“Bullitt” / 「ブリット」, Original Release Japanese Movie Poster 1968, Steve McQueen, Peter Yates, Warner Bros.-Seven Arts, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) C288
This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster for Bullitt / 「ブリット」, the 1968 Warner Bros.-Seven Arts crime thriller starring Steve McQueen in one of his most iconic screen roles.
This Japanese release design is especially desirable because it presents McQueen at full visual dominance, surrounded by a dynamic collage of chase imagery, urban action, supporting characters, and the famous San Francisco pursuit sequence that helped define the modern action thriller.
Film background
Directed by Peter Yates, Bullitt stars Steve McQueen as Lieutenant Frank Bullitt, a San Francisco police detective assigned to protect a key witness in a politically sensitive case. What begins as a procedural assignment develops into a cool, tightly controlled thriller built around surveillance, betrayal, violence, and pursuit.
The film is now regarded as one of the great American crime films of the late 1960s. Its reputation rests not only on McQueen’s restrained, magnetic performance, but also on its documentary-like city atmosphere and its legendary car chase through San Francisco, featuring the Ford Mustang GT 390 and Dodge Charger. That sequence remains one of the most influential chase scenes in cinema history.
Poster design
This Japanese B2 poster is a bold and highly commercial release design, dominated by a large central portrait of Steve McQueen. His face occupies the centre of the sheet, giving the poster immediate star power and reflecting McQueen’s status as one of the defining masculine icons of 1960s cinema.
The Japanese title 「ブリット」 appears in enormous red lettering across the lower section, creating a strong graphic base. Above, McQueen’s name is printed prominently in red Japanese katakana, with Robert Vaughn and Jacqueline Bisset listed below.
The design incorporates multiple action vignettes: the San Francisco street pursuit, running figures, interior confrontation scenes, a gunpoint moment, and the silhouetted chase figure at upper right. These elements give the poster a fast, fragmented rhythm, echoing the film’s tension, mobility, and urban realism.
At upper right, the poster identifies the film as a Warner Bros.-Seven Arts Technicolor release, while the small Academy Award emblem references the film’s award recognition. The overall composition is distinctly Japanese in its dramatic collage style, combining star portraiture, action imagery, and bold typography into a striking theatrical display piece.
The poster’s appeal lies in its direct connection to one of McQueen’s most celebrated roles. Bullitt is central to the actor’s screen mythology: cool, disciplined, understated, and physically present without excess. The Japanese B2 format gives that persona a particularly strong visual treatment, with McQueen’s portrait enlarged and framed by the film’s most memorable action imagery.
Condition
Very Good vintage condition, presenting well overall. Please review the photographs carefully, as they show the exact poster for sale.
The poster retains strong colour, bold red title lettering, and excellent overall visual presence. There are visible signs of age and theatrical handling including creasing, small tears, edge wear, and tape repairs / reinforcement visible on the reverse. Once framed, this poster will display excellently. We have taken the condition into account when pricing.
This is an original Japanese theatrical B2 poster.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
It is over 55 years old.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
