Empire Strikes Back, The (1980)

This UK quad for The Empire Strikes Back reflects the moment the franchise grew darker, more complex, and more emotionally ambitious. Often regarded as the high point of the Star Wars saga, the film challenged the expectations set by the original, ending without easy victory and introducing moral ambiguity, loss, and one of the most famous twists in film history. Its impact reshaped how sequels were made, proving they could deepen a story rather than simply repeat it.

This example is the “white lettering on black” second variant from the original 1980 release campaign. Earlier first-run quads featured black lettering on a silver background, but both variants were issued at the same time and in roughly equal numbers. Designed for the UK market, this poster remains a defining piece of 20th-century film art, capturing not just a blockbuster, but a turning point in popular culture.

• Year: 1980
• Nationality: United Kingdom
• Condition: Folded-as-issued
• Type: Original British Quad
• Size: 30 X 40 Inches
• Product Code: P2311