Day of the Dead (1985) — Original UK Quad Poster
Format: UK Quad (30" x 40")
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Year: 1985
Director: George A. Romero
Artists / Designers: UK-issued key art featuring Tom Savini’s iconic zombie effects
Description
A cornerstone of 1980s horror cinema and a defining work in George A. Romero’s legendary Dead trilogy, the original 1985 UK Quad for Day of the Dead remains one of the most sought-after posters from the decade. Issued for the film’s theatrical release through United Film Distribution Company, this quad features a grim, unforgettable montage of Savini’s decaying undead—rendered in brutal blue-green tones and anchored by the bold yellow title treatment that has become synonymous with the film’s identity.
This design perfectly encapsulates Romero’s bleak, claustrophobic vision of the apocalypse: humanity outnumbered, civilisation in collapse, and the undead evolving into something far more terrifying than simple walking corpses. Few poster campaigns communicate this dread as effectively as the UK quad.
Collector Notes
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Authentic 1985 first-release UK Quad, not a reprint or later issue.
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Features Romero’s original theatrical credits and the correct UK censor mark (18).
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Printed in the UK by Photoplay Posters, as denoted by the bottom-left printer’s credit.
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Highly desirable due to its connection to Romero, Tom Savini’s effects work, and the enduring cult status of the film.
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Increasingly scarce in high-grade condition; many surviving examples show heavy wear due to the film’s grindhouse and repertory circulation.
Condition
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Strong colours with no fading to the deep blues or yellows
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Expected original fold lines, as issued for cinema display
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Clean borders and excellent paper integrity
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No trimming, restoration, or reproduction indicators
- Listed in Very Fine condition, Single-Sided and Rolled.
Why This Poster Matters
Day of the Dead has grown exponentially in reputation, now widely regarded as Romero’s most philosophically ambitious and technically accomplished entry in the trilogy. As collectors refocus on 1980s horror and practical effects milestones, original posters tied to Savini-era genre landmarks have sharply increased in demand.
This quad is not merely a piece of key art — it is an essential artefact of zombie cinema history.
