The Apartment (1960) – Original 2000 BFI 40th Anniversary UK Quad Cinema Poster

The Apartment (1960) – Original 2000 BFI 40th Anniversary UK Quad Cinema Poster

Collector-Grade UK Quad – BFI 40th Anniversary Re-Issue

Offered here is an original UK Quad cinema poster produced for the BFI’s 40th Anniversary re-issue of The Apartment, Billy Wilder’s landmark 1960 romantic comedy–drama. Issued to promote the official British theatrical re-release, this poster represents a definitive modern revival piece tied directly to the film’s critical reappraisal at the turn of the millennium.

Printed in 2000, the poster celebrates one of Hollywood’s most sophisticated and emotionally resonant classics, pairing period imagery with bold anniversary branding and contemporary critical praise.

Film & Cultural Significance

Directed by Billy Wilder and starring Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine, The Apartment remains a towering achievement of American cinema—bittersweet, razor-sharp, and deeply humane. Winner of five Academy Awards including Best Picture, the film’s reputation has only grown with time, frequently cited among the greatest screenplays and romantic dramas ever produced.

The BFI re-issue situates the film firmly within the canon, positioning it for new audiences while honouring its enduring relevance and emotional complexity.

Poster Artwork & Design

This UK Quad features a striking two-panel composition, balancing vibrant graphic colour fields with a classic still of Lemmon and MacLaine in one of the film’s most iconic moments. Anniversary text, review excerpts, and awards recognition are cleanly integrated without overwhelming the central imagery.

Design highlights include:

• Bold yellow and red colour blocking, characteristic of late-20th-century re-issue design

• Prominent 40th Anniversary Re-Issue branding

• Period-appropriate typography combined with modern critical pull-quotes

• BFI distribution credits and nationwide release details

The result is a visually confident poster that bridges classic Hollywood elegance with contemporary exhibition aesthetics.

Specifications

• Film: The Apartment (1960)

• Poster Type: Original UK Quad 30 x 40 Inches, Single-Sided, Rolled

• Year of Issue: 2000 (BFI 40th Anniversary Re-Issue)

• Size: 30 × 40 inches (standard UK Quad format)

• Printer / Distributor: British Film Institute (BFI)

• Condition: Listed in Very Fine condition some minor handling wear

Collector’s Note

BFI anniversary UK Quads occupy a distinct and increasingly desirable niche within poster collecting. Produced in comparatively modest quantities and intended solely for theatrical exhibition, they combine institutional credibility with strong visual design.

This example is particularly appealing for:

• Collectors of Billy Wilder cinema

• Fans of classic Hollywood romance and comedy

• BFI re-issue specialists

• UK Quad collectors seeking culturally significant revival material

A refined, historically grounded piece that honours one of cinema’s most enduring masterpieces.