Sunday 11 January 2009

Virgin Atlantic - Still Red Hot


Think back to 1984 (for those of you who are old enough) when it was all about the miner's strike, Rubik cube, LA Olympics, yuppies, oh and good old Maggie Thatcher. God, it takes you back doesn't it? Even more pivotal is that 1984 is the year when Richard Branson launched Virgin Atlantic. 25 years later, Virgin is one of the most popular and successful airline in the world. Their attention to customer service and up to date technology - they were one of the first to have TV screens on the back of seats - has endeared them to passengers worldwide. I have flown with them on a few occasions and had a fabulous time, in fact I did want to get off the plane. Celebrating a quarter of a decade in the industry is a big deal and most airlines would be satisfied with a big party and a cake but this is Virgin we are talking about and they love to create a big bang. Hence their new TV advert which is so retro it hurts; it is set to the background of Relax by Frankie Goes to Hollywood and shows all the 80s influences that you can think of. However, the ad has a slight twist as it features glamorous airline attendants and a pilot waltzing through a drab airport wearing the hot red uniform. This really reminds me of the film, Catch Me If You Can where Leonardo DiCaprio's character is escorted by gorgeous flight attendants into an airport. The advert is created by ad agency, RKCR who gave us those delicious TV adverts for Marks and Spencer and the slogan is 'Still Red Hot' which I am sure it will run and run.

Check out the scene in Catch Me If You Can below and tell me what you think.

2 cool comments:

SONDRA @ CHIC CHOCOLATE said...

Maggie Thatcher! I helped her pick out some eyeshadow when I worked for Clinique back in the 90's! It was weird because never in my wildest dreams did I think I would cross paths with her. :-D

Anonymous said...

I love this commercial. It definitely took me back. Especially seeing the Wimpy restaurant in the background with the old sign. lol