When a film goes back into theaters years after it first opened, the studio prints new posters for it. These are still original theatrical posters, just from the later release, and you'll see them marked with an R or RR and a year.
Reissue (R)
A reissue poster was printed when a film was sent back out to theaters at a later date. We mark these with an R and the year, for example R1987, and show them as 1987 Reissue. Disney regularly reissued its animated classics, which is why you'll find reissue posters for Snow White, Bambi and The Jungle Book from the 1970s, 80s and 90s.
On older US posters, the reissue is often marked right on the poster: the NSS number in the bottom border starts with an R, such as R82/45.
Re-release (RR)
A re-release poster was printed for a later return of the film, such as an anniversary or special edition run. We mark these with RR and the year, for example RR1993, shown as 1993 Re-Release. Examples include anniversary editions of The Wizard of Oz and 3D releases like Titanic.
Are they worth collecting?
Yes. A first-release poster is usually the most valuable version of a film's poster, but reissues and re-releases have a lot going for them:
- They're genuine. They were printed by the studio and hung in theaters, unlike reproductions.
- They're affordable. For classics from the 1930s to the 1960s, a reissue can be the only realistic way to own a theater-used poster for the film.
- The artwork is often different. Many reissues have new designs you won't find on the first release, and some, like gold foil or anniversary editions, are collectible in their own right.
How we label them
On Movie Art Arena, reissue and re-release posters show the year and type in red right under the title, like 1987 Reissue or 1993 Re-Release. The Released year in the details is always the year the film first came out, so you'll see both at a glance.
Not sure whether a poster is a first release or a reissue? Ask us and we're happy to help.