“Young Sherlock Holmes” / 「ヤング・シャーロック／ピラミッドの謎」, Original Release Japanese Movie Poster 1986, Barry Levinson / Steven Spielberg, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) A288
This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed in 1986 for the first Japanese release of Young Sherlock Holmes, released in Japan under the title ヤング・シャーロック／ピラミッドの謎 (“Young Sherlock / Mystery of the Pyramid”).
A visually striking and highly collectible 1980s adventure poster, this design captures the film’s distinctive blend of Victorian mystery, occult spectacle, Spielberg-era fantasy, and cutting-edge special effects. It is one of the most attractive Japanese posters produced for the title and presents exceptionally well.
Film background
Directed by Barry Levinson, written by Chris Columbus, and executive produced by Steven Spielberg, Young Sherlock Holmes imagines the youthful meeting of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson at school, framing the legendary detective as an adventurous, brilliant, and emotionally untested young man.
The film has acquired lasting significance not only as a stylish 1980s fantasy-adventure, but also as an important technical landmark in cinema history. It famously featured the first fully computer-generated photorealistic character in a feature film—the stained-glass knight sequence created by the team at ILM, with Pixar then operating as part of Lucasfilm’s computer division. That historical importance gives original release material for the film added collector appeal.
Poster design
The poster is built around a dramatic pyramid-centred composition, immediately signalling mystery and danger. Dominating the image is a monumental Egyptian-style pyramid, within which a glowing ceremonial chamber is revealed. The central shrine is framed by Egyptian iconography, sculptural figures, and robed cultists surrounding an ominous ritual scene.
At upper left, the winged flying machine Aeolus cuts across the dark sky, one of the film’s most memorable visual motifs. At upper right is a softly lit romantic vignette of young Holmes and Elizabeth Hardy, while at middle right Holmes and Watson are shown in silhouette, running urgently away from the pyramid through fog and darkness. In the lower left, a separate action vignette depicts a duel on a misty dock, adding another layer of movement and suspense.
The Japanese marketing makes full use of Spielberg’s name and the film’s effects-driven mystery appeal. The bright blue header reads:
「スピルバーグのミステリー・アドベンチャー初登場！」
“Spielberg’s mystery-adventure arrives!”
The vertical white copy at center promotes the film as a vision of the unknown youth of Sherlock Holmes, brought to life with astonishing new SFX. The main title at bottom is especially strong, with ヤング・シャーロック in orange and the larger ピラミッドの謎 in bold red lettering, giving the lower section real theatrical impact.
The small print below includes the international alternate title PYRAMID OF FEAR, along with credits for Spielberg, Levinson, Columbus, and ILM, reinforcing the film’s production pedigree.
Condition
Excellent condition. Please review the photograph carefully, as it shows the exact poster for sale.
The poster presents extremely well, with strong colour, deep blacks, crisp detail, and excellent overall display quality. Any minor signs of age or handling are consistent with an original Japanese theatrical poster of this period, but overall this is a very attractive surviving example.
This is an original 1986 Japanese theatrical B2 poster.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
It is nearly 40 years old.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
