"STAR WARS (1977) — John Berkey “Death Star Battle”", Original 20th Century Records Soundtrack Poster 1977, Size (c.55 x 82.5cm) O250

STAR WARS (1977) — John Berkey “Death Star Battle”
Original 20th Century Records Soundtrack Poster (First‑Issue Insert)
Offset lithograph in colours | 22 × 33 in (approx. 56 × 84 cm) | 20th Century Records, 1977
Artist: John Berkey (signature printed lower left, “BERKEY”)
Rights line lower right: “20th Century Records – a subsidiary of 20th Century‑Fox Film Corporation”

Work & provenance

This dramatic space‑battle composition—X‑wings diving across the Death Star trench as TIEs converge—was painted by legendary American SF illustrator John Berkey and issued inside the first pressings of the original 1977 Star Wars soundtrack double‑LP from 20th Century Records. Collectors know it today as the “Death Star” or “Battle of Yavin” poster. 

Berkey was among the earliest artists commissioned around Star Wars. His kinetic, painterly spacecraft—and this poster in particular—became fan touchstones; notably, Berkey’s image famously shows multiple Millennium Falcons racing through the battle (an imaginative flourish now beloved by aficionados). 

Japan context (1978)

Star Wars opened in Japan on 24 June 1978, over a year after the U.S. premiere, and it exploded into a full‑blown cultural event with nationwide marketing tie‑ins (notably Coca‑Cola) and a wave of licensed goods from firms like Takara. Demand for imagery such as Berkey’s poster spilled into record and retail displays during the boom. 

Condition report

Folded as issued for inclusion with the LP; stored flat for many years. Bold, saturated inks with excellent image integrity. Light handling and fold impressions, minor border toning from age; no writing, no significant tears or losses. Presents strongly at full 22×33‑inch size. (See photos; this is the exact poster offered.)

Key details

• Title / Usage: Star Wars — 20th Century Records soundtrack insert poster (first issue)

• Artist: John Berkey (1932–2008)

• Publisher: 20th Century Records (20th Century‑Fox Film Corp. subsidiary)

• Size: 22 × 33 in (approx. 56 × 84 cm)

• Date: 1977

• Authenticity: Guaranteed original period printing (not a reproduction or later reprint)

• Inclusions: Certificate of Authenticity

Significance

Large display examples of this Berkey image were heavily enjoyed and often lost; surviving first‑issue soundtrack posters in clean condition are now sought after by both film‑art and record‑collecting communities. A high‑impact centrepiece that captures the lightning‑in‑a‑bottle moment when Star Wars conquered Japan in 1978 and the world at large.

It is over 47 years old!

This poster is in excellent condition. Please refer to the imagery (both front and back) as this is the exact poster that is for sale. 

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.