The promotional artwork created for the 1982 supernatural horror film, Poltergeist, serves as a key example of early 1980s movie poster design. Typically featuring the film’s title and a compelling visual representation of its central themes, such artwork was a primary tool for attracting audiences. One common design showcased a young girl bathed in television light, her hand reaching towards the static screen, symbolizing the film’s narrative of a family haunted through their television set. Other versions emphasized the spectral nature of the haunting with more abstract imagery.
These promotional materials are significant for several reasons. They capture the cultural zeitgeist surrounding the burgeoning home video market and anxieties about technology’s impact on families. The artwork’s evocative imagery also contributed significantly to the film’s enduring legacy, immediately communicating the story’s blend of horror and domestic unease. These posters now serve as valuable collectibles, offering insights into the marketing strategies of the era and acting as tangible representations of a pivotal moment in horror cinema.
