“Babe” / 「ベイブ」, Original Japanese Movie Poster 1996, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) E274

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed for the 1996 Japanese release of Babe / 「ベイブ」, Chris Noonan’s celebrated family comedy-drama starring James Cromwell and Magda Szubanski.

Adapted from Dick King-Smith’s novel The Sheep-Pig, the film follows an orphaned piglet whose intelligence, courtesy, and determination challenge the established order of an Australian farm.

Film background

Babe is won at a country fair by the quiet and observant farmer Arthur Hoggett. Taken to Hoggett’s farm, the young pig is raised by Fly, a maternal Border Collie who teaches him the principles of herding sheep.

Unlike the farm’s dogs, Babe does not rely on intimidation. He discovers that the sheep will cooperate when addressed politely and treated with respect.

Recognising the piglet’s unusual ability, Hoggett begins training Babe for the prestigious National Sheepdog Trials. His decision is met with ridicule, but the partnership between farmer and pig gradually develops into an affecting story of trust, courage, and defying expectations.

The film was directed by Chris Noonan, from a screenplay written with producer George Miller, based on King-Smith’s 1983 novel.

The principal cast includes:

James Cromwell
Magda Szubanski

Voice performances were provided by Christine Cavanaugh, Miriam Margolyes, Hugo Weaving, and Danny Mann.

The production combined trained animals with animatronic effects created by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop and pioneering digital techniques that allowed the animals to appear to speak naturally.

Babe received seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor for James Cromwell. It won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects and the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.

Poster design

This bright Japanese poster places Babe at the centre of an idyllic farm landscape beneath a clear blue sky.

The piglet stands directly facing the viewer, wearing a metal collar tag engraved:

“BABE”

Around him gather sheep, chickens, and roosters, while a white fence and crowded agricultural-show pavilion establish the setting of the film’s climactic sheepdog competition.

The symmetrical composition and vivid rural colours give the poster a warm, storybook quality, while Babe’s central placement presents him with the dignity normally reserved for a human star.

The large red oval at the top contains the Japanese title:

「ベイブ」

A small torn-paper detail within the title reveals the film’s chorus of singing mice, one of its most distinctive comic elements.

Beneath the title appears:

「愛と勇気と挑戦と…」

Translated:

“With love, courage, and challenge…”

The vertical yellow tagline at right reads:

「夢は世界一の牧羊豚になる事です。」

Translated:

“My dream is to become the world’s greatest sheep-pig.”

The white headline across the top promotes the film’s major awards recognition:

「本年度ゴールデン・グローブ〈最優秀作品賞〉受賞！」

Translated:

“Winner of Best Motion Picture at this year’s Golden Globe Awards!”

The accompanying text also identifies the film as a major Academy Award contender and an award winner among American film critics.

Production credits along the lower edge identify Chris Noonan, George Miller, James Cromwell, Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, Universal Pictures, and UIP.

The result is an exceptionally charming Japanese campaign design, combining the film’s principal character, pastoral setting, and awards prestige within a clean and immediately recognisable composition.

Condition

Excellent condition. A highly attractive example retaining vivid blue, green, red, and natural animal tones, with clear photographic detail and excellent overall display impact.

There are only light signs of age and handling consistent with an original Japanese theatrical poster from this period.

Reference: E274.

Please review the photograph carefully, as it shows the exact poster for sale.

This is an original Japanese theatrical poster from the film’s 1996 Japanese release campaign.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

It is approximately 30 years old.

Certificate of Authenticity included.