Description Star Wars: Episode V – Empire Strikes Back Original Release Japanese Movie Poster 1980 B2 Size (51 x 73cm) D25 Starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Peter Mayhew, David Prowse, Ian McDiarmid This is an original Japanese poster printed in late 1980 for the release of Star Wars: Episode V – Empire Strikes Back. Since its release, The Empire Strikes Back has been critically reassessed and is now often regarded as the best film in the Star Wars series and among the greatest films ever made. It has had a significant impact on filmmaking and popular culture and is often considered an example of a sequel superior to its predecessor. About the artist : Noriyoshi Ohrai was born in Akashi, Hyogo prefecture, Japan in 1935. After studying at (but not graduating from) the Art department of Tokyo University of the Arts, he began to work as an illustrator since 1962. In 1973 he moved to Miyazaki-city, Miyazaki prefecture where his wife came from. In 1980, his image illustration of Star Wars which he posted to a science fiction magazine caught the eye of the film’s creator and director George Lucas. At Lucas’ request, Ohrai illustrated the international poster for The Empire Strikes Back, which was primarily featured for advertising the film in Japan and Australia. In 2014 and 2015, he had exhibitions of his works in Miyazaki.On October 27, 2015, he died at the age of 79. This poster is in excellent condition. It is not a reproduction or a reprint. Certificate of Authenticity included. D25
