So this week for Retro Commercial Review, I'm going to be reviewing a Christmas commercial compilation posted on YouTube by Dave's Archives (no affiliation). This set of commercials was short, so there isn't much to review, but let's do it anyways!
First up, we have an ad from Radio Shack, advertising a variety of hand held, portable gaming devices. If you're around my age (30) or older, you'll remember the old hand held video game systems that were square or rectangle shaped. They're nothing compared to what portable gaming eventually became, but they were the pioneers to advancements like game boy and game gear. The advertised price range on these games in the ad were $7.95-$69.95; that's a pretty huge fucking gap in pricing, Radio Shack.
We then get another ad from Radio Shack, this one is for something called petable portable. Essentially it's a stuffed animal with a radio inside. I don't know if it's a fully functioning, AM and FM radio. It's available in a variety of different animal forms, and ranges in price from $13-$16. Side note: the dad in this commercial is hella creepy.
Sears gives us an ad aimed towards women; advertising sales on women's and children's sweaters, blankets, dinnerware sets, and cleaning appliances.
Up next we have Mattel with a classic ad for a Barbie Dream House. The ad starts with a girl asleep in her room while her parents and grandparents fawn over the Dream House they've bought her. This thing is HUGE! I'd estimate it to be at least 2.5 (maybe 3) feet tall, and probably just as wide. The price wasn't given, but I imagine it was pretty expensive. The best line though is the VoiceOver guy who states, "she'll play with it for years." HAHAHAHAHA! No she won't! She'll probably get bored of it in a few months and then want something new; but nice try, Mattel.
Another Sears commercial; this one is geared towards men. Sale items include men's denim pants, a stereo, and video games.
Lastly, another ad from Sears. This one is for kitchen appliances. There's really nothing special about these Sears commercials, but I have it ingrained in my head now that Sears opens early on Friday.
Overall, there's nothing too exciting about these ads, but they're worth a watch. I'm sure there are more memorable commercials out there, and I'm sure I'll probably eventually post them here.
Check out the ads here:
