2004: 20-year anniversary of the first true "Super Bowl commercial"

[Goodsport]

Does anyone here (besides me) remember this commercial (shown in the link in QuickTime format) that aired during halftime of Super Bowl XVIII in January 1984? It was directed by Ridley Scott and cost a then-record $900,000 to make, and was shown only once on television until just a few years ago.

Most acknowledge it as the first "Super Bowl commercial", and was the commercial that ushered in the era of "Super Bowl commercials" - not just plain commercials shown during the Super Bowl as was done before then, but big "event" commercials made especially for the Super Bowl (or at least to be seen first during the Super Bowl).

Recently, a "20th Anniversary" edition of that commercial hit the internet (found here, also in QuickTime), which is the same commercial with one recent addition.

So as you enjoy the entertaining and expensive Super Bowl commercials this year (which, if history is any indication, will likely be more entertaining than the game itself), don't forget the one that started it all.


-G

 

[TracerBullet42]

uh...look over there while I delete this double post...

 

[TracerBullet42]

I watched both of the commercials and found no difference between them...what was it?

 

[KChagga]

I always think about how pleased the ad executives must be. They have brainwashed people for so long that people actually want to watch commercials. There are people who will turn on the superbowl just to watch the commercials.
Here's a nice example; The aol ads where the guys are building something to compete(presumably during the super bowl) and it tells you to vote for your favorite aol ad. You've got to be kidding me. Not only do they want to cram their product down your throat they also want you to provide them with free surveys on what you like in commercials. My vote would go to the ad where they stop pushing their crappy internet service and recall all of their drink coasters they keep sending me!

Rant over I guess.

 

[Silver Moon]

Well, I've taped the Super Bowl before just to get copies of the Commercials, but I teach classes in Marketing at two colleges, so I'd say that gives me a good excuse.

 

[RC Hagy]

I watched both of the commercials and found no difference between them...what was it?

If I remember a previous news thingie a few weeks ago correctly, there should be an iPod in the place of the original Macintosh at the end.


Hagy


edit: The blond is wearing the iPod...

 

[Olgar Shiverstone]

Football, schmootball. I find the commercials have much more entertainment value than the game itself. There's a real art to good commercial making -- telling a complete story in a 30-second spot -- and the best examples of that art usually air during the Superbowl.

It's the one time of year that I mute the program and unmute for commercials, instead of the other way 'round.

Edit: it's a good thing the game's been exciting; the commercials have disappointed this yet (the Bud Light with the border collie my favorite so far).