“Léon: The Professional” (レオン), Original Japanese Video Release Promotional Poster 1995, Victor / CIC Victor, Horizontal Half B1 Speed Poster Size (c. 36 × 103 cm) E78

This is a very rare original Japanese horizontal half B1 poster promoting the Japanese videocassette release of Léon: The Professional (レオン), directed by Luc Besson and starring Jean Reno, Natalie Portman, and Gary Oldman. The printed Friday, 22 September release announcement is consistent with the film’s documented 1995 Japanese home-video release schedule.

Measuring approximately 103 cm wide × 36 cm high, this unusual format sits between a conventional speed poster and a tatekan in scale. Its expansive horizontal composition gives the imagery a cinematic presence and makes it a distinctive addition to a collection of Japanese Léon posters.

This particular example is in Excellent+ overall condition, with vivid colours and a beautifully preserved image. A striking design in a very rare format. Please look closely at the additional imagery provided. Once framed, this poster will display excellently.

Film background
Originally released in 1994, Léon follows a solitary professional assassin whose carefully ordered life in New York changes when twelve-year-old Mathilda seeks refuge with him after her family is murdered. Their unlikely alliance draws him into a confrontation with the men responsible, combining an intimate story of loneliness and protection with explosive action.

Jean Reno’s restrained performance anchors the film, while Natalie Portman, in her feature-film debut, gives Mathilda a forceful presence. With music by Éric Serra, the film brings together the emotional intensity and stylised action associated with Besson’s cinema.

Poster design
The wide composition contrasts an orange explosion and a montage of film stills on the left with a commanding image of Jean Reno as Léon against a New York streetscape on the right. His round sunglasses, knitted cap and dark coat provide an immediately recognisable focal point.

Inset photographs introduce Mathilda and moments shared by the two central characters. Oversized outlined LEON lettering stretches across the lower portion, while the bold red Japanese title レオン dominates the right-hand side.

The Japanese tagline reads:

「凶暴な純愛。」
“A ferocious, pure love.”

Large red advertising copy across the upper left references Besson’s earlier films Nikita and The Big Blue, promoting his move into Hollywood action filmmaking. The 22 September videocassette release announcement, Victor branding, and production credits complete this distinctive piece of Japanese home-video publicity.

Condition
Excellent+ overall condition. Please review the photos; they show the exact poster for sale, including both the front and reverse.

This poster is an original Japanese promotional poster from the 1995 videocassette release campaign, in the very rare horizontal half B1 format.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

It is over 31 years old!

Certificate of Authenticity included.