“Dracula A.D. 1972” (ドラキュラ’72 / Dracula A.D. 1972), Original Japanese Release Movie Poster 1972, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) P289

This is an original Japanese B2 poster printed in 1972 for the first Japanese theatrical release of Dracula A.D. 1972, the British Hammer Horror film directed by Alan Gibson. Released in Japan under the bold title ドラキュラ’72, it is a superb example of early-1970s Japanese horror design, combining Gothic vampirism with contemporary London style in a striking, highly displayable photo-montage format.

Film background
Produced by Hammer Film Productions, Dracula A.D. 1972 stars Christopher Lee as Count Dracula and Peter Cushing as Professor Lorrimer Van Helsing. The film is especially notable because it brought Lee and Cushing back together in these iconic roles for the first time since the original 1958 Dracula. It is also one of the most distinctive entries in the Hammer Dracula cycle, relocating the Count from the usual period-Gothic setting into contemporary 1970s London.

The story follows a group of modern young thrill-seekers who inadvertently resurrect Dracula, setting off a new cycle of bloodshed as the Count turns his attention to the descendants of Van Helsing. That collision of old-world evil with swinging early-1970s youth culture gives the film its unique flavour, and helps explain why it has long had such a strong cult following among Hammer collectors.

Poster design
This Japanese poster is fantastic. The composition is dominated by a huge close-up of Christopher Lee as Dracula, his pale face and blood-darkened mouth looming over the rest of the sheet with tremendous impact. Around him are glamour-heavy supporting images featuring the film’s youthful cast, including Stephanie Beacham, Marsha Hunt, and Caroline Munro, while the prominent Triumph Stag in the foreground adds a wonderfully period British touch. The giant red title ドラキュラ’72 across the bottom gives the poster enormous wall presence, and the overall design perfectly captures the film’s mix of modernity, sex appeal, and Gothic horror.

Condition
Excellent (close to near mint). Please review the photos—they show the exact poster for sale. 

It is over 54 years old!
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.