Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980) Advance Poster Print

Price range: $3.90 through $59.90

This Empire Strikes Back poster captures Darth Vader in his iconic meditation pose with Cloud City glowing inside his chest panel — one of the most recognizable Star Wars images from the 1980 advance campaign. Printed on 200 GSM museum-grade matte paper with archival inks, available in seven large Star Wars poster print sizes from 9×11″ to 24×36″. The deep blacks and electric blue lightsaber glow make this Star Wars home theater decor that commands attention. High-res digital download also available for $3.90.

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Museum-Grade Quality 200 GSM premium matte paper
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What You will Receive

  • Made to order, museum-grade art print. Frame not included unless stated.
  • Printed on 200 GSM premium matte paper for crisp detail and zero glare.
  • Archival giclée inks that resist fading for decades.
  • Multiple size options. Use the selector above.
  • Protective packaging: rigid mailer or sturdy tube.
Paper
200 GSM premium matte
Finish
Non-reflective matte
Printing
Giclée digital process
Inks
Archival, fade-resistant
Production
Made after you order
Quality
Sharp detail, rich tones
Packaging
Rigid mailer or tube
Durability
100+ year colour life

Print Quality

Every print is produced using state-of-the-art giclée technology on heavyweight 200 GSM matte paper. The non-reflective surface eliminates glare while the archival pigment inks deliver rich, accurate colours designed to last a lifetime.

Size Guide

For walls above furniture, choose a print roughly two thirds to three quarters the width of the piece below it. Smaller sizes up to 11x14 inches suit gallery walls. Larger formats of 18x24 inches and above create striking focal points.

This Empire Strikes Back poster showcases Darth Vader centered against a starfield, helmet tilted down in a meditative stance, with dual blue lightsabers crossing the lower frame and Cloud City miniaturized within his illuminated chest panel. The chrome-effect title logo anchors the bottom third while “THE STAR WARS SAGA CONTINUES” runs across the top — this is the Darth Vader meditation poster that teased the film’s summer 1980 release and became one of the defining Star Wars movie poster designs of the original trilogy era.

Directed by Irvin Kershner and featuring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher, The Empire Strikes Back is widely considered the best Star Wars film — darker, more character-driven, and home to one of cinema’s greatest plot twists. This poster distills that ominous tone into a single striking image.

Why This Empire Strikes Back Poster Stands Out

  • Design & vibe: The composition centers entirely on Vader as an imposing, almost mythic figure — no character montage, no action shots. The deep space black background creates negative space that makes the electric blue lightsaber glow and cyan-tinted highlights pop. The Cloud City detail inside Vader’s chest is a clever visual foreshadowing that most viewers wouldn’t notice until seeing the film. The metallic chrome logo treatment and starfield texture give it that vintage Star Wars poster art feel authentic to 1980s movie poster design. It’s photographic but compositionally bold — more icon than advertisement.
  • Print quality: Printed on 200 GSM museum-grade matte paper with fade-resistant archival inks. Rich blacks stay deep, the blue lightsaber glow stays vibrant, and the matte finish eliminates glare whether you frame under glass or mount open. This is sci-fi wall art print quality built to last.
  • Sizes available: Choose from seven sizes — 9×11″, 11×17″, 12×18″, 16×20″, 18×24″, 20×30″, or 24×36″ — all cut to standard frame-ready dimensions. A high-res 300 DPI digital download ($3.90) is also available if you prefer to print locally or need a custom size for your large Star Wars poster print collection.
  • Great gift for: Original trilogy fans who grew up with the 1980 release, Vader completists, collectors of classic film poster 1980 designs, or anyone building a gift for Star Wars fan collection. It’s also perfect for sci-fi enthusiasts who appreciate iconic Irvin Kershner movie poster art from the golden age of blockbuster filmmaking.

Where to Hang This Empire Strikes Back Print

The deep blacks and electric blue accents make this Empire Strikes Back print ideal for rooms with dark walls or moody lighting. It’s a natural fit for Star Wars home theater decor — especially above seating or flanking a screen. The ominous, meditative composition also works well in a den, game room, or office where you want movie room poster decor that feels serious rather than playful. Pair it with other original trilogy posters or frame it solo as a centerpiece. The 24×36″ size has the most visual impact, while the 11×17″ fits tighter spaces like hallways or bathroom accent walls.

More from MerchFuse

If you’re drawn to the dark, iconic look of this Darth Vader design, explore our broader collection of space opera wall art and science fiction classics. We carry other Star Wars posters from the original trilogy, along with prints from Ridley Scott’s Alien and Blade Runner, Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, and more 1980s sci-fi that defined the genre’s visual language. Browse by decade, director, or style to build a cohesive gallery wall.

Print & Material Details

Every MerchFuse poster is printed on 200 GSM museum-grade matte paper using fade-resistant archival inks. Colors stay true, blacks stay deep, and the matte finish eliminates glare whether you frame under glass or mount open. All seven sizes (9×11″ through 24×36″) use standard frame dimensions — no custom framing needed.

Prefer to print your own? The digital download option gives you a 300 DPI high-resolution file (PDF/JPG) for $3.90. Print it at your local shop in any size you want.

Disclaimer: This is fan-inspired artwork and an original artistic interpretation. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially licensed by Lucasfilm, 20th Century Fox, Disney, or any film studio or rights holder.

Frequently Asked Questions

1What is the print made of?
Premium matte paper (200 GSM) that's archival-quality and acid-free. This museum-grade paper provides exceptional color reproduction with a non-reflective finish that reduces glare, making it perfect for displaying artwork in various lighting conditions.
2Is the frame included?
Frames are not included unless explicitly mentioned in the product listing. This gives you the flexibility to choose framing that matches your existing decor. We recommend using frames with UV-protective glass or acrylic for optimal preservation.
3What printing technology do you use?
We use advanced giclée printing technology - the gold standard for fine art reproduction. This process uses archival pigment-based inks that are fade-resistant and provide exceptional color accuracy and detail reproduction.
4How long will the print last?
With proper care (avoiding direct sunlight and humidity), our prints can last 100+ years without significant fading. The archival inks and museum-grade paper are specifically designed for longevity. Framing with UV-protective glass further extends the lifespan.
5What sizes are available?
We offer a wide range of sizes from small (9×11″) to extra large (28×40″). Use the size selector on the product page to see all available options and pricing for each size.
6How is the print packaged?
Packaging depends on size: smaller prints (up to 12×18″) ship flat in rigid protective mailers with backing boards. Larger prints ship rolled in sturdy triangular tubes with protective end caps. All packages include moisture barriers and "Handle With Care" labels.
7Do you ship internationally?
Yes! We offer free worldwide shipping to over 150 countries with tracking on all eligible orders. International orders typically arrive within 8–20 business days depending on the destination. Customs fees may apply based on your country's import regulations.
8Can I track my order?
Absolutely! Once your order ships, you'll receive an email with a tracking number and link. You can monitor your shipment's progress in real-time. Most carriers update tracking information every 24 hours.
9What if my print arrives damaged?
If your print arrives damaged, please contact us within 48 hours with photos of the damage and packaging. We'll immediately send a free replacement or issue a full refund. Customer satisfaction is our top priority.
10Can I cancel my order?
Yes, cancellations are possible before production starts. Since we use a made-to-order model, please contact us immediately at info.merchfuse@gmail.com if you need to cancel. Once production begins, we cannot stop the order, but you can return it under our 30-day return policy.