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Movie posters generally can serve two purposes after their days as in-theater displays are over. One, they can be valuable collectibles, no different than baseball cards, stamps or comic books. And just as with those widely collected items, a poster's condition has much to do with its value. And two, they make spectacular wall hangings, and can add a dash of style and pizzazz to your game room, office or den. (When used only as décor, and not considered an investment, reprinted film advertisements are probably sufficient.)

No matter which group you fall into, knowing the difference between a collectible movie poster and a reprint is important. After all, if you're hoping to attain an item that will increase in value, it must be an original print. If, on the other hand, you only want to spruce up your off-campus apartment, there's no sense spending money on a pricier collectible when an equally attractive reprint would fit the bill.

What makes a film print collectible? How is the quality of a print determined? How can I preserve a collectible once I've obtained one? If you are new to the collecting game, you likely have many questions that you need answered before you make your first purchase. Below, you'll find a few tips to help get your collection started on the right foot.

To determine whether something is considered collectible movie art, you must know the answer to two key questions: Was it produced, printed and distributed by a movie studio solely for the purpose of in-theater advertising? Was it originally intended for use only as a movie advertisement and not as an item meant for public consumption? If you can answer "yes" to both of those questions, you're likely dealing with a movie poster that has value.


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