, Australia and other overseas markets. The artwork and credits are tailored for global distribution, but the size matches the US one‑sheet (roughly 27 × 41 inches).
This particular poster was sourced in Tokyo, where international one‑sheets were shipped by the studio to accompany Japanese‑language marketing materials and sometimes displayed in cinemas or used in press and trade promotion alongside the local B2 posters and flyers.
Rarity and condition
Teaser posters were printed and used for a relatively short window ahead of a film’s release, and many were discarded once the main campaign artwork arrived. Surviving examples for Aliens – especially in collectible condition – are increasingly sought after by fans of James Cameron, Sigourney Weaver and classic 1980s sci‑fi horror.
This copy is in very good condition. Colours are strong, the black background still has excellent density, and the original factory folds are present (as issued for distribution to cinemas). There is light handling wear and minor surface / fold stress in places, but no major tears, writing or tape stains. Please refer carefully to the photos, which show the exact poster for sale.
It is almost 40 years old.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
