Verizon apes classic commercials, keeps heat on AT&T, embraces 'Big Red' nickname

For chronic TV viewers, Verizon's high-octane AT&T bashing got tired pretty fast -- as did seeing Luke Wilson shill for the latter every few minutes -- but we've got to admit, the latest gag here is well-played. Verizon's reaching back through the annals of commercial history and redoing a couple famous ones with a my-3G-map-is-better-than-yours twist, and so far they've hit up DeBeers' classic "shadows" campaign (it doesn't end well for the gentleman with the AT&T phone here, of course) and Wrigley's old Big Red series with the catchy theme song the older folks in the crowd will undoubtedly remember. We wondered how long it'd take for Verizon to break down at admit that it shares a nickname with a cinnamon-flavored chewing gum, and now we've got our answer. Follow the break to check out both spots.

[palomosan Posted Feb 3rd 2010 7:39PM]

The first one was really good.

[Edobe Posted Feb 3rd 2010 8:13PM]

@palomosan I agree. Well played Verizon,

[chosen1srt Posted Feb 4th 2010 12:58PM]

Verizon's Big Red commercial is great. LOL

[palomosan Posted Feb 3rd 2010 7:40PM]

The first one was really good.

[seryozha Posted Feb 3rd 2010 8:14PM]

i've seen the second one on tv. i really hope the first one is not real...that's as bad as that smart spread commercial...

[biggles Posted Feb 3rd 2010 8:40PM]

Awesome. Verizon rules.

[VZWdude001 Posted Feb 3rd 2010 10:15PM]

take that luke wilson.... fuck you ATT

[Mr Oos Posted Feb 3rd 2010 10:42PM]

Nothing can top Family Guy's, "She'll pretty much have to" version of the original diamond commercial. Classic.

[Mr Oos Posted Feb 3rd 2010 10:43PM]

@Mr Oos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ur2er-STls

I had to post it.

[jhuster Posted Feb 3rd 2010 11:27PM]

BEST COMMERCIAL EVER...seriously, I've always loved that Big Red jingle and miss those commercials. I have yet to see it on TV, but I sure hope to see it soon!

[jhuster Posted Feb 3rd 2010 11:53PM]

@jhuster Had to comment again because I just realized the level of detail in this ad. When they show the bellhop, he's using a Tour and the guy leading the tour group holds a sign saying so. Plus, one of the kids in the camp scene is wearing a "Big Red" gum T-Shirt.

[Cactus Posted Feb 4th 2010 12:57AM]

The "Big Red" commercial... so. much. WIN.

For the younguns who might not get it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCxiuuJVT-8

[Saauron Posted Feb 4th 2010 2:34AM]

Certainly more tasteful than Luke Wilson.

[areyesrn Posted Feb 4th 2010 5:39AM]

Big Red FTW!!

[christexaport Posted Feb 4th 2010 8:03AM]

Marketing at its best.
If you dn't get these commercials, you're probably too broke for a real smartphone anyway. For the US' bread winners, thse are plays on classic commercials, and proof that Verizon has its marketing game tight.

Nokia better take notice, and hope it can get a hero device on its shelves soon. Imagine the commercials...

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 4th 2010 1:04PM]

@christexaport

Sooooo if you are a US bread winner, you own a smartphone? That statement is absolutely idiotic. Owning a smartphone for personal use is a preference, that is if you do not need it for work. And if you do need it for work, your company pays for it. There are other more important bills to be paid, like a mortgage, etc...

And for some, its not a matter of being broke, its they do not see a smartphone as a necessity. Everyone has different views on what is important.

[jusmaxxin Posted Feb 5th 2010 12:30PM]

"Wrigley's old Big Red series with the catchy theme song the older folks in the crowd will undoubtedly remember. "

Since I fondly remember the Wrigleys Big Red Commercial, does that mean I'm old? Im only in my 30's. According to Engadget I guess so.

[Bedlight Posted Feb 6th 2010 2:46PM]

Big Red commercial is probably my favorite commercial since

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTlybfThauM

or

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=148dowDhkVY