US
1980- Label and catalog number
- Buena Vista Records 451
- Format
- LP, 7"
- Runout / matrix
451-APE-980 1Side 1 runout
451-APE-980 2Side 2 runout
Unknown ArtistStar Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
Vinyl pressings
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
by Unknown Artist · 1980
11 pressings3 countriesStoryChildren'sStage & Screen
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back was first pressed on vinyl in 1980. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
How to spot a first pressing of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
9 pressings came out in 1980, the album's first year, in 3 countries. Compare the label and catalog number on your copy, then the codes etched or stamped in the runout groove (the dead wax around the label): they are the surest sign of an early pressing.
US
1980- Label and catalog number
- Buena Vista Records 451
- Format
- LP, 7"
- Runout / matrix
451-(ACOI-980) SIDE 1-1A EMPIRE S1Side 1 runout
451-(ACOL-980) II SIDE 2-1A EMPIRE S1Side 2 runout
US
1980- Label and catalog number
- Buena Vista Records 451
- Format
- LP, 7", Styrene
- Runout / matrix
451-APE-980 1 ALSHIRESide A runout
451-APE-980 2 ALSHIRESide B runout
US
1980- Label and catalog number
- Buena Vista Records 451
- Format
- LP, 7", Styrene
- Runout / matrix
451-AA-980 1Runout side A
451-AA-980 2Runout side B
US
1980- Label and catalog number
- Buena Vista Records 451
- Format
- LP, 7"
- Runout / matrix
451-ASPEC-980 1Side 1 runout
451-ASPEC-980 2Side 2 runout
US
1980- Label and catalog number
- Buena Vista Records 451
- Format
- LP, 7"
- Runout / matrix
451.ASPEC.980 1 ALSHIRE 1-35M1-1 [SRC logo]Runout side A
451.ASPEC.980 2 SP ALSHIRE 2-1Runout side B
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 11 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s11 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Canada | Buena Vista Records 451First yearLP, 7" | LP, 7" |
| 1980 | Canada | Buena Vista Records 451First yearLP, 7" | LP, 7" |
| 1980 | New Zealand | Disneyland 451 / Disneyland LLP 451First yearLP, 7" | LP, 7" |
| 1980 | US | Buena Vista Records 451First yearLP, 7" | LP, 7" |
| 1980 | US | Buena Vista Records 451First yearLP, 7" | LP, 7" |
| 1980 | US | Buena Vista Records 451First yearLP, 7", Styrene | LP, 7", Styrene |
| 1980 | US | Buena Vista Records 451First yearLP, 7", Styrene | LP, 7", Styrene |
| 1980 | US | Buena Vista Records 451First yearLP, 7" | LP, 7" |
| 1980 | US | Buena Vista Records 451First yearLP, 7" | LP, 7" |
| 1981 | US | Buena Vista Records 451LP, 7", Repress | LP, 7", Repress |
| 1981 | US | Buena Vista Records 451LP, 7", Repress, Styrene | LP, 7", Repress, Styrene |
Tracklist
- AStar Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
- BStar Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back are there?
11 vinyl pressings of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back are listed here, from 3 countries, released between 1980 and 1981.
When was Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1980, in US, Canada, New Zealand. One of them is Buena Vista Records 451.
How do I tell if my copy of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 451) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 451-APE-980 1 and 451-APE-980 2. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back on vinyl worth?
It depends on which pressing you have and on the condition of the record and its sleeve. Early pressings from the album's home country in near mint condition are usually worth the most; common later reissues are worth far less. Scan your copy with VinylLens to see its value for every grade.
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