Movie Posters Discussion Thread

[Blu Doon]

Originally Posted by Kinsella5

Personally, in my opinion, they have ruined their own reputation. Several years ago they used to be a legit dealer for originals and they would offer reproductions but then they switched to mainly dealing in reproductions. They then started producing double-sided reproductions. Then it was rumored they were basically printing up their own stuff, digital copies if you will in all types of various sizes. Reprints used to be 26x39 but then they came along and started printing up 27x40 reprints, and most collectors know 27x40 is designated for originals.

Back when the Dark Knight advance style "B" (the only style to feature Ledger on it with the Why So Serious? tag line on it) was out and most dealers sold out of them due to Ledger's unfortunate death, there was a sudden surge in reproductions being peddled on eBay, etc. I had found over a dozen eBay sellers, who knew nothing about posters selling them and saying they were double-sided and real posters, but their sizes were off (the originals are actually 27x40 1/16th of an inch), they all said to me "Oh I bought what I thought was a reprint from MovieGoods and it was double-sided so I thought they goofed and sent me an original so I bought more to resell. I had one shipped to me by someone and it was a poorly made reproduction but these people "thought" they had originals. I even contacted MovieGoods at the time who then started advertising them as reproductions on eBay claiming they were not authentic but then stated they were double-sided.

It is quite sad that a dealer has had to resort to those type of tactics, but I personally would stay clear away from them. They used to have that "Authentic Original Item" logo on their posters, but because they flood the market with so much reprinted garbage, who can really be sure what they are getting is authentic. It could be that the poster in question is original and they are simply clearing it out. MovieGoods sells under a various assortment of names as well, via websites, and on Amazon, eBay, etc. One of their main eBay names was MGPoster but it shows now as "No Longer Registered". A fellow dealer friend of mine overseas recently emailed me saying they don't appear on Amazon's UK site anymore as well. The tend to pop up with new names every so often. It's a big "Buyer Beware" when it comes to them in my book.

Thanks for the reply I will be staying away from them then. I have just started my movie poster collection what is a good place to get orginals for a decent price?

[Kinsella5]

Originally Posted by doonprobe

Thanks for the reply I will be staying away from them then. I have just started my movie poster collection what is a good place to get orginals for a decent price?

A lot of people will see that and laugh (inside joke)....there are some good dealers out there, I will send you a private message directly.

[Blu Doon]

lol ok thanks

[Blu Doon]

Originally Posted by Kinsella5

A lot of people will see that and laugh (inside joke)....there are some good dealers out there, I will send you a private message directly.

Got it Pmed back thanks

[BDS23420]

for the people who have bought posters from Movieposter.com are they the real posters or are they recreations???

[roar]

Originally Posted by BDS23420

for the people who have bought posters from Movieposter.com are they the real posters or are they recreations???

I believe their website to accurately reflect when it is a reprint and when it is original. If you have one in mind where it does not state it I would trust the answer they give you. I have made a number of purchases from them, both online and in their store and have been happy with each one.

[BDS23420]

Originally Posted by roar

I believe their website to accurately reflect when it is a reprint and when it is original. If you have one in mind where it does not state it I would trust the answer they give you. I have made a number of purchases from them, both online and in their store and have been happy with each one.

thanks man, I dont plan on buying any now but its a great way to get them if i need them!

[cathexist]

Originally Posted by Kinsella5

While I will agree EB site is very informative and a fun place to go, and there are a lot of helpful friendly people with a ton of knowledge on screen prints, there are also those who feel they are above everyone else and will ridicule anyone they don't agree with, etc. One other thing I noticed is that some people don't bother to update their "wanted" list or "for sale" list, meaning someone will have a print that they want, but then they get it but don't bother removing their name from the want list. But, things like that are common most everywhere else, overall its a very informative site with some really helpful people over there.

Yeah, I'm trying to keep my collection as up to date as possible on there to avoid any confusion. I still need to add which number my posters are and such. I've gotten a few inquiries from people wanting to trade...however a couple have been a definite no deal, hehe.

I'm just looking for an easy way to unload my IM2 Stout Variant for a decent trade or money.

[Kinsella5]

Originally Posted by BDS23420

thanks man, I dont plan on buying any now but its a great way to get them if i need them!

As Roar stated they do offer originals and reproductions but are fairly good at at least letting a customer know if something is a reprint, etc. Their biggest problem though is they don't know how to properly title a poster by what it really is, mainly getting domestic styles mistaken with international styles, but overall they are one of the "good guys" per say.

[Allforce]

Originally Posted by Kinsella5

Personally, in my opinion, they have ruined their own reputation. Several years ago they used to be a legit dealer for originals and they would offer reproductions but then they switched to mainly dealing in reproductions. They then started producing double-sided reproductions. Then it was rumored they were basically printing up their own stuff, digital copies if you will in all types of various sizes. Reprints used to be 26x39 but then they came along and started printing up 27x40 reprints, and most collectors know 27x40 is designated for originals.

Back when the Dark Knight advance style "B" (the only style to feature Ledger on it with the Why So Serious? tag line on it) was out and most dealers sold out of them due to Ledger's unfortunate death, there was a sudden surge in reproductions being peddled on eBay, etc. I had found over a dozen eBay sellers, who knew nothing about posters selling them and saying they were double-sided and real posters, but their sizes were off (the originals are actually 27x40 1/16th of an inch), they all said to me "Oh I bought what I thought was a reprint from MovieGoods and it was double-sided so I thought they goofed and sent me an original so I bought more to resell. I had one shipped to me by someone and it was a poorly made reproduction but these people "thought" they had originals. I even contacted MovieGoods at the time who then started advertising them as reproductions on eBay claiming they were not authentic but then stated they were double-sided.

It is quite sad that a dealer has had to resort to those type of tactics, but I personally would stay clear away from them. They used to have that "Authentic Original Item" logo on their posters, but because they flood the market with so much reprinted garbage, who can really be sure what they are getting is authentic. It could be that the poster in question is original and they are simply clearing it out. MovieGoods sells under a various assortment of names as well, via websites, and on Amazon, eBay, etc. One of their main eBay names was MGPoster but it shows now as "No Longer Registered". A fellow dealer friend of mine overseas recently emailed me saying they don't appear on Amazon's UK site anymore as well. The tend to pop up with new names every so often. It's a big "Buyer Beware" when it comes to them in my book.

I read this post, and while I'll come across as Devils Advocate here, I honestly am curious as to what other business model a poster seller would adopt? You either cater strictly to the niche "only buy original" market (which is what I can only assume is your business model), or you reprint your own in sizes that people want for prices they are willing to pay. I've bought reprints off their site (and off their other sites) before, and I can't really see how they're misleading the public. There's no statement of "original' on any of them, so it's essentially the buyer's responsibility to know. If it doesn't say "Original" on the page then why are we to assume they're dishonest?

The Dark Knight example perfectly illustrates this, people wanted the poster, the studio wasn't making any more originals and the originals they DID produce were selling for a premium that many people didn't want to pay. Why is it wrong to reprint in sizes/styles that you know your customers want? Again, it's not the customer's responsibility to know of some unspoken "code" to poster sizes and templates ala "27x40 double-sided is KNOWN to be for originals". People just want that size and for a company to provide it doesn't seem to me to be disingenuous or corrupt.

Just thinking out loud, I can see how the collector market and the casual market can clash but to put the screws to the businesses selling to the latter group just seems like sour grapes.

[Kinsella5]

Originally Posted by Allforce

I read this post, and while I'll come across as Devils Advocate here, I honestly am curious as to what other business model a poster seller would adopt? You either cater strictly to the niche "only buy original" market (which is what I can only assume is your business model), or you reprint your own in sizes that people want for prices they are willing to pay. I've bought reprints off their site (and off their other sites) before, and I can't really see how they're misleading the public. There's no statement of "original' on any of them, so it's essentially the buyer's responsibility to know. If it doesn't say "Original" on the page then why are we to assume they're dishonest?

The Dark Knight example perfectly illustrates this, people wanted the poster, the studio wasn't making any more originals and the originals they DID produce were selling for a premium that many people didn't want to pay. Why is it wrong to reprint in sizes/styles that you know your customers want? Again, it's not the customer's responsibility to know of some unspoken "code" to poster sizes and templates ala "27x40 double-sided is KNOWN to be for originals". People just want that size and for a company to provide it doesn't seem to me to be disingenuous or corrupt.

Just thinking out loud, I can see how the collector market and the casual market can clash but to put the screws to the businesses selling to the latter group just seems like sour grapes.

Points well taken but you aren't seeing the big picture clearly though nor am I "putting the screws" to the businesses selling reproductions. I have always been open about reproductions myself to collectors, if they don't care about a poster being original and simply want it for the artwork or want something to tack to their walls or in their garage, I encourage them to go the reprint route, even though in some cases you can get an original for what some dealers charge for a reprint. Trust me I am not against a dealer selling a reproduction....a "licensed" reproduction I might add, but when its unlicensed reprints, which pretty much constitute "counterfiets" than I would take issue with it, and so should collectors and dealers as well. Disney and 20th Century Fox took notice, they filed suit against them for doing that, and if they had a licensed to reprint the material, they would not have been sued in the first place. But there have been other suits against them as well and you have to wonder if they are such a great dealer, why was their main account on eBay listed as "no longer registered"?

Anyone who has been collecting for years knows what MG does, they pull high-resolution images from the net and then sell digital prints in all shapes and sizes. They even take fan-made images, enlarge them and try to pass them off as "style this" or "style that". They also have been known to search through collector's websites for images of posters and then take the image and sell posters for. I know someone that this happened to, he even had his images watermarked and then saw them being listed for sale on MG's site.

How about the Alamo Drafthouse exclusive limited edition prints? Lots of collectors of those here, and elsewhere, those are not made in poster form, yet MG was offering copies on their various sites until they were threatened with legal action. I realize you want to play devil's advocate as you said, but supporting a dealer who offers reproductions is one thing, offering support to a dealer that does pretty much what I spelled out is something entirely different.

If they cared at all for their customers, they would note that their offerings are reproductions, not originals. If a dealer goes out of their way to inform their customers that what they get is an original, shouldn't a dealer also go out of their way to inform their customer of a reproduction as well?

I disagree though with your statement about how it's pretty much up to the collector to know the difference. When you first started driving, did you automatically know how to drive? No, you learned. Same for something as trivial as collecting movie posters, or any collectible. You learn and over the years you become knowledgeable in the subject. Would someone with 25 years experience in movie posters such as myself know more than the person who started collecting a few months ago? I kind of would like to think so. The problem I have is some sites don't look it that way, they are merely interested in making a buck, and will do whatever they need to, to do just that. I would have a tiny ounce of respect for a dealer such as MG if they clearly stated their posters are productions, but they don't.

Again, years ago, there wasn't this huge counterfeit issue as there is today. Back then all a collector had to do was known the size, 27x41 or 27x40 was all that was required to know an original from a reprint. Then another way was if a poster was double-sided it meant it was authentic as reprints were always single-sided (however studios would issue single-sided originals and still do to this day, as double-sided didn't really start until about 1988) but that has all changed. It's kind of like radar/laser detectors, law enforcement companies come up with ways to beat them, and the radar/laser detector companies come up with ways to beat whatever the latest in speed detection, red light cameras, etc. It was always a long standing code of conduct per say that reproductions were never 27x40 inches, and then MG came along and started offering them in that size and others. Now, if you are a collector, and you knew that originals were 27x40 inches in size and now you have to be concerned because there are reprints out there in the same size, would it not upset you seeing that reprints were always smaller by an inch or so? I think it would, and rightfully so.

There are good dealers out there, that deal in originals, and reproductions and I have been known to be vocal about them here, as well as send business to them, despite ever receiving a thank you from them, but the flip side of the coin is there are also dishonest dealers who aren't out for the passion of films or posters in general, but simply out for the money.

[Kinsella5]

Originally Posted by Allforce

I read this post, and while I'll come across as Devils Advocate here, I honestly am curious as to what other business model a poster seller would adopt? You either cater strictly to the niche "only buy original" market (which is what I can only assume is your business model), or you reprint your own in sizes that people want for prices they are willing to pay. I've bought reprints off their site (and off their other sites) before, and I can't really see how they're misleading the public. There's no statement of "original' on any of them, so it's essentially the buyer's responsibility to know. If it doesn't say "Original" on the page then why are we to assume they're dishonest?

The Dark Knight example perfectly illustrates this, people wanted the poster, the studio wasn't making any more originals and the originals they DID produce were selling for a premium that many people didn't want to pay. Why is it wrong to reprint in sizes/styles that you know your customers want? Again, it's not the customer's responsibility to know of some unspoken "code" to poster sizes and templates ala "27x40 double-sided is KNOWN to be for originals". People just want that size and for a company to provide it doesn't seem to me to be disingenuous or corrupt.

Just thinking out loud, I can see how the collector market and the casual market can clash but to put the screws to the businesses selling to the latter group just seems like sour grapes.

I didn't mean to type an epic in response, you certainly are entitled to your opinion, I respect you for sharing it here, and this forum is the place to do so, but I certainly hope you respect mine as well. Something you asked was with regards to a business model a poster seller should adopt?

In my opinion, it's quite simple. A) Either sell original authentic movie posters and related items that are official studio-issued items only and no reprinted material, B) Sell a mixture of originals and licensed reproductions, or C) Only sell licensed reproductions. Some fall in the "A" category, others in "B", and others in "C". Personally, I don't even place dealers such as MG in any of those categories.

Remember though original move posters aren't made for public sale, they are strictly for theatrical distribution only and that is what makes them so unique, and quite collectible, is because unlike a comic book, baseball cards, etc they aren't simple readily available. Reproductions are, and again, those are the way to go for non-collectors, etc.

With regards to the Dark Knight, I would agree with you, some of the original styles were and still are fetching top dollar and they won't come down in value, and for some, the prices were too high, and that is understandable and for those people who wanted an affordable reprint, I fully support that so long as it's a "licensed" reprint. If it was as simple as copying an image and selling them to people, many other people would be doing just that but then you start running the risk of copyright and trademark infringement. Some I guess believe in taking the risk but ultimately I stay clear of that.

If you spent as much time as I have when it comes to this collectible, I have a feeling you would think differently and would be upset by the things I have seen, heard, read, etc over the years. One of the worst things I do sometimes is break it to someone that they have a counterfeit or a reproduction because they thought it was an original, and they all tell me the same thing, "the seller said it was original, I didn't know any better". It doesn't happen often, but when it does, it's very unfortunate. I guess honesty and integrity is my business model when it comes right down to it.

[Allforce]

Like I said, I was playing Devils Advocate but at the same time with all things being equal here I can respect both types of sellers. Your model for being forthcoming and completely transparent about what the customer is getting (original studio-issued posters), and MovieGoods.com's model for essentially providing a product that people want easily and affordable.

We can't assume they DON'T have the license to produce these reproductions, or if those licenses are even available to vendors at all. All we really have to go on is hearsay and speculation which (while likely completely true in this case) isn't always for the best.

It really comes down to the market though, and it seems as though MovieGoods has provided enough of a service to movie fans that they've done well for themselves. Whether they've maintained proper ethics in comparison to their competitors remains to be seen or proven. That can be said about a lot of companies and products however so I can't fault this one for being successful.

[Kinsella5]

Originally Posted by Allforce

Like I said, I was playing Devils Advocate but at the same time with all things being equal here I can respect both types of sellers. Your model for being forthcoming and completely transparent about what the customer is getting (original studio-issued posters), and MovieGoods.com's model for essentially providing a product that people want easily and affordable.

We can't assume they DON'T have the license to produce these reproductions, or if those licenses are even available to vendors at all. All we really have to go on is hearsay and speculation which (while likely completely true in this case) isn't always for the best.

It really comes down to the market though, and it seems as though MovieGoods has provided enough of a service to movie fans that they've done well for themselves. Whether they've maintained proper ethics in comparison to their competitors remains to be seen or proven. That can be said about a lot of companies and products however so I can't fault this one for being successful.

When a business has a license to produce a reproduction of a product, they then aren't sued over it. MG was. Google MovieGoods Lawsuits and you will see what I mean. The average movie collector doesn't even know of the differences between originals and reproductions, which I feel a poster dealer should explain to them what they are getting when they order. THAT is extremely important, to communicate with a customer, to answer their questions and share with them what you can about a specific title, etc. Any dealer that doesn't want to go that extra mile for their customers is of a different mind set than me, or others I know. While the customer does have responsibility of their own, so does the business owner, and that is to inform their customers what they are getting ahead of time, in this case an original or a reprint.

Again I will throw support to dealers who have some sort of integrity about them, and aren't afraid to use the words "reprint" or "reproduction" on their website. If MG was a stand up business, ran by stand up people, why are they so hesitant to use those words on their site? Trust me, my information isn't based on hearsay and speculation, after many years of having my ear to the ground per say, you find out a lot of things. MG can continue on, and they will, but if they are as a legit business as you think they are, why the lawsuits brought against them? Why do they feel the need to sell under multiple names online? Why are their main eBay and Amazon accounts no longer active? You kind of have to scratch your head and wonder why to questions like this.

Like I said, dealing in originals in one thing, dealing in reproductions is another, so long as they are licensed reprints and the dealer in question clearly specifies it to their customers. You can purchase from MG, trust me, I won't tell anyone where they can and can't buy, but for future reference, if you are looking for originals, make sure you specify that to whomever you buy from, just to protect yourself I mean. If you are happy with a reprint, ask the dealer if it and go from there. Knowledge is key when it comes to collecting, I just don't like seeing fellow collectors get burned, etc.

[Allforce]

How would one even go about getting a license to print reproductions? Is it something that's easily attainable from the studio? It seems like if theatrical posters aren't even for sale to the public then the studios aren't bothering with selling licenses and that means ANYTHING would be counterfeit.

And then you get guys who just drop 4-6K on a high-resolution 46" printer and go to town with whatever they can find (ala MovieGoods).

[Kinsella5]

Originally Posted by Allforce

How would one even go about getting a license to print reproductions? Is it something that's easily attainable from the studio? It seems like if theatrical posters aren't even for sale to the public then the studios aren't bothering with selling licenses and that means ANYTHING would be counterfeit.

And then you get guys who just drop 4-6K on a high-resolution 46" printer and go to town with whatever they can find (ala MovieGoods).

Allforce I think we scared everyone away. LOL! Since I don't deal in reproductions I don't have a need to do the license but I believe a person inquires with a studio and they pay either a flat fee or a percentage of sales. I think, and don't quote me on that, the studio either allows for a certain number that can be made and sold, or a certain time frame.

Mondo, the company that handles the Alamo Drafthouse prints did a series of prints based on the Star Wars universe in mid to late 2010 which required a license and I think that each print was allowed a certain set amount, their license expired for it the end of the year of 2010 and ended it on New Year's Eve with the final prints in the series which were the best in my opinion. They now are doing a Disney series and are working with Sideshow Collectibles on it as I believe Sideshow has the license for Disney items such as that, and then they work with them as a partnership.

There are licensed reprinters who offer up prints in stores that you see such as Walmart, Toys R Us, Target, mall store shops, etc. One big one, if they are still doing posters is Zig Zag. These reprints are generally around 24x36 inches in size and are reproductions of movie posters or celebrity posters and musicians, or artwork, etc. Studios do offer the licenses, sometimes though there are those who don't feel they need to do that and just pump out their own stuff hoping that the powers that be don't notice.

[grooveska]

The frame for my Mondo Jurassic Park arrived today. So glad to have it up on the wall for all to see. I had JP playing while putting it up on the wall which was kind of cool. I'll post pictures on Monday.

I went with a frame from Hollywoodposterframes.com and I'll be buying from them in the future. Today the frame arrived and one of the corners wasn't quite right so I emailed Sue the owner and 20 minutes later she calls me directly and explains what probably happened during shipping and how to fix the corner. I fixed the corner in less than five minutes and was good to go. Super customer service on a Saturday no less!

[Starmartyr]

Originally Posted by jj5206

If you are going to the midnight showing of Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol Imax you could get an exclusive poster.

http://movies.ign.com/articles/121/1214526p1.html

I'm not going at midnight but am going 10am Friday morning, maybe I will get lucky...

Originally Posted by technique

That MI special IMAX poster looks similar to an Olly Moss one. I thought for sure it was him until i saw it was by someone else but i am gonna go to the midnight showing here and see if they have any to give out.

Originally Posted by jj5206

I was able to get the Mission Impossible Imax midnight poster today. They were handing them out after the 1:10 showing. Poster isn't 27x40 but looks to be more of a 17x26, around there. I got the black version, I didn't see any of the red...

We finally got to Imax to see MI:4. It was a good show overall. I had noticed a stack of the red version of the IMAX exclusive poster sitting down at the empty information booth, so after the show I grabbed a bunch from the middle of the stack, and they are mint. There were lots of them - and I took a good sized stack. If anyone is interested I'd be willing to send them if you'll pay for shipping.. I would just have to find some tubes.

It also really got me thinking about asking around at some of the theaters for movie posters. When we were at the same theatre for Inception in IMAX awhile back, I had spotted a huge vinyl Inception banner - about 10 feet tall - and I wanted to ask someone about what they do with them afterwards. I never did, but now that I've stumbled into the poster world and found that is how a lot of people get these, I'm really thinking of doing that.

Funny coincidence too - when my wife went to get tickets for MI:4, she saw a guy she went to school with years ago working there, and apparently she has seen him at both that IMAX theater as well as at a theater that's part of the same chain near our house, at completely random times. The best part is he looks to be managerial, so I might try to leverage that contact if possible!

[roar]

Originally Posted by Starmartyr

We finally got to Imax to see MI:4. It was a good show overall. I had noticed a stack of the red version of the IMAX exclusive poster sitting down at the empty information booth, so after the show I grabbed a bunch from the middle of the stack, and they are mint. There were lots of them - and I took a good sized stack. If anyone is interested I'd be willing to send them if you'll pay for shipping.. I would just have to find some tubes.

It also really got me thinking about asking around at some of the theaters for movie posters. When we were at the same theatre for Inception in IMAX awhile back, I had spotted a huge vinyl Inception banner - about 10 feet tall - and I wanted to ask someone about what they do with them afterwards. I never did, but now that I've stumbled into the poster world and found that is how a lot of people get these, I'm really thinking of doing that.

Funny coincidence too - when my wife went to get tickets for MI:4, she saw a guy she went to school with years ago working there, and apparently she has seen him at both that IMAX theater as well as at a theater that's part of the same chain near our house, at completely random times. The best part is he looks to be managerial, so I might try to leverage that contact if possible!

Very cool... were they double side posters? I'd be down with one I'm sure if they were, I'm in Canada, so the shipping wouldn't be too killer I don't think.

I've asked to speak to the manager at a couple of local cinema's and the answer was the same at both, 'they have to send the posters back as they don't own them'.

[Starmartyr]

Originally Posted by roar

Very cool... were they double side posters? I'd be down with one I'm sure if they were, I'm in Canada, so the shipping wouldn't be too killer I don't think.

I've asked to speak to the manager at a couple of local cinema's and the answer was the same at both, 'they have to send the posters back as they don't own them'.

Hey roar! How are things in your part of the country?

Unfortunately these are not double sided. Also as jj5206 said, they are in the range of 17x26 - but I'll have to measure to get the exact size. It's up to you, I'll give them away of course. I thought maybe some people who got the black version may want one in red as well - who knows.

And yeah, I think with theatre employees you really have to get the right person, or at least know someone personally... I should have asked a couple friends back in the day when they worked at the local theaters.. if only I'd have known!