“Close Encounters of the Third Kind” (未知との遭遇), Original Japanese Advance “Spielberg Style” Movie Poster 1978, Very Rare B1 Size (72.8 × 103 cm) ZA1081

This is an original Japanese B1 advance theatrical poster printed in 1978 for the first Japanese release of Close Encounters of the Third Kind (未知との遭遇), Steven Spielberg’s landmark science-fiction masterpiece. This is the exceptionally scarce “Spielberg Style” / “Director Style” advance poster, produced for the Japanese roadshow campaign and designed around an image of Steven Spielberg operating a Panaflex camera on set.

Film background
Released in the United States in 1977 and in Japan in 1978, Close Encounters of the Third Kind is one of the defining science-fiction films of the late twentieth century. Written and directed by Steven Spielberg, the film stars Richard Dreyfuss, François Truffaut, Teri Garr, Melinda Dillon, Bob Balaban, and Cary Guffey.

Rather than presenting extraterrestrial contact as invasion or terror, Spielberg created a visionary story of obsession, communication, mystery, and peaceful first contact. Following the global success of Jaws, Spielberg’s name carried enormous weight, and this rare Japanese advance poster places the director himself at the centre of the campaign.

Poster design
Unlike the more familiar Japanese and international posters featuring the “highway to the stars” artwork, this B1 advance design uses a striking behind-the-scenes image of Steven Spielberg filming with a Panaflex motion-picture camera. This makes the poster especially unusual: the promotional focus is not on the alien craft, the road, or the cast, but on Spielberg as the creative force behind the film.

This approach reflects the Japanese campaign’s recognition of Spielberg as a major cinematic figure after Jaws. It positions Close Encounters of the Third Kind as a director-led event picture — a rare and highly desirable angle within the film’s international poster history.

Rarity and significance
This is the very rare Japanese B1 format, measuring approximately 72.8 × 103 cm, substantially larger than the standard Japanese B2 size. B1 posters were produced for major cinema display and are much harder to find, especially for advance campaign variants.

This is not the common B2 release poster. It is a large-format Japanese advance / director-style theatrical poster, making it a particularly important piece for collectors of Steven Spielberg, 1970s science-fiction cinema, Japanese film posters, and motion-picture camera / filmmaking-related ephemera.

Condition
Very Good vintage condition. As is relatively common for large-format Japanese B1 posters from this era, the poster was folded. The fold lines are visible but presentable. The image remains strong and clear. Please review the photos—they show the exact poster for sale.

This poster is an original Japanese theatrical B1 advance poster from the 1978 release campaign.

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

It is over 48 years old!

Certificate of Authenticity included.