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For major film releases, some studios
would issue more than one "style" of its regular release one
sheet or half sheet. Each style was labeled
and had its own unique artwork. The studios felt that two versions could appeal
to two very different segments of the movie-going public. For example, one
style could represent the films romantic side, while another style could
emphasize the same films action or adventure elements.
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While most studios would issue two versions,
some would release as many as four different styles at a time. The styles
were normally marked as "Style A" or "Style B." These markings were used by
the majority of the studios. However, some studios, like MGM, would use "Style
C" and "Style D." During the 1930's, some Universal posters were marked as
"Style X" and "Style Y." The style notation is normally found on the lower
border of the poster.
Occasionally, a movie studio would have
an early preview of an upcoming movie especially for movie critics. Upon getting
their comments, if they were favorable, they would issue a separate poster
at the general release called the review style. This
style had less artwork, leaving room for the comments of the critics.
When movie studios issued several versions
of their one sheets or half sheets, they may not necessary have printed the
same amount for each style. If that is the case, then the style with the smallest
distribution would normally be considered more collectible than the style
with the largest distribution. In some cases, one style's artwork may be more
desirable. However, in the majority of cases, the value of the poster will
be determined by the title, and not the style of the poster.
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