Apocalypse Now (1979), style B poster, first Japanese release (1980)

Artist: Haruo Takino (dates unknown)

Designer: Eiko Ishioka (1938-2012)

Unframed: 41 x 57 in. (104 x 145 cm)

This is undoubtedly the rarest poster on this Francis Ford Coppola's 70s masterpiece. Haruo Takino and Eiko Ishioka produced two different style posters for the Japanese release of the film, both of which are striking. This style B is the rarer of the two, and does not surface very often.

This American epic war film was directed, produced and co-written by Francis Ford Coppola, and stars Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall, Martin Sheen and Dennis Hopper. The documentary, Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse, chronicles how Francis Ford Coppola's Apocalypse Now was difficult to make, owing to the extraordinary script, shooting, budget, and casting problems, and how it almost destroyed the life and career of Coppola. Brando arrived on the set overweight and unfamiliar with his lines. Sheen unfortunately suffered a heart attack during filming. Even though the making of this film was plagued with many problems, the finished film is considered a masterpiece.