Poster Sizes Change

[mattsw]

My apologies if this has been discussed already (I could not find it in my search).

I recently bought a poster in an on-line auction that was pre-1985.  Little did I know that I would not be able to trot down to Michael's or the like to get a frame because standard poster frames now (and since 1985) are 27 x 40 as opposed to 27 x 41 pre-1985.  My question is why did the industry change to add 1 inch to the dimensions?  I would imagine this was not an easy change equipment wise, etc.

Thanks,
Matthew

[CSM]

My apologies if this has been discussed already (I could not find it in my search).

I recently bought a poster in an on-line auction that was pre-1985.  Little did I know that I would not be able to trot down to Michael's or the like to get a frame because standard poster frames now (and since 1985) are 27 x 40 as opposed to 27 x 41 pre-1985.  My question is why did the industry change to add 1 inch to the dimensions?  I would imagine this was not an easy change equipment wise, etc.

Thanks,
Matthew

I think it was to screw all us "vintage" collectors over when it came time to start framing our treasures 

But seriously...a lot of us know this same pain and frustration in trying to find 27x41 frames.  Usually, in the end and if you want archival framing you have to custom order.

[Crazy Vick]

My apologies if this has been discussed already (I could not find it in my search).

I recently bought a poster in an on-line auction that was pre-1985.  Little did I know that I would not be able to trot down to Michael's or the like to get a frame because standard poster frames now (and since 1985) are 27 x 40 as opposed to 27 x 41 pre-1985. 

Its amazing what difference an inch on either side will make...

[paul waines]

Its amazing what difference an inch on either side will make...

Yvonne says this all the time.... I wondered what she meant.

[Harry Caul]

Yvonne says this all the time.... I wondered what she meant.

 

 

[AdamCarterJones]

Yvonne says this all the time.... I wondered what she meant.

 

[Charlie]

I posted this on the "other" forum but it is good to know...

OK this is not exactly a short story. Most motion pictures were coming from France in the early 1900s and Edison lead an effort to raise tariffs on and place quotas on films coming from outside the US. With this in place he created a need for more film and up rose multiple small production companies within the US. To put a stop to this, Edison (whom made most of the earliest motion picture films in the US) attempted to corner the market and began developing alliances with other motion picture companies. He tried to legally develop an Association that would grant licenses and establish rules for the industry but that failed with one hold out. After that attempt Edison formed the Motion Picture Patents Company (MPPC)... The most important member to Edison was Eastman Kodak whom produced the actual film. Edison the formed the General Film Company (GFC) to distribute the films of the MPPC this is what became known as the "Trust"...

So why is this important? Edison leading the "Trust" wanted his poster to be the best in the business and of the highest show quality. So the One Sheets from the "Trust" were sized at 41" which was 1" larger than standard printing presses and cost more to produce. To keep up with the "Trust" independent distributors matched the size which lasted until the studios retook control of poster distribution looking for ways to lower cost.

This is very important to realize where posters were printed. If a poster is not 41" and not cut - most likely it was printed at a local shop and not an official poster for a film.... and etc....

Why did they change back to 40" in the mid 80s?  It allowed for posters to be printed universally across the spectrum of available printer's.  The shop no longer was required to have a printer capable of 41" printing...  This also allowed for competition and better distribution. 

[wonka]

Yvonne says this all the time.... I wondered what she meant.

lul

[Co Attican]

Interesting history. I thought it was an attempt to save money on the amount of paper used, it never came to mind that any printer could make them too.