National Film Vault

FILM NOTES

Warner Bros. released Beetlejuice in March 1988, directed by Tim Burton in only his second feature film. The picture became an unexpected commercial success, earning over 73 million dollars domestically against a modest budget, and helped establish Burton as a distinctive voice in American cinema. Its blend of dark comedy, practical effects, and Danny Elfman's score set a template that would define the director's subsequent work throughout the decade and beyond.

This cell preserves a title card frame from Beetlejuice, presenting the film's ornate gold logo against a pure black field. The tripled composition within the encapsulation captures the same image across three successive frames, offering a rare look at how the production chose to introduce its title to audiences.