GE Ecomagination

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Ecomagination spots have been all over Olympic coverage. It's GE's way of visually expressing what they're doing to improve the energy crisis. Their tag line "Imagination at Work" is an ideal phrase to describe the majestic commercials which they have produced. You've probably seen at least two or three of these, but keep watching and I bet you'll find a favorite.

I like how GE is taking a mundane premise, such as wind or natural gas, and turning it into a unique display of nature and innovation in technology.

Ad Showcase: The Randoms of August 08

M&M's Premiums-



Jeep Wrangler-



Ruby Tuesday-

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Just some mediocre ads that are not worth their own posts, but might deserve your eyes. The first two aren't that bad, the last group... Well, I was hungry.

Toyota Prius: Hello George Animation

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Finally! A commercial that is worth my comment based solely on its awesomeness. I really love this whole futuristic new age feel that they're going for. The song is called "Ageless Beauty" by Stars.

Again? Click here to watch a higher quality, larger video. This commercial really makes me want to go out and buy a Prius. Yes, they're an ugly design. Yes, they're more trendy than Tamagotchis and bell bottoms. But, their advertising astounds me. I might have to pull a Nancy Botwin. I'd be rolling in MPG's.

This ad was created by AB5TRAX, and it's an obvious nod to the Jetsons and the father's briefcase-car (clearly indicated with the last frame where "George" has his legs up on the desk). I didn't realize the connection until I read about the ad later on, but it really is genius. I don't mind the throwback to classic cartoons at all. Next I expect them to demonstrate how fuel efficient their vehicles are by making an association with those Bedrock mobiles.

Charmin: Less is More

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There's something not quite right with this commercial. I know the correlation isn't 100% direct, but I for one do not appreciate ice cream in a commercial for toilet paper. You see, Charmin has done a good job of branding their characters. When I'm watching TV and these bears pop up, I instantly think: toilet paper! The problem I have with this ad is the abundance of round blobs falling to the ground, splattering messily onto the grass below.

I know what they're trying to say: kids take more toilet paper than they need, just like how they take more ice cream than they need. It's a good analogy, but maybe toilet paper should not be remotely related to any type of food, especially round blobby ones.

When I see that blue Charmin bear covered in spots, I think "Hey, he'll probably use some of that Ultra Soft Charmin toilet paper to clean himself off." Then my brain makes some fairly normal associations... "Well, if he uses toilet paper, then what exactly is that multicolored mess?" Do you see where I'm going with this?

Perhaps I've looked too deeply into the matter, but I think Charmin advertisers need to take it in another direction. I'm just happy the ice cream wasn't chocolate...

McDonald's Victory

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This ad played during the opening of the Olympic games in Beijing. The song is called "A Minha Menina" by Os Mutantes. If you've ever asked anyone under the age of ten what they would like for dinner, then you should appreciate the truthiness of this commercial.

At the time of this post, the medal count lists the US in third place, behind China and South Korea. But this ad by McDonald's says that winning isn't everything especially when there's cheap fast food readily available after devastating moments of defeat. Hooray for obesity!