It’s been 40 years since a gray-colored, nightmarish, “Big Brother” world was shattered by a sledgehammer wielding woman.
With Super Bowl LVIII kicking off, let’s take a look back at this ad called “1984” that aired during Super Bowl XVIII.
The commercial ended with:
“On January 24th, Apple Computer will introduce Macintosh. And you’ll see why 1984 won’t be like 1984.”
Then it showed the colorful rainbow Apple logo to further contrast with the gray world of Big Brother.
Here’s a 4K-restoration version of the ad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErwS24cBZPc
Both Advertising Age and TV Guide have hailed it as the greatest commercial of all time.
The commercial was directed by Ridley Scott. He’s directed three of my favorite movies: Alien, Blade Runner, and Gladiator.
One lesson it taught for life and marketing is “Dare to be different.” Be yourself.
In marketing, definitely emulate the best and borrow from others. But don’t simply copy people.
Combine two things into something new and amazing. One example is back in 1928 when a simple dairyman named Harry Reese started tinkering with combining chocolate and peanut butter.
The world famous Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup was born! It took two great ideas and combined them into something amazing.
Chocolate bars had been around since 1847. Peanut butter was invented in 1895. It took 33 years for someone to think to combine the two!
(Image is screenshot of “1984” Apple ad during Super Bowl XVII. Courtesy of Ad Age and shown in fair use to discuss the ad. https://adage.com/article/90-years-ad-age/apples-1984-spot-love-hate-story/2264806)