I hate when tape or disc releases put new artwork on the cover.
Especially bad artwork, as in the awful example posted here (from the 1980's Video Gem release).
If you'd like to see a thumb of the original theatrical poster, look here:
http://classic-horror.com/reviews/messiahevil.shtml
Thanks for this link! I'm wondering if this is actually the original poster, though. The film's original name is "Dead People", so maybe a poster exists somewhere with that title.
shareNot to be Clintonesque, but it depends on your definition of original.
The picture at the provided link is from the actual theatrical one-sheet displayed for the 1975 re-release under the new title (which I attended) and in advertisements in the Los Angeles Times Calendar section.
I don't believe the movie ever played in Southern California under the title "Dead People". I never saw an ad or theater listing anywhere.
I wasn't aware it had been re-released to theaters under that title, so I'm sure you're correct about that being an original poster for the film. I actually did find the original poster for the title "Dead People" on eBay last week and I bought it. It isn't as exciting as I'd hoped, but I was so happy to have found it I bought it anyway.
Here's a link to the image:
http://i15.ebayimg.com/04/i/06/89/b3/1d_1.JPG
I love the use of Clintonesque! I will steal that from you if you don't mind me using it (insert appropriate political reference to stealing here).
I remember when this movie opened in Los Angeles. I think it got distribution because the couple behind this film helped write "American Graffiti".I also remember reading an interview, the writers did with the L.A. Times, in which they told how they wrote the first draft of the screenplay in one weekend.
shareThe original poster looks amazing and looks like it inspired later film poster art such as Star Wars and Indiana Jones. Just compare it with the (original) posters for some of these more famous films! Too bad they replaced the cover art with new artwork (which has nothing to do with the actual film!)
share