Volkswagen's Mini Vader meets Darth Vader

The Max Page story continues, as the 6-year-old little Darth Vader from Deutsch's Volkswagen spot meets James Earl Jones, the real Darth Vader. Max to Jones: "What is thy bidding, my master?"

Filed under Automotive, Deutsch, Nudd, Star Wars, Volkswagen
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Darth Vader set to lord over Super Bowl ads

In the old days, advertisers guarded their Super Bowl ads like state secrets. Nowadays, many want pre-game Internet buzz to stretch their big investment. Forecasts are dangerous, but it looks like Volkswagen has a hit on its hands with "The Force." The minute-long Deutsch/LA spot shows a child in a Darth Vader costume trying to use the Force to command objects around the house, from an implacable washing machine to a bored family dog. With "The Imperial March" playing, he eventually is able to use the Force on his dad's 2012 Volkswagen Passat, thanks to Pop using the remote car-start from the kitchen. It's pretty good. Guys will like it because it involves Star Wars, and it should get a 75 percent "Awww" reaction from the ladies. Thoughts?

Filed under Automotive, Deutsch, Morrissey, Star Wars, Super Bowl, Volkswagen
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R2-D2 and C-3PO raid U.K. electronics store

R2-D2 and C-3PO break into a Currys & PC World Megastore (the British version of Best Buy, near as I can tell) for some harmless mischief in this M&C Saatchi commercial. Well, not totally harmless—they break a video-game system and dislodge a flat-screen TV, and R2 ogles a defenseless washing machine. (Plus, they leave some Star Wars fans' pride bruised.) But the droids are a good pop-culture reference to connect with the megastore's bold claim that it's "the greatest electrical store in the galaxy." And no matter how much crap they broke, their visit is definitely better for business than Gary Glitter's was.

Filed under Electronics, Europe, Kiefaber, M&C Saatchi, Star Wars
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Fake retro-Japanese ad sells 'Star Wars' toy

Lovers of old commercials will enjoy this brand-new yet impressively retro-Japanese-style spot for the 2-foot-tall collectible Star Wars figure Stormtrooper Super Shogun. Resplendent with laser blasts, sparkler effects and distortion lines that scream This was recorded on a crappy VHS!, it's further proof of our collective love of childhood commercials that everyone thought would permanently screw up Generations X and Y. Need more evidence that we love throwback ads? Check out Toy Story 3's Lots-o'-Huggin' Bear. But Super7, maker of the Stormtrooper Super Shogun, has another reason for making a retro-licious Japanese ad: The toy itself was made using the same techniques employed by Japanese toy makers in the '70s. Isn't it great how, if you wait long enough, pop culture gets elevated to art? Via Wired.

Filed under Cullers, Star Wars, Toys, Vintage
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Admiral Ackbar = 'too perfect' for Ole Miss?

The beginning of the college-football season gave fans plenty to watch this weekend, but much of the Tuesday-morning quarterbacking seems to be about ESPN's commercial featuring Ole Miss and Admiral Ackbar. The ad, shown below, recaps a months-long push by students who want the tentacle-chinned, trap-foiling Ackbar from Star Wars to be the school's new mascot. (He would replace a rebel leader of a different sort, the recently retired Colonel Reb.) The effort seems to have lost steam since March, but it has surely gotten a new adrenaline boost from the national exposure on ESPN. And while Dean of Students Sparky Reardon makes it sound like this is a dark time for the Rebel Alliance, it's worth pointing out that he's not being entirely forthcoming. Here's the full statement he's quoting from: "Lucasfilm is flattered that our Star Wars fans at the University of Mississippi are considering electing Admiral Ackbar as their mascot. The last time we checked in with Admiral Ackbar he was leading the Rebel Alliance Fleet on a critical mission, so it will be difficult for him to show up for the games!" Hat tip to Kammie Avant.

Filed under Colleges, ESPN, Griner, Star Wars
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The Force is with TomTom in Star Wars ads

Yoda and Darth Vader have both lent their voices to TomTom GPS systems, and the reputed recording sessions for each are the subject of two pretty funny behind-the-scenes YouTube spots. The Yoda one, released this week, is below. The Darth Vader one, from a few months ago, is after the jump. We can't say whether or not it's actually Frank Oz and James Earl Jones doing the mic work here, but we are a little sad that Mark Hamill, who has plenty of free time on his hands, was upstaged by two characters who died in the original trilogy. And, perhaps an even bigger insult, where is C-3P0?

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Filed under Automotive, Kiefaber, Star Wars, TomTom
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Yet another 'Star Wars' trailer trumps Lucas

The other day, we brought you the lightsaber slaughterhouse trailer for Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II, which gave me the retro sensation of actually liking LucasArts. But now we've got another contender for best Star Wars game trailer that's actually a mind-blowing short film. So, if you've got five minutes to kill, watch the new cinematic preview of Star Wars: The Old Republic in beautiful HD below. But don't get too excited. The massively multiplayer game isn't due out until spring 2011. And once you do get to play, I wouldn't really recommend buying long-term real estate on Alderaan.

—Posted by David Griner

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Firing your Sith apprentice not the best idea

The cinematic trailer for Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II, posted after the jump, is almost depressing in its epic magnificence. Why? Because it just reminds you how cool the last three movie installments could have been if George Lucas hadn't decided to crap in his own hot tub. Thankfully, the Star Wars franchise continues to generate some truly enjoyable video games, and the Force Unleashed sequel looks to be no exception. That's the hope, at least. The first Force Unleashed was a big seller but rubbed a lot of gamers the wrong way with its frustrating gameplay (find someone who's played it and ask them about the Imperial Star Destroyer scene). But if the sequel has half the Imperial butt-kicking we see in the trailer, I'll be willing to forgive just about anything. Except those last three movies, of course. Via GameTrailers.com.

—Posted by David Griner

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Adidas hosts soccer party at 'Star Wars' bar

I admit I am no soccer fanatic, but World Cup fever is upon us, and I'm hardly immune. It took some repeat viewings (and some scanning of the sports sections) for me to fully appreciate Nike's World Cup spot, but even that repetition was enjoyable because of the quick cuts, jammed-packed action and unexpected musical choice. Now, Adidas and agency Sid Lee bring us back to one of the most famous pubs in the universe — the Mos Eisley Cantina from Star Wars — for a 1977-meets-2010 viewing of the World Cup five minutes before kick-off. A random mix of famous (and not-so-famous) faces from music, entertainment and, of course, soccer show up, including Daft Punk and Oasis's Noel Gallagher. After Snoop Dogg and David Beckham and Noel, I admit I was a bit lost again. The two-minute spot is fun to watch, especially Snoop brandishing a lightsaber with the retort, "I don't like you either, fool." But the connection to soccer is slim at best. Yes, it's a global event, and apparently even an intergalactic one. But the ad is for the Adidas Originals Star Wars collection — and that's about style, not sport.

—Posted by Eleftheria Parpis

Filed under Adidas, Parpis, Sid Lee, Star Wars, World Cup
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Adidas nerds out with 'Star Wars' collection

Adidas is tapping into the nerd market with a line of Star Wars-inspired sneakers and apparel, kicked off by this ad, in which celebrities (including David Beckham, Snoop Dogg and Daft Punk) and suspiciously attractive young people breakdance and play stickball in a weird red mist. I dare anyone in this ad to wear one of those Darth Vader cape/jacket tragedies in public. (It's all well and good in the commercial, when no one—including the viewer—can see anything.) According to The Frisky, not everything in this line is a wolf shirt in the making. Darth Vader's tough, all-black sneakers are pretty cool, and I can see people wearing Yoda walking slippers as house shoes. Still, I won't be satisfied until I own a Jabba the Hutt beanbag chair.

—Posted by David Kiefaber

Filed under Adidas, Apparel, Footwear, Kiefaber, Star Wars
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For an extreme holiday, come visit Dagobah

Did your plans for a summer cruise on Alderaan get blown to hell? Then it's time to consider a pulse-pounding week on Dagobah, the secluded swampy getaway that's guaranteed to muddy your boots and clear your mind. This marketing video from the Dagobah Tourism Bureau (aka writer and filmmaker Andrew Zilch) will make you want to ditch your friends and enjoy some quality quagmire time. So, if you've been looking for a place with low ceilings, disgusting food and annoying retirees, but you're tired of Florida, come watch the days go by on Dagobah. Hat tip to my brother-in-law, via Topless Robot.

—Posted by David Griner

Filed under Griner, Parody, Star Wars, Tourism
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Nothing sells bikinis like 'Star Wars' reading

This video offers a double fantasy for the Star Wars fanboy: women in skimpy bikinis reading the script, and Han shoots Greedo first. The video is part of a series called "Bikini Cinema" by 1690 Swimwear, which also offers scantily clad renditions of The Big Lebowski and Pulp Fiction. With over 220,000 total views on the three videos, the viral campaign seems to be hitting its target audience. But are these really the kinds of viewers who are going to run out and buy a bikini? Maybe the idea is for guys to send the links on to their girlfriends—who, if they exist at all, will surely be delighted by the gesture. Via Galactic Binder.

—Posted by David Griner

Filed under 1690 Swimwear, Apparel, Film, Griner, Star Wars
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'Star Wars' trailer already beats last 3 films

I found myself surprisingly intrigued by this trailer for the new Star Wars animated feature, which is itself really a preview of the upcoming TV show—also called The Clone Wars. The plot sounds interesting, and the CGI animation is slick. (Click here to see a high-res version of the trailer.) But the most endearing part of the new movie is probably what’s not in the new movie..

—Posted by David Griner

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Oscars give 'Star Wars' grudging respect

The first Star Wars movie did remarkably well at the Oscars, winning six awards — for sound, original score, film editing, visual effects, set decoration and costume design. It also scored nominations for best supporting actor (Alec Guinness), best director (George Lucas), best original screenplay (also Lucas) and best picture. After that, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences cooled significantly to Mr. Lucas and his droids. The Empire Strikes Back won one Oscar (best sound), but the other four films won nothing — and scored precious few nominations. Still, the franchise does get some belated love with this year’s official Academy Awards poster, shown here. It was designed by Drew Struzan, the veteran poster illustrator who made the one-sheets for all six of the Star Wars films. (Struzan’s son Christian executed this design.) Read more about Drew Struzan’s work here. The 80th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for Feb. 24, and will proceed now that the writers’ strike didn’t sink it like the Titanic (best picture, 1998).

—Posted by Tim Nudd

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No Jar Jar among Star Wars USB drives

Ever wonder how Chewbacca fills his belly? I hadn’t. But if toy company Mimoco can be believed, the Wookie pounds down about 4 gigs of data. The Boston-based firm is marketing a line of inch-long Star Wars USB flash drives, called Mimobots. Darth Vader, Chewie, R2-D2 and an Imperial Storm Trooper are all depicted. There’s no Jar Jar Binks, which is kind of a shame. Given the character’s high negative ratings, his likeness might have sold out just so petulant fans could grind it under heel. (Or as Jar Jar might say in movie out-takes for a promotional campaign, “Wesa dyin’ here! Why mesa always da one?”)

—Posted by David Gianatasio

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MoveOn spot worst of the Star Wars tie-ins

Just because everyone is jumping on the Star Wars bandwagon doesn’t mean everyone should. In perhaps the lamest attempt to tie-in to Revenge of the Sith mania (except for, maybe, this one), MoveOn  started airing a parody ad last week that likens Senate majority leader Bill Frist to The Evil Emperor (see mean-looking guy at right). The voiceover intones, “ ... one Senator, seduced by a dark vision of absolute power, seeks to destroy this fabled order [the fabled order has something or other to do with peace and justice], replacing fair judges with far right clones.” If you really care to see the ad, you can click here and see footage of spaceships battling it out around the Capitol and the sound of maniacal laughter.  You know, back last year, when America Coming Together underwrote that great spoof with Will Ferrell playing Dubya (sorry, we couldn't find it online anywhere this morning), we thought that Democrats (wait, let’s expand that to politicians)  were beginning to demonstrate a sense of humor we didn’t know they had. Now, we realize we were wrong.

—Posted by Catharine P. Taylor

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Hankering for early ‘Star Wars’ radio ads?

Perhaps you believe the Star Wars franchise has, in fact, defiled itself through marketing whoredom. Perhaps you don’t want a midget Han Solo. You haven’t got time for Chewbacca ringtones. You pine for an earlier, simpler time—the late 1970s, for example, when Stormtroopers were Stormtroopers, and Yoda was made of rubber. If so, then you might just enjoy these original radio ads for the first Star Wars movie, courtesy of a blog called “A Small Victory.” Traveling through hyperspace isn’t like dusting crops, boy!

—Posted by Tim Nudd

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Organic Trade Association spoofs Star Wars

OK, we didn’t even find this video particularly funny, but thought it a great example of how far people will go to jump on the Star Wars bandwagon. It’s a five-minute spoof of Star Wars sponsored by the Organic Trade Association, featuring a character named Cuke Skywalker who goes up against Darth Tader, a wayward, non-organic potato. (That’s as opposed to Darth Tater, pictured here.) Anywho, we liked a couple of the scenes, like the one where the plastic salad container is called in to do battle, but at five minutes, the movie just takes too much of our quality time, especially when we know what the movie’s overarching message will be before we even hit the play button: organic: good, all other forms of plant matter: bad. (By the way, in case you were wondering, people are already camping out at the Ziegfeld Theater in New York so that they can be first in line for tickets for the real movie's May 19th opening.)

—Posted by Catharine P. Taylor

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Too many ‘Star Wars’ tie-ins? Never!

Brooklyn, 1984. My cousins Craig and Phillip hover around a pile of Star Wars action figures like convicts around a square meal. Craig’s favorite is intergalactic bounty hunter Boba Fett. Having only seen bits and pieces of the first two films—oh, and having two X chromosomes—I’m not terribly interested in making whooshing noises as plastic TIE Fighters bear down on Luke and Han. For me, the drama starts when my cousin’s dog creeps in unnoticed and sweeps up Boba, retreating to a corner while Craig shrieks and wails, until my Uncle Eddie pries the figure from Fido’s jaws. In the pantheon of Craig’s boyhood tragedies, Boba’s Disfigurement ranks high and, I’m guessing, might still reduce my now-6-foot-6 cousin to tears. Consider that when you read the article in today’s Wall Street Journal (subscription required) that asks if too many tie-ins to Star Wars: Episode III—Revenge of the Sith have diluted the marketers’ messages. Sure, Yoda may be in spots for two different products. Sure, Darth Vader/M&Ms will never be as memorable as ET/Reese’s Pieces. But as a woman who is married to another man who considers Star Wars to be a seminal event in his childhood, I understand the force that holds sway over these guys. (The TIE in TI Fighter, by the way, stands for Twin Ion Engine. “Everyone knows that,” my husband says.) When any one of these ads comes on—Chewy recording a ringtone, Yoda levitating a Diet Pepsi—I am shushed, the TV volume is raised, and my husband stands gape-mouthed before the tube. Several times he has rewound the DVR to watch an ad he would otherwise have skipped. Show me another series of ads that do that. I’d say the messages are being transmitted uninterrupted.

—Posted by Deanna Zammit

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