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Minx · Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2013 6:44 am Post subject: Christmas Adverts

Last night I thought the adverts made better viewing than the programming schedule itself. Seems all the stops have been pulled out, with the M&S ad coming across as almost a feature length film. Boots' & Morrison came last in the entertainment stakes, I thought, (but I'm not an Ant & Dec fan at the best of times).

But my favourite by a mile was the John Lewis advert. I'd read about it and was steeled not to get soppy but I couldn't help it. As a personality I find Lily Allen quite irritating but her voice, and the arrangement, is almost perfect for this ad.
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Minx

To err is human, to forgive - canine.

Toggy · Joined: 18 Aug 2008 Posts: 1239

Sick of them already, I reach for the mute button straight away.

ruddlescat · Joined: 16 Sep 2010 Posts: 18010 Location: Near Chester

I called into my local ASDA the other evening only to hear the strains of 'Merry Christmas Everybody' wafting into the foyer - turned round and walked out

Just not worth the stress of it for two packs of cat food Sad

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Colin · Joined: 26 Sep 2013 Posts: 916

Interestingly, we were discussing this only last night. I have a problem with the fact that we're being inundated with so-called "festive" messages from retailers aho have spent millions of pounds on these campaigns. What really galls me is that it all started in the first week of November!

AM I right in thinking that many years ago the pre-Christmas ramping-up started about a week before the festival itself?

I think it's not only insidious but reflects a greed on the part of the retailers; what they're saying is "Just forget about any religious connection with Christmas - just spend lots of money with us on junk that will be forgotten a week later"!

The irony is that I'm an atheist, but I do think it's all an insult to people who uphold true Christian values.

I guess the difference this year is that all the major retail brands have realised the value in leveraging the power of social media; these new TV commercials (which, of course, are everywhere on the web as well) have gone viral thanks to people "liking" them, "sharing" links and generally discussing them with "friends". That's where the real value is because every "like" and "share" is measurable.

Minx · Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2013 9:57 am Post subject:

The local garden centre had an entire section devoted to christmas decorations from the beginning of October. I suppose they have to find a way of filling the gap between the dahlias and the snowdrops... Sad

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Minx

To err is human, to forgive - canine.

Colin · Joined: 26 Sep 2013 Posts: 916

As it happens, by branch of Costco had Christmas stuff over three weeks ago. But they are a trade wholesaler so I'll let them off.

BTW - this is being discussed on Radio 4's Women's Hour right now.

Ian Robinson · Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2013 11:23 am Post subject:

As someone who used to design Christmas toys I don't really notice the early starts as it was a year-round occupation for me. But retail is tough at the moment, so they need to get the campaigns going earlier and earlier.

The John Lewis ad looks fabulous, but that cover version by Lily Allen is awful. Can't watch with the sound up!

Colin · Joined: 26 Sep 2013 Posts: 916

Ian Robinson · Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2013 11:36 am Post subject:

Colin · Joined: 26 Sep 2013 Posts: 916

Ah no - that was Central Milton Keynes Railway Station (in Superman 4)!

Ian Robinson · Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2013 12:52 pm Post subject:

Colin · Joined: 26 Sep 2013 Posts: 916

I was in the station square when they shot the "flying" scene with the late Christopher Reeve - who was winched at sickening speed by a tower crane rigged for the purpose having been strapped up into a harness on the end of the steel cable which, of course, was painted out in the final composite. For several days the "British Rail" logo over the station was replaced by "Metropolis" which caused much amusement with us locals.

I have some photos somewhere. A couple of friends were extras in the crowd who went "Oooooh" as their eyes followed his rapid assent.

I don't know how he coped because they shot or six seven takes and the g forces must have been considerable.

Schizoidman · Joined: 20 Sep 2010 Posts: 1140 Location: Rural West Sussex

I feel genuinely sorry for those who have to work in the shops and stores and are force fed a non stop barrage of 'Merry Christmas Everybody' by Slade and the usual suspects by Wizzard, Elton and Macca.

In fact I always say to the check out staff 'aren't you fed up with this Christmas music all day long?' and/or 'I'm going to complain to management on your behalf and will boycott your shop'. Of course management will always trot out the usual lame excuse: it's what the customers want etc etc.