Prior to 1989, movie theaters did not use mylars. Mylars were created as a response to the multiplex explosion of the late 1980s. No longer using just 1-2 screens, movie theaters now found themselves with multiple screens and a need to be able to direct patrons to their correct theater, so they created the movie mylar.
Designed as a sort of mini-poster, mylars are used primarily in two places: The first is the Small mylar which is placed at the theater's box office to give a listing of that film's current show times. The second is the Large mylar that is hung above the theater doorways to help direct patrons to their correct theater.
Most theaters no longer use mylars, as they have converted over to digital displays, so finding mylars is becoming an increasingly more difficult task.
Mylars are made of a thicker material than most movie theater one-sheet posters, designed to be more durable as a movie changes theater houses throughout its theatrical run. Movie mylars were only created double-sided from 1996-2012, however that is not always the case as there are mylars from this time period that were issued as single sided. Most classic films have also been re-issued throughout the years, so if you run across a mylar for a film released in 1980, it is a re-issue as no mylars were made prior to 1989.
Seller's Note:
My mylars are usually purchased as salvage from closed or closing movie theaters. Because of this I am unable to ascertain an exact time period in which the mylar was displayed.
At last count I had over 30,000 mylars in my inventory, with more coming in all the time. If there are specific titles you are looking for, please let me know and I'll see if I have it in stock.
No frame or lightbox is included with this purchase, any images showing the mylar in a lightbox is merely to present the mylar as it was intended to be displayed at a movie theater. You are only purchasing the mylar. I am afraid I do not sell lightboxes or know of anywhere that you can purchase one.
I also get asked by people if I will print them a mylar for a specific film. I do not have the capability to print or make mylars, nor would I. All of my mylars are purchased from movie theaters for the purpose of theatrical advertisement.